Christian Books?

I am currently reading a book that I was asked to read and evaluate. So far I believe that there are some things in the book that are worth whiled. However, there are some other things about the book that I find troubling.

The book is a popular book written by two popular Christian writers. It is a non-fiction book that, if it were not a Christian book, would be found in either women’s issues or in the self help section of a secular bookstore.

The book is primarily a look into the psychological workings of a woman’s heart and her desires. The problem I have with the book is in its theology and in its use of Scripture. If the writers were to eliminate their use of Scripture and many of the more theological areas it would be a decent enough book that could sit proudly next to anything written by Dr. Phil. Furthermore, the more psychological aspects of the book do not seem to be contrary to any teachings of Scripture. Oddly enough, the writers do not say anything that is contrary to Scripture other than in the areas where they directly use Scripture or where they attempt to make theological claims.

To be fair, I would guess that the majority of Christian’s reading this book would not notice the improper use of Scripture nor the questionable theology. Being that this is the case the book would probably do little harm to people’s theology and again the psychology seems to be very enlightening. However, as I read this book I think of many other books out there that have the same problem. It seems that we are willing to give a pass to many authors because they are Christian and because for the most part what they write is helpful and insightful. But should we give them a pass or should we expect more?

Again, nothing these writers say in their psychology is contrary to Scripture and had they either taken the time to study more or to seek the advice of a more astute theologian they could have found Scripture that would have been more suited to the points they were trying to make. It simply was not necessary for them to slightly bend Scripture to make their points. More than likely it was just easier.

Am I saying that no one but trained theologians can write a Christian book? Certainly not. What I am suggesting is that we as a Christian community demand that if someone is going to write a book, which by it’s very nature carries an air of authority, and if we then are going to promote that book in our churches as one useful for personal and for group study, which gives further approval to that which is written in the book, than the writer of the book either needs to be as well versed in theology and in Scriptural interpretation as they are in their own personal field of expertise or they need to seek the guidance of someone who is. I am also suggesting that we as a Christian community put more thought and concern in the books and studies we recommend to our congregations. Far too often, we simply recommend the latest, hottest Christian book because it is the latest and hottest book without ever really examining the contents. Perhaps the best thing we can do is stop buying the latest, hottest self-help, put my marriage back together, help me raise my kids, and show me my purpose in life books and go back to the one book we claim to have all authority on our lives.