📚 How I Decide What Books to Read as a Christian

Last month we had a lively discussion on how Christians can read widely without losing discernment, and I read every single comment.

I loved the thoughtfulness and grace in this community. Some readers shared that they intentionally read different perspectives to better understand friends and loved ones. That kind of humility and curiosity is beautiful to see.

I’m continually grateful for the thoughtful, gracious spirit in this community. Even when we disagree, the tone here is gracious and kind—which is rarer on the internet than it should be.

Here’s how I decide what to read personally and what I recommend here on Substack and in my Bookshelf emails:

In general, I lean toward freedom in personal choices, believing that “it is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1).

That means that I start from the assumption that most books are allowable for a mature, discerning believer. Jesus summarized the Law as love for God and love for neighbor (see Mark 12:28-34). When we walk in love and attentiveness to the Spirit, we can live freely.

(Note: I carefully curate what my children are permitted to read because their minds are still growing and need careful tending until they reach the age of maturity and personal discernment.)

At the same time: “everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial” (1 Corinthians 10:23). Christian freedom means we’re at liberty to choose whatever will build us up to become the people that God created us to be, to do the work God has prepared for us to do, and to enjoy this life that God has given us to delight in.

That’s personal to each of us, and as a professional writer, I read widely both out of enjoyment and from a desire to learn, research, and grow as a writer—both in fiction and nonfiction. Just because I read a book doesn’t mean you should read it too.

Additionally, certain books (I’m looking at you, smutty romances) are intentionally written to be addictive. Over time, repeated exposure can shape our expectations, relationships, and even even our brains.1 These genres call for personal caution: “‘I have the right to do anything’”—but I will not be mastered by anything,” Paul cautions the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 6:12.

How then do we know whether to read a book in freedom or put it away in wisdom? Thankfully, God’s Spirit promises to lead us when we ask Him for help.

When I’m unsure about a book, I often pause and ask the Holy Spirit to help me discern. Over the years, these are some of the questions He’s used to help direct me:

• Am I enjoying this book, or am I being mastered by it?

• Am I living my real life, or am I escaping to my fictional worlds?2

• Is this book helping me love the people in my home—or distracting me from them? Do I need a break to clear my mind?

• Does this book celebrate the ways of darkness? Or does it celebrate the ways that Light will always overcome the darkness?

• Am I being shaped more by this author’s opinions than I am by God’s own Word—reading it, meditating on it, memorizing it?

• Am I seeking a solution in this book before asking God to guide me in this area of need?

• Am I checking the arguments here against God’s Word, or am I taking the author’s word for granted?

• Who in my community am I discussing these ideas with—to parse, to discern, and to apply—so I’m not bloating on knowledge but growing in wisdom?

Before I share my final two guidelines, I’m curious:

Do you ever stop reading a book because something feels spiritually “off”? Let me know in the comments below.

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Because of this freedom and wisdom, believers will land in different places. Naturally, we’ll all have differing tastes and personal convictions in our reading lives. As we should (see #1 and #2 above). So in areas of liberty and love, let us be quick to extend grace toward each other:

“Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.” (Romans 14:4).

What a word.

In all things, let us love one another. Let us love God with all that is within us (even our reading lives). And let our reading choices stir us up toward love and good deeds.

That doesn’t mean we never read something fun or light or fantasy just for the enjoyment of it. After all, if good wine is a gift from God, how much more is a delightful story well told a gift from the Creator of Life who spoke all things into existence through words! Let us enjoy good stories in all their variegated tellings. And may we always be led by love.

I hope something from that list was helpful to you. Maybe there’s one verse or one discernment question that you’ll take with you into your reading life this week.

But I want you to know that I don’t take your trust or your time for granted. It’s an honor to be given space in your day and in your inbox, even more so in a world that’s filled with noise and content overload.

So I want to clarify what kinds of books you can expect to read about here in Asheritah’s Bookshelf:

1. I’ll share books I’m personally reading: I usually read 8-10 books at a time, so there’s no shortage of new titles to share with you.3 I might include quotes or photos. Sometimes I might point out where I disagree with the author—hopefully with grace and love.

2. I’ll share books I think you’ll enjoy: I also skim books that come across my desk that may not right for me in this current season, but if I think they’ll be interesting and edifying for my readers, I’ll include them here.

3. I’ll try to disclose content warnings: you won’t find me recommending smutty romances or graphically violent reads (see #2 and #3 above), but if a book has captivated me and I think it may be interesting, valuable, or fun for you too, I’ll try my best to give you a heads’ up if there’s something other Christians may find objectionable.

   

4. I’ll share books we’re giving away: up to this point I’ve been giving away books from my own bookshelves.4 But we’re also partnering with faith-based publishers to start giving away copies of brand-new releases to our community. In that case, I may not have read a new title, but it’ll always be a publisher we’ve vetted and established a relationship with.

5. I’ll share books from writing friends: I want this Bookshelf community space to be permeated by a spirit of generosity, so if an author friend I know and trust writes with integrity and excellence, I want to introduce you to their books.5 We all want more Christian authors writing faith-filled books that celebrate Light overcoming darkness, right?

So that’s my commitment to you in this space.

Whew. That’s a lot.

But I’ve had this post swirling in my head for a long time, and I’m glad to have it here to share with you, because I know we’re going to have even better bookish conversations in the months to come.

For today, I’d love to know:

What’s one book that challenged your perspective—but ultimately strengthened your faith? Or maybe helped you better love someone with a different perspective?

I’ll randomly select one commenter to receive a surprise book from my shelf to yours.

Cheering you on, one page at a time,

💛 Asheritah