I often get asked by people looking to read or learn more about Christianity and its teachings, beliefs, doctrines, etc., where they should start, and how they can tell if the information they are receiving is legitimate. As with anything, you want to make sure you are learning from the right people, so what do I recommend? In this post I will name things that I automatically avoid. In another, I will name things that I look for.
First, I must be honest; I actually rarely get asked these questions, but if I were, this is what I would say:
When it comes to buying books, if their face is on the cover (especially if they are fancily dressed), don't buy it. I'm not saying that there is no good teaching in the book, but when it comes to Christian books, your face doesn't need to be on the cover because it is not about you. I have never read a solid, biblical book with such a cover, but more importantly, I have never been told by those that I respect to read one. Not because a face on the front of the book automatically makes it bad, but because those type of books just never seem doctrinally sound. Avoid it.
If a Christian leader names a ministry that they have founded after themselves, don't get involved. Pride is one of the biggest killers of successful Christian ministry. Naming a ministry after yourself not only makes it that much more difficult to fight pride, it also seems to place more importance on a single individual. It's important to remember that God doesn't need us or have to use us. When you name a ministry after yourself, you become more "valuable" to the ministry than you are, and God can keep the ministry running without you. And again, I've found that the best and most doctrinally sound ministries are not named after someone. Avoid it.
Just because there are negative things said about a person, it doesn't mean they are not legitimate Christian leaders and teachers. Remember that Jesus tells us that those who live out and proclaim the Truth will be ridiculed (Luke 6:26 among others). Google any prominent Christian leader's name and you will find something about them being a heretic, but that doesn't mean they are. Some may have more negative press than others (sometimes rightfully so), but that in itself is not a reason to keep away from somebody. Of course, talking to those who you may trust or know is a different story; but unfortunately for those who don't have much of a background in regards to knowing who is a good source, a quick look online won't really help. Avoid it.
*Please note, I am simply a person with my own opinions and ideas. Just because I do not like something, it doesn't automatically make it bad, and it absolutely doesn't mean that God is not using it and blessing it. These are just things that I personally avoid for my own reasons and what I tell to those that ask my advice.
What are some things that you avoid?
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