Comments on: Reading Wars

By: Kerry Riddle

Kerry Riddle — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 04:24:00 +0000

Dear Mr. Yancey,
It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to interact with you. I agree with your post and got a bit out of those who replied.
I, too, loved to read (past tense) – especially for pleasure or personal growth/ knowledge. Reading took me to places and introduced me to the things I only dreamed of – media now takes me there with another dimension or two. I mourn the days of sitting under the tree for hours of my summer day and getting lost in the latest Newbery Awards.
As I teacher, I spent hours convincing students to “try it” with a commitment that (at times) work would not follow. I have concluded that movies, social media, texts and email serve a purpose – that is sometimes clouded when reading. The response is immediate and done and the commitment is minimal. I believe that we crave reading, but the reading time has been pushed aside by technological and societal demands. I recently turned to someone and remarked, “I need to shut my book off” I was in a plane and we were landing. Hmmm… I have never been handed a clipboard of questions when attending a movie either, maybe that’s why alternatives to reading are more appealing to some; reading is so often equated to work, reading for pleasure is passe.
I agree that time, sacred time must be set aside- unfortunately the precious time is also set aside for work, family, worship, and community service; we are also called to be the cheerleader at the football game, the Uber for the family, tutor for the new math, and chef and banker – all jockeying for a position in the 24-hour day. Agreed, my attention is pulled in more directions than yesteryear and my brain is distracted by with the notifications and impulsive invitations to respond.
Deep reading is necessary for stimulation and learning and I do covet the importance of reading. I too commit to time set aside for learning and much more importantly for quiet meditation – but it is at a cost – I am not on Facebook. The cost is I will be at peace, creative and informed. I am not a soldier in the technology war, I consider myself in the ROTC. I respond to technology, but it does not hold me a prisoner. About a year ago, I committed to what is alluded to in your post – deep reading, a reading that is meaningful. I am not longer “reading the Bible in a year”, I am concentrating on a small portion of text and incorporating dialogue with God to foster a deeper understanding and edify my prayer life.
With the crazy demands on our lives, I am comforted that my meditation remains a priority – but also a struggle.
Thank you for this thought-provoking post.
Grace and peace,
Kerry

By: Georgia Wessling

Georgia Wessling — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 04:07:36 +0000

I love to read. I have at least 12 full bookcases in my trailer. When younger I read to my children from the time they were born until they were nearly out of high school and the last 3-4 years my husband joined in to listen.
However, I have declined in my reading habits. I still read a lot, but spend too much time on the computer. On face book I dropped my friends list to about 17. I read a lot of my favorite books over and over and often just go to the last 2-3 chapters and reread.

I am going to try to start reading other books. I do tithe my time to the Lord and spend 145 minutes each day reading and studying the Bible and praying. I agree that the internet has reduced the amount of time we read and time we spend with others. I am trying to set levels I hope to attain, that are within my scope. I will start small – one book a week – and then extend from there. Pray I make it soon.

By: Michael Stalcup

Michael Stalcup — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 00:18:49 +0000

In reply to Tanya Dennis. Tanya, I came to ask this same question but you beat me to it. :) For what it's worth, you might also check out Microsoft OneNote or Evernote, which are very powerful tools that might be right up your alley.

By: Marty

Marty — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 01:32:20 +0000

In reply to Linda Smith. When I looked up Terrifying Freedom it was a novel. Is that the one you were writing about?

By: Barb Raveling

Barb Raveling — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 21:15:12 +0000

Wait – I wanted to read that Amish article – why didn’t you include the link? 🙂 Just kidding – but I’m so glad I found your article because I’ve been having the same problem lately and wondering if there is anything wrong with me! It comforts me to know I’m not alone, but also makes me think I need to figure out how to get over this! It’s especially hard since I’m an author, blogger, and podcaster – I need to be on the computer for work so it makes it harder to set boundaries and keep them since I’m constantly around clickable links! I’m reading a good book on this subject that I’m finding helpful called “The Power of Off” by Nancy Colier. And I’m reading it in the paperback version so I’m not tempted to play solitaire instead of reading. 🙂

By: Jack

Jack — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 12:46:58 +0000

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like we do in our family.? That made sеnse to Lee and Lɑrｒү so Leｅ
hugɡed Ⅿomjmy annd Larry huggeⅾ daddy to just make Godd happy.

By: Michael LaRocca

Michael LaRocca — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 01:35:34 +0000

New and shiny is no match for old and ornery. I read books and that’s how I like it. Okay, usually on a Kindle, but still…

By: Philip Yancey

Philip Yancey — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 14:29:47 +0000

In reply to Deb. I love this combination: exposing yourself to deep reading and deep thoughts in a way that equips you to better serve six year olds and elder care. You get it, Deb! --Philip

By: Deb

Deb — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 05:07:50 +0000

I am going to say that this entry in your blog rung in my ears tonight.

I have been taking care of a 6 year old most nights. She didn’t show up today, but she is so far behind, because her mother is a texter and an internet focused person and she is ambivalent to this little girl, who couldn’t go to Kindergarten until she was 6, and even then, didn’t know the alphabet by heart or how to write her own name. She is so distracted by every little hook of culture and is missing the most important thing I could even think of, next to Jesus.

The little girl still didn’t really know the alphabet when she came earlier this Summer, but I have been trying to teach her phonics. A few nights I was late and found the little one playing computer video games and I thought, “We have had so much fun up until now, but now I have lost her ability to pay attention, but I was wrong.” The young one is so in touch with the fact that she is desperate for someone to pay attention to her. She saw me and never turned on the computer again and I thought, “She gets it.” This sweet little one looked up at me and whispered so quietly, “I am going to miss you” and she does “get it” because she lives in a different State and will be going home soon…. [pyasst]

By: David Muhs

David Muhs — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 00:54:11 +0000

I don’t disagree with you Philip, but I wonder if it is as bad as we think. Maybe the rapid transition from one topic to the next, a sort of reading attention deficit, is non-restorative, but maybe it is only a different type of learning. My children are very attuned to today’s social media and technology, but are also very well informed and compassionate towards others. These are areas in which I struggle, despite reading much daily. I prefer written word over screens, notes over ‘tweets’, and actually love to write on paper and read letters. However, I see great traits in those that interact with the world quite the opposite. I don’t know, but your writing makes me think. Thank you,