I've been reading some Christian literature. Some of this literature I REALLY enjoy and I see some wonderful directions that christian philosophy is heading (or getting back to!). However, I personally have a hard time reading certain books. I am trying to read one right now... I won't say the name as I don't want to taint anyones view of it... it is a fine book. But this particular book frustrates me for one reason... it's overuse of the bible.

WHAT??!!??!! Gordon... you are NOT allowed to say that! There is no such THING as overuse of the bible. Gordon you are a heathen and will burn eternally for your careless blog!

Ok now that we God that out of the way. What I mean by overuse of the bible is not that I think that the bible shouldnt be in the book, it's just the manner in how it is used to teach. For example... it may say something like:

"The bible says in 1 John that......... and again in Deuteronomy.... ..... It also says.... ... in 2 Timothy so that means we need to pray."

Ok. Thank you Mr. Author for spouting off three unrelated verses just to say I should pray. You could give me ONE verse and then discuss it for a bit, and perhaps it would shine more light on that verse for me. But since you went all ADD with the bible, I am not sure what any of those tiny snipets of verses REALLY mean in context and how they truly relate to the issue of prayer. When I read an author who has been published and is earning a living with book royalties, I expect it to be more than just a guy who sat down at his bible and compiled his favorite verses. I am looking for someone who has spend TIME on a concept and has the God given gift of teaching and communication to express that concept in writing. Spouting off Christianeese or tallying up how many bible verses you can compile teaches me very little! Give me something to chew on! To sleep on! To live on! I don't want to be a Christian robot who reads the three random verses, reads that I need to pray, and then nod my head and say "wow this book is amazing". 

I read something in the message translation the other day. It's at the end of Collosians 3:"Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work." Christian Music, Literature, Art, Television, Movies.....Whatever it is... just because it is Christian, doesn't cover it up if it is bad work....