Customer Reviews

Reading Between the Lines: A Christian Guide to Literature (Turning Point Christian Worldview Series)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is about the third book I've read by Gene Veith and I enjoy his clear writing style very much. This book has a helpful overview of the main genres of literature and their place in the Christian worldview. The real gems in this book are Veith's discussions of Fiction and Fantasy. There would certainly be crossover into the realm of filmmaking for the thoughtful Christian screenwriter. I also found the end chapters on the development of literature throughout history, and how Christians interacted and critiqued the errors of their day a helpful corrective to much of the existential Christian nonsense which tries to pass itself off as "Christian literature" these days. My only disappointment is Veith's repeated use of Madeline L'Engle as a positive example of a Christian author. Certainly, she has some spiritual overtones to her books, but I don't think the worldview she presents could be called distinctly "Christian". The other slight criticism I have is that I would have liked to see Veith give more discussion to developing a model for how Christians can interact with their culture through literature. He kind of assumes too much here.

We live in a time which allows book lovers access to a tremendous amount of literature, but we often need help in sorting through the junk to get to the nuggets of gold. Veith has done an outstanding job of teaching the lover of reading what to look for (and look out for) in books. The author explores how to seek out quality works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry in helping the reader develop a sense of good literary taste. The book also explains how literature has changed from the Middle Ages to the present, but in an entertaining way. Veith's writing style makes sometimes confusing literary concepts easily understood. A very enjoyable read.

This thoroughly interesting overview of the history of literature and how it is a reflection of the prevailing worldviews of the times of the authors. It also addresses how Christians in each age have used literary forms to address the false worldviews of their time with the truth of the gospel message.

The only problem with this book is that it has the wrong title. It shouldn't be called a "Christian" guide to literature, but simply a guide to literature. I heartily recommend this book to both my Christian and non-Christian friends.

Mr. Veith clearly explains the importance of literature in our modern society. His description of the different literary forms gave me a new appreciation for some genres that in the past I had avoided. This book is important to both the avid reader as well as some one who would like to develop an appreciation for literature. It is most appropriate for anyone who has an interest in literature, not just Christians.

Gene Edward Veith is a gem! Such clarity and lucidity in his body of work. I am a huge fan of all things literature and have always been one who likes to dig into the "thoughts" of a writer to see what is going on between the lines. As a matter of fact, I have often been accused of reading TOO much in between the lines. This book helped me to see more clearly what does lie between the lines; much that we might miss in light of our own culture and unique perspectives. Veith provides clear insight and sound logic in urging readers to really look at what is explicitly on and in the pages of literature.

I have often thought that literature is a window to the culture of particular time and place, and Veith draws the curtains open on such a window! Let the glorious light shine and may your reading be full of insight; and in much of literature, between the lines of every page lies a gem to be unearthed.

Gene Edward Veith is a gem! Such clarity and lucidity in his body of work. I am a huge fan of all things literature and have always been one who likes to dig into the "thoughts" of a writer to see what is going on between the lines. As a matter of fact, I have often been accused of reading TOO much in between the lines. This book helped me to see more clearly what does lie between the lines; much that we might miss in light of our own culture and unique perspectives. Veith provides clear insight and sound logic in urging readers to really look at what is explicitly on and in the pages of literature.

I have often thought that literature is a window to the culture of particular time and place, and Veith draws the curtains open on such a window! Let the glorious light shine and may your reading be full of insight; and in much of literature, between the lines of every page lies a gem to be unearthed.

Gene Veith's goal is to promote reading with discernment, and to get people to experience the pleasure and value of reading. The opening chapter explains why reading has always been important to Christianity (from a biblical perspective). He gives good examples of narrative, fiction, Non-fiction, fantasy,poetry, and more that he would consider to be redeeming literature that teaches good lessons. He also delves into literature from different eras, such as the Middle Ages, the Enlightenment, the modern and the post-modern eras. I especially enjoyed his treatments of Faustus, Dante, and Crime and Punishment. Recommended for lovers of good books and for those who should love books more.

I didn't see anything in the book, or in the readers' response to the book, that indicates that either the author or the majority of his readers gets the immoral equivalency of the Abrahamaic scriptures (Torah, Gospel, Koran.) We need to drop our worldviews, not prop them up, if mankind is ever to progress beyond petty religionism.