Reading Biography
by Peter F. Whyte, 22 Apr 2007
Do you read biographies? If not, then you should consider this important type of literature. Of course all Christians ought to read the Bible, but among the books you read you really ought to include biography.
In a recent blog entry, Albert Mohler gave some compelling reasons why Christian ought to read biography. He said, “We read biographies because worthy portraits of our fellow human beings help us to make sense of the world. We are especially fascinated by the lives of those who have made a difference in the world -- whose mark remains visible even now. The lives of the famous and the infamous make for compelling reading.
“As Benjamin Disraeli, a famous author as well as Queen Victoria’s favorite Prime Minister, once remarked, biography is “life without theory.” In other words, at their best biographies take us into the real lives of real persons as they were really lived. No life can be reduced to a written biography, of course, and no biography can consider all aspects of even a single life. Every biographer picks and chooses from the available data of a life. Nevertheless, we are drawn into these lives as we read compelling biographies.
“Reading the biographies of persons whose lives represent a significant influence on the Christian church is especially enriching.”
Read the full article for Ten Great Christian Biographies that you could read.
Dr Mohler concludes, “More lists to follow. Read, learn, enjoy . . . and suggest yet other biographies worthy of the serious Christian’s attention and reading.” When he posts them we'll add the link here.
Desiring God has a good section of biographies that you can read or listen to. They are all papers John Piper has given at the Bethlehem Pastors’ Conference over the years. This is a good place to start if you haven’t read any/much biography before.
Discerning Reader has an expanding collection of reviews of biographies, not all of them of Christians. This is a useful place to read what others think of the biographies so that you can choose the most suitable ones for you. Some are books Albert Mohler recommends, so you can get a second opinion. There are many that John Piper deals with, so you can read more about people whose lives have made an impact on you through his messages.
Peter F. Whyte, “Easter Reading”, 23 Apr 2007, Gilnahirk Baptist Church Web site. http://www.gilnahirkbaptist.org.uk/resources/study/biography.php (accessed 6 Jan 2009).
