Of Book Bashing.

Two very patient people over at Homeschool Alumni thought me a lesson a couple weeks ago. A lesson that is very fitting to share during the March of Books.

I am one of those people that very high standards when it comes to books. I am also one of those people that tries to allow people have their own standards. I found out that, sometimes, I am not as tolerant as I thought I was.

When it comes to certain books, I just can't understand how Christians justify it. All I can think about when I hear someone tell me they like the Harry Potter books/movies is all the verses in the Bible condemning witchcraft; that and J.K. Rowling's anti-Christian rants. When someone tells me that the Twilight books are so romantic, I want to throw up. When they tell me what wonderful lessons Hunger Games has in it, I shake my head and wonder why they would want to put such a gory depressing story in their head.

I got into a discussion with two very patient people, I think I mentioned that. One which made me sit and really think about my book bashing. And I realized something; maybe I am the one in the wrong.

Before you panic, I do not plan to read any of the books mentioned above. However, I have come to the conclusion that bashing books rarely helps, and maybe, just maybe, God can use the very books I disdain to teach the readers lessons. Maybe I shouldn't jump to the conclusion that, just because I shouldn't read the book, no one should.

God calls us to live in harmony with each other. You know, that outdated idea of live and let live? Somehow, we lost that in our quest to be right. We are so busy trying to be better and holier than others that we have forgotten to be loving and kind to them.

I am going to endeavor not to do anymore book bashing. This does not mean when asked that I won't share my thoughts on a book, it just means I won't actively tear down a book. Will you join me? I know that book/movie bashing is popular in some blogging circles, but I hope you will join me in showing some restraint.