The Great Books Reader - John Mark Reynolds

I write.  I create ideas…stories…things.  I bring life to characters and I give them a purpose…a story.  I am passionate and my characters reveal my heart.  I hide in my dungeon to escape into a story that is not my own…to discover something new.

I read.  I dive deep into Elyon’s red waters in Other Earth.  I’ve been locked in prison with a persecuted Chinese Christian.  I’ve experienced a world where humans have been stripped of every emotion except for fear.  A demon has told me his story.

I study.  I explore the mind in the study of Psychology and I study and debate Theology with other students. 

I search.  I search for truth, knowledge, and understanding.  Unfortunately, I have found that truth is often buried over time.  It is buried with the people who made it their lives to discover that truth—a truth that was too easily forgotten.  I have dreamed of debating theology with Thomas Aquinas or John Calvin, of exploring the mind of Homer to discover one man’s unique reality, of studying with Socrates, of arguing with Freud.  To be in the company of some of the most influential writers, philosophers, psychologists, and theologians of all time is something I can only imagine; but here’s a thought: we, as Christians, will one day be in the presence of some of these influential people—at least the ones who stood for a common purpose: Elyon.  We will be a part of the great debate; a great conversation.

“The Great Books Reader” gives you a taste of this anticipated conversation.  Compiled in a single book are excerpts from works of 28 different authors who have made discoveries and contributions so significant that they have earned their places on a list of people who have shaped the world that we live in today.  The book is complete with essays on each work, written by students who study these writers who are worthy of our attention, and thought-provoking introductions by John Mark Reynolds.  You will begin a journey of discovery and you will be disappointed when you have to leave the debate that forms in your imagination for each individual work.  As you read “The Great Books Reader”, you feel as if you are in a room with these influential writers and fellow students who are anxious to understand every word and debate the significance, truth, and journey of the author.  When you enter into the journey eager and ready to explore something new, and come out changed and anxious to read the complete works of all of these incredible writers, then the book has served its purpose.

“The Great Books Reader” is a great addition to any library; and I am certain that you will find yourself reading, studying and exploring the book over and over again.  It is an excellent book for someone who has a lot of time to spend lost in thought since every word grabs at your attention; but it is also perfect for someone who has very little time and needs something that can be read slowly.  As a grad student, I enjoyed the feeling of being lost in a conversation about an author and a work, but then being able to put the book down at the completion of that particular debate, only to pick it up again later for the next debate!

*This book was provided by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for an honest review.