Books and Reading

Schools, colleges and universities around the UK are alarmed at the number of students who cannot read properly, and who certainly can't write in good basic English grammar. There is a certain age of person who can remember the strict teaching of written and spoken language. It wasn't easy or even likeable, but it was seen as important. Not now. It seems our schools system want the lessons to be nice and easy, and with little emphasis on simple things like spelling, handwriting or the written word.

We live in a world of the 'text message' and email, where a sub culture language all its own has emerged. The theory is, as long as it is understood, it is acceptable. The result is shorter, misspelled words, and an inability to string too many of these words together to make a sensible sentence.

My point? The inability of our youth (in general, not in particular, so please do not be offended) to write or spell, is due to another underlying cause. Reading, or to be exact, the lack of it. Reading a book is not an acceptable pastime, or hobby, and is certainly not cool. Why do you think libraries are closing down all over the country?

If books in general are not being read, in favour of computer screens, and 'text-speak', then it would follow that the Bible as a book is no different. Scripture is not promoted in schools, and in the face of falling literacy, the Bible must also be a reading casualty. Please tell me if I am wrong, but I fear the coming generation will know about the Bible, but will not really know the content and importance of the Bible! If that is true, and it is only a thought, we have much to fear in the future loss of our nation's moral compass.

To end on a positive note, the Bible can be downloaded onto smart phones, and tablets. I know of only one person who uses this in church to follow the Bible reading, although not in my own fellowship. I think this is a great idea, but is this a common practice? Please let me know if you use a smart phone or similar to read the Bible in Church? (By the way, the phone is switched off during Church, just in case you wondered!)