Literature for Adventist Homes
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the reasons of our faith; but they have grown to maturer years destitute
of true piety and practical godliness.
The readers of fiction are indulging an evil that destroys spirituality,
eclipsing the beauty of the sacred page.—
The Adventist Home, 412
.
2. Infidel Authors?—Another source of danger against which we
should be constantly on guard is the reading of infidel authors. Such
works are inspired by the enemy of truth, and no one can read them
without imperiling the soul. It is true that some who are affected by
them may finally recover; but all who tamper with their evil influence
place themselves on Satan’s ground, and he makes the most of his
advantage. As they invite his temptations, they have not wisdom to
discern or strength to resist them. With a fascinating, bewitching
power unbelief and infidelity fasten themselves upon the mind.—
The
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Adventist Home, 413
.
3. Myths and Fairy Tales?—In the education of children and
youth fairy tales, myths, and fictitious stories are now given a large
place. Books of this character are used in schools, and they are to
be found in many homes. How can Christian parents permit their
children to use books so filled with falsehood? When the children ask
the meaning of stories so contrary to the teaching of their parents, the
answer is that the stories are not true; but this does not do away with
the evil results of their use. The ideas presented in these books mislead
the children. They impart false views of life and beget and foster a
desire for the unreal....
Never should books containing a perversion of truth be placed in
the hands of children or youth. Let not our children, in the very process
of obtaining an education, receive ideas that will prove to be seeds of
sin.—
The Adventist Home, 413
.
4. Frivolous and Exciting Reading?—Readers of frivolous, ex-
citing tales become unfitted for the duties of practical life. They live
in an unreal world. I have watched children who have been allowed to
make a practice of reading such stories. Whether at home or abroad,
they were restless, dreamy, unable to converse except upon the most
commonplace subjects. Religious thought and conversation was en-
tirely foreign to their minds. With the cultivation of an appetite for
sensational stories the mental taste is perverted, and the mind is not
satisfied unless fed upon this unwholesome food. I can think of no
more fitting name for those who indulge in such reading than mental