Q&A

How to label books that do not agree with your Church's Statement of Faith

Posted by Martha W. Hancock on February 28, 2014 at 11:22

In our 200- theology section, we have commentaries from authors who are good commentators, but who do not totally agree with our Statement of Faith.  How should these be labeled?   We are an Independent Baptist church, but have John MacArthur, James Montgomery Boice, R. A. Torrey etc.

Martha

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  • Meredith Riddle March 31, 2014 14:40

    We do put a "nota bene" on these books. Our library is Catholic, so it says the following: "This book may present ideas that contradict Catholic doctrine. It is included in the library for the purposes of learning. As with any book, please discern what you read."

    • Martha W. Hancock > Meredith Riddle April 2, 2014 13:23

      I decided on posting a sign rather than labeling every book.   A seminary librarian recommended this approach.  thanks for your input.  

      Immanuel's library offers a rich variety of resources written by many different authors, some which espouse viewpoints not in accordance with our Statement of Faith.

      Since it is impossible for the librarians to check every book, our patrons are used to be discerning readers.

      Acts 17:11-These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

      • Martha W. Hancock > Martha W. Hancock April 8, 2014 15:42

        should be "urged" to be discerning reader.  Can't type.

      • ECLA Church LIbrary Association > Martha W. Hancock April 3, 2014 21:01

        I think this was a wise decision. :-) It lets people know what to expect while also allowing them the opportunity to learn by sifting the ideas through the scriptures themselves.

        • Martha W. Hancock > ECLA Church LIbrary Association April 8, 2014 15:42

          thanks.   No one has complained or probably even read it. 

  • Charles Campbell February 28, 2014 18:25
    You might simply post a sign in the library saying that you attempt to include books from many authors, and readers will sometimes find some statements with which your church would disagree. Ask them to read with wisdom and discernment, and "test everything; hold fast what is good" (1 Thess. 5:21 ESV).
    • Linda S > Charles Campbell March 2, 2014 18:59

      Just piping in her to say that I like the idea  with I Thess. verse.  

    • Martha W. Hancock > Charles Campbell February 28, 2014 20:09

      Thank you- In your church's donation policy, do you happen to know what they mean by "all titles on religious groups should be objective in nature"?   I would think that would rule out apologetics, and information on comparative religions and cults.

      • Charles Campbell > Martha W. Hancock February 28, 2014 20:46
        I'm not sure about that. I suppose it could mean that such material should be limited to the kind of thing you can read in a dictionary of religion--descriptive information about beliefs, practices, distinctives, etc., without criticizing them. Another interpretation might be that criticism is permitted, so long as the material fairly and accurately portrays the group's beliefs and practices. I suspect it may be meant to exclude some of the more polemical materials, which might sometimes misrepresent others' beliefs. Hopefully someone with such a policy can help.
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