April 30, 2025 - There are many books in the world that I love. I own many books that are dear to my heart. They have stirred me in some way; they have moved me spiritually or intellectually. I began as a child reading books. My teachers encouraged me to read. They enriched my intellectual life by insisting that I read certain books — history books, novels, biographies and other kinds of books. I was taught to take care of library books and thereby my own personal books. I came to love and use books very early in my life. Books became an important part of my education, not just in schools but in my personal studies.
At each level of school I learned about important books. I read as much as I could, learning about all kinds of books and other reading materials—newspapers, journals and magazines. I was a regular patron of the library when school was in session. Then I discovered the public library with all its wonderful resources—books, magazines, recording, newspapers, microfilm, microfiche and vertical files. I paid attention to others who appreciated books, my friends, neighbors, relatives and my pastors.
When I became a Christian and started attending church I began to frequent the church library. I talked with my pastors who learned of my interest in books. I became a regular visitor to pastor’s library, often borrowing important books available nowhere else to me. My pastors were Rev. Lee Hopkins and Dr. J. William Hall. They both contributed to my love for books. Some books in my personal library they gave to me. I treasure those priceless volumes. Others contributed to my library, the ladies’ group at my church one summer made a significant contribution to my library when they contributed about 20 books at one time. That virtually tripled the number of books in my library. I read those books and I still use them. In fact, I’m using two or three of those books as I work on writing the biography of Evangelist Mordecai F. Ham because he also read the works of J. R. Graves as he prepared in 1900 for his great ministry that would last until 1961. Incidentally, Ham was the evangelist preaching when Billy Graham was converted in 1936 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
When I became a student at Eastern Kentucky University during my Sophomore year of college I met another book lover, Professor Kerney Adams, who was chair of the History Department. He loved books, especially history and philosophy. I was introduced to a whole new world of reading and study—Plato, Aristotle, Harry Elmer Barnes, Soren Kierkegaard, Ruth Benedict, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Charles Darwin and Paul Tillich. His course Ideological Foundations of Western Civilization surveyed in two semesters the philosophy, social development, intellectual contributions of western history from the Greeks to the modern era. I learned about the importance of ideas, intellectuals, books, ideologies, conversations, and thinking. In Professor Adams’ classes I learned to listen, to express my ideas in conversation, and most important I learned to write. I was already keeping a personal journal, recording my ideas, thoughts and observations about life, books, and myself.
My journals have become a great treasure of ideas. These continue to enrich my reading, thinking and literary life, making available a record that can be consulted and used in manifold ways. In thousands of pages I have a record of how books and ideas have contributed to and changed my life. I have come to cherish the classics and many ordinary books, some great and some not so great.
All of the great books of our world maybe fine and worthy of reading. I appreciate all of them for a number of different reasons. They are each one important, but they fall far short in satisfying the needs of man, particularly the needs of man spiritually. They do not even begin to touch the deeper needs of man’s inner life. There is a book that has come to be for me the Book of books. It is the Bible. It is a book that overshadows all the rest. I have read it through many, many times. I hardly miss a day reading some part of the Bible, thinking about what it says, writing about what I learn and seeking to apply its teachings to my life. Some books I cannot recommend that others read, but I can always recommend this marvelous book. The Bible is a collection of books, a library in a single volume.
There is a certain attraction in the Bible, a consistency and a validity that causes it to rise above all other volumes. Time continues to affirm the truth of this “Book of books” as archeological proofs confirm its historical events, geographical locations, biographical stories and political associations. Indeed, it is God’s Word to each human being, revealing His life and gift in Jesus Christ. There are all kinds of devotional guides to use in reading through the Bible. One of the most important guides is a monthly publication titled Bible Pathway Ministries that presents a brief summary of each day’s reading in the Bible along with quotes, comments and prayer aids to assist in a person’s devotional experience.
I have belabored this point because I wanted to confirm in the reader’s thinking that I’m not inexperienced when it comes to books. I know books. I have frequented bookstores, libraries, book sales, personal libraries in Europe, Asia and North America. From those early years that I’ve mentioned I have continued to add books to my library which now numbers several thousand volumes in size. Of all these many books, I must say that the most important book, the most valuable book, the best book and the most read book is the Bible. In importance it is the greatest of all books. In message it is the most profound. In application it is unequaled. In advice it is superb. In authority it is ultimate. It is a book that all should read. I believe it is still a best seller among all books available.
It is this book that says this, “The grass withers, the flower fades; but the Word of God shall stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8). Take time each day to read in this matchless and marvelous book through which God speaks and presents His message of salvation.
Let me hear from you on what you think about the wonder and marvel of our reading lives and the intrigue and inspiration in learning that is part of who we are. What are you reading? Share that with me at drjerryhopkins@yahoo.com. You may also reach me by “snail” mail at Dr. Jerry Hopkins, P. O. Box 1363, Marshall, Texas 75671. Dr. Jerry Hopkins is a historian and retired university professor.
