Christian Books

Definition and Meaning

Christian books are not the Bible itself but books that help readers understand Scripture and put their faith into practice. In Korean churches they are also referred to as gidokgyo seojeok ("Christian books"), and those that focus on prayer, meditation, and holy living (piety) are often distinguished as "devotional books." They are commonly grouped into the following categories:

• Daily devotionals and quiet time materials
• Biographies of people of faith and collections of testimonies
• Introductory works of theology that explain doctrine in accessible terms
• Sermon collections and Bible study materials

Biblical and Historical Background

In 2 Timothy 4:13, Paul asks Timothy to bring him his books and parchments: "The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments." This passage is often cited in discussions of reading in the Christian life. Works such as Augustine's Confessions and Thomas à Kempis's fifteenth-century The Imitation of Christ have been read for centuries across denominational lines. During the Reformation, the printing press enabled the writings of Martin Luther and other Reformers to spread rapidly. The Pilgrim's Progress (1678) by the English writer John Bunyan became a classic of Protestant literature.

In Korea, literature mission—the publication of evangelistic tracts and translated works—was carried out from the earliest days of missionary activity alongside the translation of the Bible into Korean. James Scarth Gale's 1895 Korean translation of The Pilgrim's Progress (Tyeollo Ryeokdyeong) is known as one of the earliest translated Christian books in Korea.

Practice in the Korean Church

• Christian books are used not only for personal reading but also in church libraries, reading groups, and as small group materials. Many churches select recommended books for the new year or give books to new believers.
• Many church members subscribe to daily devotional periodicals; a leading example is Living Life (Saengmyeong-ui Sam), published by Duranno Ministry.
• Among works by Korean authors, Ahn Ei-sook's If I Perish, I Perish and Oak Han-heum's Called to Awaken the Laity, which addresses discipleship training, have been widely read. Among translated works, books by C. S. Lewis and John Stott are read across denominations.
• Denominations differ in the books they favor for Christian education. Presbyterian churches make extensive use of Reformed theological works and commentaries on the Westminster Confession of Faith. Methodist and Holiness churches often use the sermons of John Wesley and books on holiness, while Full Gospel churches often use books on the work of the Holy Spirit and divine healing, such as the writings of David Yonggi Cho. In practice, however, reading habits cross denominational boundaries.
• Many denominations advise their members to be cautious about publications from groups that their general assemblies have declared heretical. Denominations and theologians also differ in their views of books containing teachings whose theological assessment is contested, such as prosperity theology.