Why do we choose to read “classic” or “contemporary selections and not only “Christian” literature in our literature classes?
Gladys Hunt, author of Honey for a Child’s Heart and Read for Your Life, writes: “In an excellent essay on literary criticism, the poet T.S. Eliot says that you cannot judge literature apart from theology, that the ‘greatness’ of literature cannot be determined solely by good writing but must include an evaluation of what truth is. We are not reading stories well if we keep our religious beliefs in a separate compartment.” She goes on to explain that “an author whose belief system is very different from ours may tell the truth by portraying the world and people in it so accurately that he is saying more than he knows.” We have the opportunity to share our thoughts and ideas in a safe environment here at RTA. This helps strengthen our students’ ability to examine and determine their own Christian worldview in comparison with the views of others and to express their thoughts and opinions effectively. They are able to question the stories we read within their theology or belief system and come to conclusions within a group of like-minded individuals. This is an invaluable experience that helps to prepare them for their next step in life, whether that be a college classroom, a workplace, or simply interacting with the world around them.