I do a great deal of my studying online because the resources are so plentiful, and because access and usage of those resources is so efficient.
I still love hard copy books. I have loved reading since I was very young, reading Comic books, Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, Robinson Crusoe, Reader's Digest (articles and books), Davey Crockett, Daniel Boone, poetry, history, and Bible Story Books.
This is part of my personal library, which includes about 10 bookcases. I need to get a few more bookcases for the other books I have in boxes. This library (which I have not been building for several decades because of finances and the availability of online information) has 1,000+ books, covering 30+ subjects. I have another case and several boxes of books, for which I need to get more bookcases.
I am still studying after 60 years in ministry. The subjects in my library include Bible, Bible History, Biblical Authority, Bible Handbooks, Bible Characters, Bible Books, Commentaries, Word Studies, Theology (Biblical and Systematic), Christology, Pneumatology, Angelology and Demonology, Doctrine, Missiology, Missions History and Missionary Biographies, Evangelism, Christian Biographies, Holiness (Entire Sanctification and the Deeper Life), Gifts of the Spirit, Ecclesiology, Church Planting, Church Growth, Small Group Ministries, Eschatology, Prayer, Christian Finances, Pastoral Theology, Pastor's Wife, Counseling (Biblical, Traditional and Humanistic), Social Issues (Drugs, Church/State, Abuse, Humanistic Education and Public Schooling), Christian Education (Church and School), Youth Ministry, Family Life and Ministry, Christian Camping and Activities, Cults, The Occult, Christian Music, Stewardship of Life (health, wealth, amusements, associations), as well as Christian novels and Christian books about random subjects.
I have always considered books as friends. I remember hearing, "those who read, lead." We live at a time when people want everything minimalized, summarized, condensed. This is a death knell for young men considering the ministry. There was a time when ministers were ranked with the most learned leaders in the community.
It is true that the writing of books is wearying, and too much study of some collateral material will cause fuzzy thinking. Some people are educated beyond their intelligence, and sometimes people fill their minds with "bits and pieces" or disconnected, misleading information. Being a student of truth is not only about quantity, but also about quality, balance and Biblical focus.
I am amazed at the accomplishments of Christian leaders, teachers, and preachers from centuries past. They did not have the advantages of communication and travel, but they studied and wrote in several languages, they delved into Scripture, History, Theology more deeply than I can even comprehend. Some people are intellectually gifted and they apply themselves to academic pursuits. Other people are not as gifted, but they dedicate themselves to learn all they can and to present what they can in an effective way.
Ecclesiastes 12:9-14
9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.
11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
We see and hear a lot of "teaching" that actually hinders understanding of God's word. Personal responsibility and spiritual leadership are essential to Biblical discipleship. Pastors need to lead the way, and young men need to dedicate themselves to get information, knowledge, and wisdom.
