Quotable Quotes

In my writings I often quote a wide range of sources. I don’t use them as authorities with whom I always agree but simply to get over a point in most cases. After all, Bible writers quoted things Satan said (Mt. 4). And don’t forget Paul, who quoted both secular poets (Acts 17:28) and the false prophets of his day (Titus 1:12). I quote such writers as C.S. Lewis, an Anglican; G.K. Chesterton, a Roman Catholic; and George MacDonald, a Congregationalist; along with many, many others. I believe I’d quote Daffy Duck if I thought it would help someone on to God!

Many people get a real blessing from my quotes, but a few are bothered by them. They quibble about my quotes. I have found such people limit themselves to only those writers and books with whom they agree. It is obvious that Paul was an avid reader. While incarcerated, he requested that Timothy bring his books. He also encouraged the young man to “give attendance to reading.” It is plain that Paul did not restrict his reading to the approved list of his peers.

I believe it was Plato who said something along the line of, “Every man knows something I do not know; therefore, every man is my teacher.” It is sad to meet people who will not learn from those with whom they disagree. I have found their libraries usually consist only of those writers within their own camp. They are self-imposed literary shut-ins, if you please. They’re intellectual recluses.

by an Aged Saint

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