On the Reading of Spiritual and Secular Books - St. Theophan the Recluse

Practical answers to questions from a woman beginning an Orthodox spiritual life. A reading of letter 70 from St. Theophan's book: The Spiritual Life And How to Be Attuned to It.📖 The Spiritual Life And How to Be Attuned to It by St. Theophan the Reclusehttps://stpaisiusgiftshop.com/new-products/the-spiritual-life-new-edition/🎧 The Aether, The Soul's Covering, & How Saints Hear Prayers - St. Theophan the Reclusehttps://youtu.be/0atGCwVLjdU🎧 A Short Rule of Vigilance for Those Who Live in the World - St. Ignatius Brianchaninovhttps://youtu.be/_BGHblNOyhA⛪ FIND an Orthodox parish and monastery near you: https://orthodox-world.org/https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/_______St. Theophan wrote:Books are only for guidance in the spiritual life. Knowledge itself is acquired through deeds. Even that which is known from reading, clear and detailed though it be, presents itself in an entirely different light when experienced through deeds. The spiritual life is such a realm into which the wisdom of this world cannot penetrate.You write, "I read a lot; is this bad?" It can be bad and it can be good, depending on what you read and how you read it. Read with discrimination and verify what is being read through the genuine truth of our faith. What agrees with it, accept; what does not agree with it, reject as thought against God, and throw out any book that expresses such thoughts.The question still remains unresolved as to whether one may read anything besides spiritual things. I would tell you with reservation, in a low voice: You may if you like, but just a little and not indiscriminately. Take this as a sign: When you are in a good mood spiritually and begin reading a book containing human wisdom, if the good mood begins to desert you, get rid of the book. This is a general rule for you.Even books containing human wisdom may nourish the spirit. These are the books that indicate to us the vestiges of wisdom, benevolence, truth and solicitous Divine industry in nature and history. Read books such as these. God reveals Himself in nature and history in the same way as in His Word. Nature and history are Divine books for those who know how to read them.What about stories and novels? There are good ones among these. To find out whether they are good, however, you must read them, and after you have finished, you will have acquired such tales and images that—God have mercy! You will soil your clean little mind. Afterward, go get cleaned up. Why would you want to bring such labor upon yourself Therefore, I think it is better not to read them. When a benevolently-minded person who has read some story recommends it, you may read it._______Orthodox Wisdom is dedicated to sharing the writings and lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church. Glory to Jesus Christ!