|
A message from Henry Neufeld about Energion
Bookshelf
Energion Bookshelf is a personal project of mine and
reflects my varied interests. I do a great deal of
reading, and often have occasion to recommend books to
people on various subjects. I answer such questions
especially in my role as director of Pacesetters Bible
School, but friends also often ask for recommendations of
books about computers, philosophy and economics, or for
recommendations of fiction, mosly in science fiction,
fantasy and mystery.
Some may find the variety of my interests unusual,
odd, perhaps weird, or even disturbing. For any of you,
let me say a word about my interests. I believe that
imagination is a part of human life. I not only don't
have a problem with imaginative fiction, I believe it is
an essential part of understanding our world, one
another, and especially difficult concepts. Many
illustrations that I use in Bible teaching have come from
ideas I got while reading science fiction or engaged in
designing a culture for the Energion role-playing world.
Much of the experience and understanding of history that
I can bring to fiction or role-playing has come from my
Bible study or my study of related cultures.
I think it is an error to think that religion, as
such, must occupy one's whole attention, or that the more
time spent on "religious" rather than
"secular" concerns makes one holier or closer
to God. I believe, rather, that as one understands
religious experience, and begins to see the universe as a
product of the creator, previously secular concerns
become sanctified, imagination no less so than any other.
I expect that some will question my inclusion and
recommendation of various books not only by atheists, but
books advocating atheism or other non-Christian and even
anti-Christian philosophies. Fundamental to my beliefs as
a whole is a simple belief in freedom of information and
of the responsibility to make choices based on the best
information available. Such books as I recommend help to
fulfill that goal. I will try to recommend the best
exposition I can find of any particular point of view and
will point out where I find a particular exposition
lacking. I will include reviews of books which I don't
recommend as well, and provide the opportunity to buy
them. My views are not everyone's views (fortunately!)
and you may disagree. I'll welcome any and all discussion
which can help to improve understanding both of the facts
and of various people's interpretation of them.
I hope you enjoy these pages.
Henry Neufeld
PS: Let me take this opportunity to invite you to
bring your discussions to the Pacesetters Bible School
message forum.
Pacesetters Bible School Forum
|
