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Choosing Biblically Sound Books and Reading Material
By Mary Hammell
Christians are responsible to know the Word of God and to discern whether what they hear and read accords with it. Scripture equips believers to test teaching carefully so they are not deceived (2 Timothy 3:14–17; Acts 17:11). As we grow toward maturity in Christ, we are better prepared to protect ourselves and our families from false teaching and the deception of the enemy (Ephesians 4:11–16).
The following guidelines can help Christians choose books and reading material with biblical care.
1. Begin with Prayer
Ask the Lord for wisdom and discernment before you begin reading (Proverbs 2:3–5). Read carefully from the title page, foreword, and introduction onward. Pray that the Lord will give you eyes to see, a mind shaped by His Word, and discernment through the Holy Spirit to recognize sound biblical teaching.
2. Know Your Bible
Know the Scriptures as thoroughly as possible (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Read a faithful translation of the Bible, such as the ESV, NASB, KJV, or NKJV. Sit under sound preaching and teaching. Participate in a Bible study where Scripture is explained in context.
If you are a newer student of Scripture, ask a faithful pastor, elder, or Bible teacher for recommendations. The better you know God’s Word, the better equipped you will be to recognize teaching that departs from it.
3. Grow in Biblical Doctrine
Pay close attention to yourself and to doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16). Become familiar with the central teachings of Scripture through careful study, sound preaching, and trustworthy resources such as a biblical systematic theology.
Know what your church believes and why. A faithful church’s statement of faith can help you understand how biblical doctrine shapes Christian belief and practice. Then compare a prospective author’s teaching, stated beliefs, and public ministry with Scripture and with your church’s doctrinal convictions. When you see concerns, speak with a trusted pastor, elder, or Bible teacher.
4. Understand the Nature of False Teaching
Jesus warned that false teachers would come in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15–18). False teaching is not merely a difference of personality, preference, or secondary conviction. It is teaching that contradicts, distorts, adds to, or undermines the truth God has revealed in His Word.
Be aware of teachings common in the present culture, including New Age spirituality, the New Apostolic Reformation, New Thought, and beliefs drawn from pagan or Eastern religious systems. Ask a faithful teacher to help you understand biblical criteria for identifying false teaching. A Field Guide on False Teaching from Ligonier Ministries may also be a helpful resource.
5. Test Claims of Experience and New Revelation
Ask whether the author is teaching biblical truth or elevating personal opinions, feelings, experiences, or alleged new revelation above Scripture. Scripture warns that false teachers may secretly introduce destructive errors among God’s people (2 Peter 2:1–3).
Be especially careful when an author repeatedly claims personal messages from Jesus, treats subjective impressions as binding truth, or makes personal experience the final authority. God’s Word is sufficient to equip His people for every good work.
6. Consider Ministry Associations
When you identify a false teacher, pay attention to authors who publicly praise, promote, partner with, write endorsements or forewords for, or regularly appear alongside that teacher. Scripture calls believers to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to sound doctrine (Romans 16:17–19).
Such associations should not be dismissed casually. They may reveal a lack of discernment, a willingness to compromise, or agreement with serious error.
7. Consider the Author’s Teaching Ministry
For women authors, consider whether their teaching ministry follows Scripture’s instruction regarding the teaching office in the church (1 Timothy 2:12). Look at the author’s website, stated ministry focus, and speaking engagements. Is her ministry directed toward women, or does she regularly teach men in contexts that conflict with biblical convictions about the order and authority God has established in the church?
8. Consider the Author’s Life and Response to Error
Consider an author’s public life and whether it is consistent with biblical teaching (1 Corinthians 5:11–12). Every Christian is a sinner in need of grace, so this is not a call to demand perfection or to investigate private matters. Rather, consider whether there is a public and ongoing pattern of conduct that contradicts the author’s profession and teaching.
When an author has made serious errors in life or doctrine, look for genuine repentance, correction, and accountability. A faithful response to sin and error matters.
Read Under the Authority of Scripture
For the follower of Jesus Christ, choosing biblically sound books and reading material is spiritually important. Helpful books never replace the Bible. They should complement Scripture and assist us in understanding, obeying, and delighting in God’s Word more clearly.
Books written by authors who handle Scripture carelessly or reject sound doctrine can lead readers into confusion, compromise, and spiritual harm. Read widely only with wisdom, test everything by the Word of God, and hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
