Thank you so much for publishing the wonderful piece in the December 2010 Industry Forum by David Almack. The title and subtitle said it all: "Reading is our industry's key to survival: Knowing and loving the books we publish and sell is essential to our success."

Like Almack, I've been distressed to realize the number of authors, publishers, editors, sales reps, store owners and frontliners who simply don't seem to care much about reading widely. Almack wisely reminded us of the joys of a passion for the printed page that must be central to our calling in the book world. That this is linked to our fidelity to God, our obedience to develop the Christian mind and our effectiveness in ministry in our complex world underscores the urgency of his good reminder. 

That our financial success is at stake may be most obvious, but it is these deeper matters—are we pleasing God, making a difference in the lives of others, being agents of Christ-like transformation of the culture, and are we nurturing the habits of heart and mind that form character and integrity and biblical wisdom that reading facilitates, that make our work so urgent? 

Even pastors and church leaders have too often been seduced away from the task of study and thoughtful disciple-making, so the local Christian bookseller sometimes has to supplement the feeble diets that some of our customers have. If we don't know and love books and insist on their value, how can we possibly expect others to?

So, thanks, Christian Retailing, and thanks, David. This was one of the most important industry articles I've seen in 30 years. I pray there is a renaissance of the renewed mind (Rom. 12:2) inspired by serious publishers, well-read reps and book-loving local shops who equip the saints to love and use books as tools for the kingdom of God. This piece is a wake-up call, and I'm sure many of us are grateful.

Byron Borger

Hearts & Minds

Dallastown, Pa.

www.heartsandmindsbooks.com

What do you think?

Share your opinions on these and other industry issues by writing to: Andy Butcher, editor, Christian Retailing, 600 Rinehart Road, Lake Mary, FL 32746. Or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. we reserve the right to edit letters for style and content.

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