The future of books

Mark Meynell's review of John Stott's The Radical Disciple is an excellent summary and shows the high regard Mark has for Uncle John, as I see we are now calling him.

But I wanted to post here Stott's observations about the future of books:

John Stott, Christian statesman, writes at the conclusion of his 51st book, in a poignant farewell note to his readers:

Looking ahead, none of us of course knows what the future of printing and publishing may be.

But I myself am confident that the future of books is assured and that, though they will be complemented, they will never be altogether replaced.

For there is something unique about books. Our favourite books become very precious to us and we even develop with them an almost living and affectionate relationship.

So let me urge you to keep reading, and encourage your relatives and friends to do the same. For this is a much-neglected means of grace.

What Does It MeanTo Deny Yourself?

Michael Mckinley cites John Stott's perceptive words in The Cross of Christ, regarding Jesus' statement in Mark 8:34:

To deny ourselves is to behave towards ourselves as Peter did towards Jesus when he denied him three times. The verb is the same (aparneomai). He disowned him, repudiated him, turned his back on him. Self-denial is not denying to ourselves luxuries such as chocolates, cakes, cigarettes and cocktails (although it might include this); it is actually denying or disowning ourselves, renouncing our supposed right to go our own way. ‘To deny oneself is… to turn from the idolatry of self-centeredness.’

Then Mark posted these words by Bonhoeffer:

The disciple must say to himself the same words Peter said of Christ when he denied him: “I know not this man.”