Read LESS to Learn MORE

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  • Опубліковано 2 чер 2024
  • It's that time of year when people start setting resolutions for the new year, and one of the most common resolutions will be to read more books. For a lot of people, that's a good idea. But for the people who watch this channel, the theology nerds out there, it might actually be counterproductive to learning.
    In this video, I break down how focusing on becoming a better reader and reading better books can help you learn more than if you simply read more books. I also give practical tips on how you can become a better reader, including a glimpse into my notetaking technique as well as how you can find better books (and what makes a book good in the first place).
    Support Gospel Simplicity:
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    About Gospel Simplicity:
    Gospel Simplicity began as a UA-cam channel in a Moody Bible Institute dorm. It was born out of the central conviction that the gospel is really good news, and I wanted to share that with as many people as possible. The channel has grown and changed over time, but that central conviction has never changed. Today, we make content around biblical and theological topics, often interacting with people from across the Christian tradition with the hope of seeking greater unity and introducing people to the beautiful simplicity and transformative power of the gospel, the good news about Jesus.
    About the host:
    Austin Suggs holds a BA in Theology from Moody Bible Institute and is currently pursuing an MA in Liberal Arts with a focus in Theology and Philosophy from St. John's College, Annapolis. He has served in the local church in a number of ways, including as a full-time staff member,, teacher, church planter, and more. Today, he resides outside of Baltimore with his wife Eliza.
    Video Stuff:
    Camera: Sony a6300
    Lens: Sigma 16mm F1.4 amzn.to/2MjssPB
    Edited in FCPX
    Music:
    Bowmans Root - Isaac Joel
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    *Links in the description may include affiliate links in which I receive a small commission of any purchases you make using that link.
    Chapters:
    00:00 - The relationship between reading and learning
    01:38 - Reading quality
    02:55 - The quality of what we read
    03:35 - Taking notes
    04:46 - Reading in community
    06:00 - What makes a quality book
    07:14 - Reading the classics
    08:45 - Follow the footnotes
    11:00 Conclusion
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  • Розваги

КОМЕНТАРІ • 59

  • @ContemplativeSoul
    @ContemplativeSoul 5 місяців тому +11

    I used to feel insecure when some people would tell me they read 30+ books every year- until I noticed I'm not usually that impressed with commentary of those who read that quickly. Info cramming vs having dialogue with text are 2 very different things

    • @Anna-pc6lx
      @Anna-pc6lx 4 місяці тому

      Sadly I often find myself craving more and more information instead of profoundly understanding one text

  • @tinamelaku5267
    @tinamelaku5267 Місяць тому

    I love it when Austin talk about books.

  • @SinoSene
    @SinoSene 5 місяців тому +11

    I think you make such important points. I find reading classics gives reading a direction, they provide points of reference for thinking and further reading. Returning to the classics after spending some time away from them doing other reading is a joy!

    • @GospelSimplicity
      @GospelSimplicity  5 місяців тому

      I’m glad the classics have been helpful for you! I’ve found the same

    • @goofygrandlouis6296
      @goofygrandlouis6296 4 місяці тому +1

      @@GospelSimplicity A suggestion for a brand new topic : *prayer techniques* .
      How do each denomination pray ? From the monks to the jesuits to your everyday evangelist..
      And why not extend the comparison outside of the Christian world. Like Buddhist retreats or Hindu prayers or Sihks ?
      Maybe there are things to learn from everyone. How to focus and get your mind in the right place.

  • @myronmercado
    @myronmercado 5 місяців тому +3

    Hey Austin. You've just hit 60K subscribers. Time to celebrate with a live video. 😊

  • @nickhay9668
    @nickhay9668 5 місяців тому +4

    I am not sure if this is within the scope of your channel, but I would love a walkthrough of how you use Obsidian. That looks really useful and I would love to see how you organize and layout your thoughts and information.
    Great video as always!

    • @GospelSimplicity
      @GospelSimplicity  5 місяців тому

      Noted! I’ll try to see if there’s a fitting angle

    • @baileyt9085
      @baileyt9085 4 місяці тому +1

      I came here to ask the same. I watch as a theology and religion nerd, my notes are getting a little wild.

  • @no1ofconsequence936
    @no1ofconsequence936 7 днів тому

    A couple things. First, this can also apply to the Bible. I've started reading without a strict amount I'm supposed to read, and it is great. I'm taking more notes, learning and being reminded of lessons better. Second, I've been reading more classic fiction books, and they're honestly better paced and more engaging than more recent books I've read. This is with the exception of War and Peace, but let's not get into that. Anyway, use your reading time well, whether it's to learn or help you relax.

  • @1990RFD
    @1990RFD 5 місяців тому +2

    A book which marked a before and an after for me, both intellectually and spiritually, was Fr. Tomas Spidlík's systematic manual of Eastern Christian spirituality. Not only is it a monument in itself, but its footnotes are a goldmine, referring to the best Eastern authors in each topic. Plus it's an effort similar to that of your channel: someone from a specific spiritual tradition (in this case the Latin) reaching to a different one.

  • @bookishbrendan8875
    @bookishbrendan8875 4 місяці тому +2

    You honestly deserve more subs, Austin.

  • @mark-be9mq
    @mark-be9mq 3 місяці тому

    There might be more relation between reading & "thinking". That is reading('good')Books, stories, poetry draw us into stories that contain w/i ideas, philosophy, points of view, deep concepts that get into our mind & soul like a stowaway on a ship. Like education embedded in cartoons.
    Indeed didn't Emily Dickinson say 'a book is frigate'.

  • @aaronmueller5802
    @aaronmueller5802 5 місяців тому +2

    Great points. I would love a video on your note taking methods.

  • @Anna-pc6lx
    @Anna-pc6lx 4 місяці тому

    brilliant video, expresing in a clear way my recent reflections about the point of reading, thank you!

  • @GreySawyer
    @GreySawyer 5 місяців тому +1

    Great points Austin! Thanks for the video!

  • @SuperSaiyanScandinavian
    @SuperSaiyanScandinavian 5 місяців тому +3

    what are your favourite theology books? i'm trying to get into reading theology books, but don't know where to start and what's genuinely worth buying

    • @dustinneely
      @dustinneely 5 місяців тому +2

      In my opinion you should read the Church Fathers that were instrumental in the Church Councils. 3 books you should absolutely read are St. Athanasius "On the Incarnation", St. Basil "On the Holy Spirit" & St Cyril of Alexandria "On the Unity of Christ".
      Those 3 books are going to get you into the mind of the Church of the first 3 or 4 Ecumenical Councils.
      St. Athanasius, the 3 Cappadocian Fathers & St. Cyril of Alexandria were probably the most influential Church Fathers of the first millennium.

    • @GospelSimplicity
      @GospelSimplicity  5 місяців тому +1

      Dustin's recommendations here are great! I also recommend Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves as what I think is the most accessible primer on Trinitarian theology. With these four recommendations, you'll get great Christology, Trinitarian Theology, and Pneumatology (Holy Spirit). These are the best places to start, as I'd argue pretty much all theology is footnotes on the Trinity and Incarnation. After these, it just depends on what interests you most!

  • @99CaNdYfLiP99
    @99CaNdYfLiP99 4 місяці тому

    Ouh great, you're coming closer 😊 that statement is so true.

  • @williams.5337
    @williams.5337 4 місяці тому

    This video was full of useful information and tips. Thanks for sharing. You mentioned that you'd be willing to share your tips for notetaking. That would be terrific if you don't mind. Thanks again.

  • @andrewm7971
    @andrewm7971 4 місяці тому

    I would find it super valuable to see your note taking process.

  • @nameetharish9385
    @nameetharish9385 3 місяці тому

    Great insights. Would you consider doing a video on note taking tips in general and using the obsidian software you mentioned?

  • @jesseengland456
    @jesseengland456 5 місяців тому +1

    I find that audiobooks help out with this I have one little issue I"'m super curious about lots of subjects I love learning plus I'm a Community College student (One class at a time) so my New Year's resolution is to read what I have wish me luck!

    • @GospelSimplicity
      @GospelSimplicity  5 місяців тому +2

      Audio books definitely help you have a little bit of both!

  • @Strongtower
    @Strongtower 4 місяці тому +1

    Please help me, I have a question. I am currently applying to Moody and I read their doctrinal statement. Do you have to believe in a pre trib rapture to attend Moody?

  • @catholicguy1073
    @catholicguy1073 5 місяців тому

    Right now on the non fiction front I am working through Imitation of Christ and Prudence. Great books to slowly work your way through. I write in both of the books and highlight passages that make sense as I go.
    One other suggestion is to read the book take notes, then put it down for a week or so when finished and then re-read it again and your notes will already be done. You’ll pull more things out of the book on the 2nd read and can move more quickly

  • @bonniejohnstone
    @bonniejohnstone 5 місяців тому +2

    Hi Austin 🥰…. Funny… you know I have a reading disability. I sometimes land on the other side of the topic.
    I received 3 audible points for Christmas… I can choose books to listen to!
    Right away, #1 choice are The Four Gospels,
    New King James (Orthodox use this a lot because it’s widely familiar). The reader is a British gentleman with a soft accent.
    How excellent!

  • @confiterichristum
    @confiterichristum 5 місяців тому +1

    A book which has been very helpful in my learning has been Heavenly Participation by Hans Borsma.
    Give this one a read if you get the chance!

  • @colinhamilton7365
    @colinhamilton7365 5 місяців тому

    I came into this prepared to be annoyed. However, you proved me wrong. This was very insightful and wise advice. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. :)

  • @joer5627
    @joer5627 5 місяців тому

    You have hit on a topic with keen interest to me. After decades of reading little I am back with a vengeance. My library has grown with used volumes making it a bit more affordable.
    I start with the preface, go to the forward, then check the bibliography or footnotes. I find at times the cost or availability can be prohibitive. I don’t dwell on that but move onto others. Eventually I find a copy on eBay that is affordable.
    One book that has had favorable comments is a newer version of “Imitation of Christ.” Comments from most are very positive once they read it. My 2024 goal is slow down, embrace the pause as I read, for in the quiet I hear the Holy Spirit more clearly.
    Note taking helps as you made mention. The new (old) discoveries awaken my soul for adventure with God, gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice, and a hunger for more of the Holy Spirit.
    And that will (God willing) be sufficient for me in 2024.
    Live for Jesus

    • @catholicguy1073
      @catholicguy1073 5 місяців тому

      That’s a very good book. I read one section a day to reflect upon the writing. It’s the 2nd most sold book in the world behind the Bible. I tend to highlight things that stick out me as I am reading

  • @martinripka6898
    @martinripka6898 4 місяці тому

    Comparison from classical music: many thousands of operas have been composed. A few dozens of operas are performed all over the world today. Suggestion and question: I'm looking for a software, which would allow to make a list of recommendeable books / movies / UA-cam-channels... etc. People would be invited to contribute with their experience and opinion. Like the rating and commenting in Amazon or other shops. Thus phantastic 'crowd intelligence' - lists could develop in short time. Who knows a good software, apart from Word- or Excel - lists?

  • @roberthambly9926
    @roberthambly9926 5 місяців тому +2

    I love to read the Bible but my comprehension is terrible. My recall is just as bad very depressing but I continue to read anyway. Any suggestions on the above problems are greatly appreciated. Love your videos!

    • @wauliepalnuts6134
      @wauliepalnuts6134 5 місяців тому +2

      The Orthodox Study Bible. Changed my life.

    • @roberthambly9926
      @roberthambly9926 5 місяців тому

      Thanks actually I just started to go to a Orthodox Church. Very different from what I'm used to. I have been looking at that particular bible as well.@@wauliepalnuts6134

    • @joer5627
      @joer5627 5 місяців тому +1

      I have regrets on the same topic. I am trying something new. I am writing each Psalm. On the opposite page I place notes from a few sources that provide background info, historical context, and how the scripture ties to other places in the Bible. It seems to help. Even if not as I had hoped I know where I can find the info.

    • @ArmandoBN497
      @ArmandoBN497 5 місяців тому +1

      After finishing a chapter, paragraph, story. Try to summarize it in your own words if you keep this habit it should help you remember a lot more. Especially if you reread and repeat this process.

    • @jesseengland456
      @jesseengland456 5 місяців тому +1

      have you tried Audio Bibles?

  • @robertwarner-ev7wp
    @robertwarner-ev7wp 2 місяці тому

    I get my learning from reading UA-cam comment sections.

  • @Mercywins234
    @Mercywins234 5 місяців тому

    I love the sweatshirt. Please share the link.

  • @albertaowusu3536
    @albertaowusu3536 5 місяців тому

    ❤🙏

  • @pigetstuck
    @pigetstuck 5 місяців тому +1

    what movies are the most meaningful for you?

    • @GospelSimplicity
      @GospelSimplicity  5 місяців тому +1

      Ohhh, interesting question. Frankly, I'm not very cultured when it comes to movies, so I'd have to think about this a bit.

    • @pigetstuck
      @pigetstuck 5 місяців тому

      @@GospelSimplicity They don't have to be super esoteric or cultured. As an example, Babe: Pig of Destiny is a profound, yet simple, movie for me.

    • @pigetstuck
      @pigetstuck 4 місяці тому

      a couple recommendations: Stray Dog by Akira Kurosawa for a picture of how not to deal with worry and anxiety. The Oxen by Sven Nyquist for a picture of sin's effects. No Regrets for Our Youth by Akira Kurosawa for a story about taking a principled stand.

  • @olivur_1459
    @olivur_1459 5 місяців тому +2

    I disagree. Reading is the best of the best of the best and even the best.

  • @user-xq2bp2pg2u
    @user-xq2bp2pg2u 4 місяці тому

    Read fewer books about Orthodoxy, Catholicism, etc., and read more of the Bible. Consume it, inside and out. If you do that, all the questions that you continue to have will disappear.

  • @ip9982
    @ip9982 5 місяців тому

    I have a suggestion why not change the name of the channel to totalconfusion.