How Deep Reading Forms Our Souls (with Jessica Hooten Wilson)
Jul 27, 2024
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In a thought-provoking discussion, Jessica Hooten Wilson, an award-winning author and the Fletcher Jones Chair of Great Books at Pepperdine University, explores the decline of deep reading and its spiritual implications. She advocates for re-engaging with books as a means to cultivate contemplation and humility. The conversation highlights how deep reading nurtures empathy, enriches relationships, and fosters personal growth. Wilson also emphasizes the importance of disconnecting from distractions to enhance daily reflection and nurture a love for literature.
Deep reading enriches spiritual growth by fostering contemplation, love, and humility, thereby deepening one's understanding of faith and complex truths.
Engaging deeply with texts enhances empathy and critical thinking, preparing individuals to navigate diverse perspectives and contemporary social challenges effectively.
Establishing routines for deep reading combats modern distractions, rekindling appreciation for literature's transformative power within families and communities.
Deep dives
The Importance of Deep Reading in Christianity
Deep reading, the practice of immersing oneself in books and texts, holds significant spiritual and intellectual value for Christians. Historically, the act of reading has been fundamental in shaping faith, as scripture emphasizes understanding and remembering God’s laws. The decline in deep reading can lead to a superficial engagement with faith, reducing the capacity to grasp complex spiritual truths and weakening one’s imagination. Consequently, without the discipline of deep reading, individuals may become more susceptible to cultural trends and ideas that oversimplify complex theological concepts.
The Transformative Power of Reading
Reading is likened to nourishing food, with deep reading seen as a communal meal that fosters both intellectual and spiritual growth. The analogy illustrates that just as fast food merely fuels the body, surface-level reading does little for the mind or soul. In contrast, deep reading challenges readers to ponder language and structure, thus requiring engagement and effort that can deepen one's understanding and faith. This transformative process mirrors the experience of physical exercise, where reading not only builds mental acuity but also spiritually strengthens an individual, cultivating essential qualities such as humility and discernment.
The Neurological Impact of Reading
Engaging deeply with text has profound neurological implications, particularly in fostering empathy and critical thinking. As reading stimulates specific brain pathways, it nurtures the ability to understand different perspectives, essential for meaningful interactions and community engagement. A decline in deep reading can hinder this development, resulting in a generation less equipped for empathetic reasoning and critical dialogue. Consequently, educators are noticing a growing inability among students to engage with complex texts, highlighting the urgent need to prioritize deep reading in educational settings.
Teaching Empathy and Critical Thinking Through Literature
The struggle to develop empathy and critical thinking skills among students today is indicative of a broader educational challenge. Students often lack the foundational experiences that foster an understanding of diverse viewpoints, making it difficult for them to engage with literature in a meaningful way. By practicing deep reading in literature classes, instructors can guide students to appreciate complexity, challenge their assumptions, and cultivate a richer intellectual discourse. This approach not only promotes academic growth but also prepares students to navigate contemporary political and social landscapes with wisdom.
The Call to Engage with Texts Actively
Deep reading requires a conscious commitment to prioritize the written word over distractions that characterize modern life. By establishing routines such as morning readings or shared family book nights, individuals can rekindle their appreciation for the transformative power of literature. The consumption of audio books can complement traditional reading, yet it necessitates focused engagement to fully absorb complex narratives. Cultivating a culture of reading within families, schools, and communities can significantly enhance the collective intellectual and spiritual fabric, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of the world and one’s faith.
How Deep Reading Forms Our Souls (with Jessica Hooten Wilson)
Host Curtis Chang and award-winning author Jessica Hooten Wilson, the Fletcher Jones Chair of Great Books at Pepperdine University, discuss the decline of deep reading and how this might impact our lives. Hooten Wilson explains the significant benefits that listeners can experience by thoughtfully re-engaging with books as a regular practice. The conversation explores how deep reading can help individuals cultivate contemplation, love their neighbors, practice humility, and other aspects of deep spiritual growth.
