Reading Interests Change

Have you noticed that your reading interests change over the years? As I grow and learn, I find that a lot of books seem much too "light" or "fluffy" for my tastes. My interest in theology has deepened and I find myself drawn more to certain topics more than others. I want more "meaty" books, books that make you think more and are challenging for growth.

The topics that seem to particularly draw me these days are:

Theology
Discipleship
Developing a Christian Worldview/Thinking with Discernment
Popular Culture, from a Christian perspective
Idolatry, combating the idols we deal with in modern life
Bible Reading/Study

I continue to be interested in books on personality, that has been an interest for years. I'm not really reading much in the area of fiction these days. I did start re-reading Black by Ted Dekker but have set it aside right now to concentrate on a couple other books.

How have your reading interests changed over the years?

Inside Out by Larry Crabb

Inside Out: Real Change Is Possible If You're Willing to Start from The.. by Larry Crabb
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rather than changing behavior, the author talks about change being from the inside out, a character growth not just changing habits.
Much of the book talked about how we relate to others through self-protection and that we need to let go of our desire to protect ourselves from hurt and pain. Pain is a necessary part of life and not something to be avoided.
"Most of us want our existence to be comfortable. We sleep on the bed, not on the floor. Nothing is wrong with arranging for and enjoying comfort - unless it becomes our highest priority. And for many of us, perhaps most of us, it is. If we have little energy or inclination to grapple with hard questions about our life, questions that arise when we measure ourself by the standards of holy love, then it's likely our ultimate goal is not conformity to Christ but comfort in this world."

Too often we demand that others meet our expectations for a comfortable life, a life that avoids or tries to relieve pain.
"When relieving pain becomes our priority, then we have left the path of pursuing God."

"Change from the inside out is rare. Very few people are willing to deeply embrace their disappointment. And even fewer, when they've faced their disappointment and are filled with excruciating pain and sadness, are willing to firmly say, 'My pain is not the problem. The problem is my determination to relieve my pain any way I can.'"