Paper or Plastic?

We are being constantly introduced to new and alternative forms of technology, such as E-readers.  However, I’m partial to paper books and find that the case for them more compelling and extensive. [http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2010/08/03/back-story-books-vs-e-books.html] Of course my interest in them is more nostalgic and sensual them simply practical: the smell and character used books have; the weight and feel as you read; the turning of pages; and the welcoming atmosphere of a used bookstore.  (That said I am intrigued by the E-reader and can think of reasons I would use one, but as of yet I have not bought one.)  Reflecting on the debate over the two and my own personal interest I thought about the history that has brought paper books to where they are today: the creation of the written word; advances in writing materials (i.e. scrolls and paper); inks and leads; writing utensils (i.e. pens and pencils); printing press; and the exhaustive work of translators. 

Moses chiselled the 10 commandments on rocks for God`s people, and Gutenberg invented the printing press to mass produce bibles that would help share God`s word.  But before all this we were given the word (John 1:1).  And through time and advancements, from stone to paper, God`s words are still strong, for the are everlasting and enduring (1Peter 1:23).  Paper books and E-readers are just things that will rot and rust (Mathew 6:19-21).  I`m reminded that personal interests and preferences aren`t the most important thing; what matters is God`s word.

ViewerShip

Our eyes are the crucial and influential means for taking in information.  It can affect how we feel about, view, or understand concepts.  Jesus talked about the importance of our eyes in Mathew 6:22-23 and Luke 11:34-35calling the eyes “the lamp of your body.”  As a lamp needs to be fed oil to give light, our hearts do as well.  What goes in can feed sinfulness of godliness.  We are being fed an array of visual media (T.V., movies, internet, advertisements, etc.) not much different from a buffet-most of it is “junk food.”  We are consuming this “junk” daily.  How many of us stop to ask ourselves: Why am I watching this? What is the value in it? Is this pleasing to God?  Paul reminds us in the beginning of Romans Chapter 12 (Verses 1-3) what we should do and what is more important.  We are not meant to conform to this world but be renewing our minds – does “junk” do that? 

However, simply watching is not the problem.  It’s the excess.  People schedule their lives around their shows and could never miss a single episode.  Others become emotionally attached to non-existent fictional characters in a falsely interactive world.  Some even invest countless hours discussing, thinking and watching their shows.  Getting caught up in the next narrative and anticipating it like Christmas morning. 

I don’t sit on my high horse, aghast at the horrors of others.  I am reflecting on my past conduct, and that of those I know or have known.  I have wasted hours upon hours straight on watching whole season of old T.V. shows.  Stepping back and looking at that behaviour I am appalled at myself.  I have not had a T.V. for two years now and I am still alive!  Instead I read books, take walks, or do crafts.  I write, take pictures, or socialize with friends.  But I still check Facebook 3 times a day, watch more So You Think You can Dance clips then I need to, and I have a husband who spends hours finding out everything he can about politics.  I catch a movie but I want it to fit into my schedule not the other way around.  There is a verse from the word to help encourage us to stay strong. 

“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.” -- Psalm 119:37