Found this article When Good Books Are Put to Bad Uses in Congregational Resource Guide by The Alban Institute
I was struck by the simple insights below:
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“Is this a good book?”
Whether a book is good—in its effects—often depends on how it is used. A well-written book with great insights and practical advice is rarely useful if clergy read it on their own, gain a little momentary perspective, and then shelve it.
In contrast, a book that is neither insightful nor well-written can start a revolution if it raises the right issues and a board, session, or vestry reads and discusses it section by section.
Furthermore, the best books or other resources often contain great potential for misuse. Like any powerful tool, a resource can be not only useless, but harmful.
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