…and, in the mood I just described, I’m not seeking out reading to challenge my mind . I prefer information and commentary that accords with evaluation I’ve done in the past, with no disturbing ripples. I gain a new sympathy with congregations finding satisfaction in sermons that reinforce what they already believe. Guiltily, I even find a personal accord with the tendency, deplored by many commentators (including my momentarily hypocritical self!) for people to build their knowledge of the world within like-minded bubbles and ignore the rest.
In fact, in this mood I truly appreciate succinct summaries of thoughts I’ve already had, especially when they clarify or refresh my own too-familiar approach. I am about to pass on to you one such summary in the expectation that you may share my appreciation. At the moment I won’t delve into the distinctions between these three forms of approval: I liked it, I agreed with it, and I thought it was good.
