Some years ago a bible study leader (and grad school professor) made this response to a comment I made suggesting he should read some new book: “Phil, I’m sure its an interesting book but I have limited time for reading and I so I’ve already picked what I can read for this year.” I was floored at the time. Picked? How can you know what you will read for the year? What about all the interesting things that might get published? I think I thought it a bit arrogant at the time. At any rate, it didn’t make sense, especially since I love to read up on all sorts of things. I kind of pride myself of being “up” on many topics.
That conversation happened before the explosion of social networking and before my access to high speed Internet. I now understand a bit of what he was speaking about. Mind pollution: the filling of my mind of diverse and interesting tidbits that have little lasting value. News, social networking, even blog entries by great writers, etc.
Of course, if I thought this was a serious problem, I’d probably need to help by reducing mind pollution and posting things only when absolutely necessary. But, since I like thinking out loud, I’ll continue to do so, but endeavor to eliminate posts just like this one. 
3 Comments
September 15, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Phil, I think I would have felt the same way you did to a statement like that! I’ve got a “short list” of texts I plan to read over a year or so, and I also shove in other things as they catch my eye or as they become critical to review. I’m not scientific about it by any means, but I don’t think I’d so dogmatically schedule my reading so as to exclude the inclusion of some provocative, albeit impromptu, materials if they became available. I’m in your corner on that one.
September 16, 2008 at 7:08 am
Right brain…left brain…open or focused…
In this world we are constantly having to sort out what to listen to, what to watch, what to learn, what to read…mind pollution is a definite risk and sometime malady. Would trying to stay focused on God, help us sort it out?
Here’s a thought…a nice independent bookstore in Heaven…with good coffee. An eternity of catching up…
September 29, 2008 at 5:06 pm
oh mary ann,that is DEFINITELY a lovely picture of heaven! and chocolate… and good cold beer
and yes, an eternity to catch up in…
oboy!!!