Kim from Hiraeth has posted a survey/discussion on the virtues of reading as a Christian Discipline as it relates to reading and writing blogs. Here are her questions and my answers.

Has reading Christian blogs increased your desire to tackle weighty Christian tomes?

Yes, absolutely. Iron sharpens iron. Reading comments about what a blogger is reading, and reading quotes on their blogs sends me out to get the book and read it for myself. They also clue me in on books I needn’t bother reading.
Have you learned of Christian authors and theologians that you might not have otherwise known?

Yes! For one example, I’m ordering a Charnock book for my husband’s birthday after reading Laura’s posts about it on Words Behind Me. I admit it; my choice of gift for him has a bit of a self-serving motive to it!

Have you purchased or borrowed books that were recommended by bloggers?

I’ve purchased them. Most people I know here don’t have such books in their personal libraries. Besides, I want to own them so I can go back again and again. I like marking and sticky-tagging, which I leave in them.
Have you read fewer “real” books as your blog reading has increased?

No. I’m discovering more real books to read. So many books; so little time….I don’t read that many blogs, either, although when I find one with good content, I go back.
Has the availability/searchability of great Christian works caused you to rely upon them merely as resources?

No. The more I read, the more I re-read. I want to absorb them, and be changed through the reading.

Do you think reading the great Christian authors and theologians is important and/profitable?

If you’ve read this far, you probably could guess that my answer is yes, absolutely!

Do you read them?

You betcha.

If so, whom do you recommend?

Spurgeon is a favorite. We are blessed to have inherited an almost complete Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit set–61 volumes. I have a long way to go, but I’m plugging away. Bunyan, M’Cheyne, Scougal, Pink, Chambers, Owens, I learned lots from Francis and Edith Schaeffer years ago. Biographies of Hudson Taylor, James O. Fraser, Darlene Diebler Rose, Jonathan and Sarah Edwards, George Mueller, the Elliots, John and Betty Stam…Oh, there’s so much out there, isn’t there? I’m pretty certain I’ll be adding Charnock to the list too. I love reading the Puritans.

I look forward to reading other responses. Thanks, Kim.