Ways to Grow Faith Without Reading

[Convert_in_99]

In other threads, the OP has said he does not like to read. I think he could benefit from listening to books about scripture instead. Still hears, just doesn’t have to read.

Yes.

So many in our modern literate world don’t realize that some of us just aren’t wired for reading great amounts. I’m certainly not. It hasn’t hindered my faith life at all. In fact, in some ways it’s helped. One is example is that I can pray deeply from the heart, with my own words, many Catholics aren’t comfortable with this. Your faith becomes much simpler, like that of a child in some ways. St Therese showed us this Little Way. She too struggled with reading books. She could read, but they frustrated her and made her head spin. She found a way to be like a little child who could not read, who relied on God to supply everything.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

But as with anything, reading, especially the Scriptures and the spiritual writers, is a great channel of grace.

So I hope you are not actually telling this OP that it’s fine to reject reading. It isn’t and can be very unwise in the spiritual realm.

If reading isn’t his thing, that’s fine.

St Bernadette couldn’t read well, and avoided it. Heaven came to her, despite her ignorance.

Grace come from God alone.

In fact, people who read as if its the source of spirituality, often get filled up with ego.

Pope Francis warned about this.

Jim

 

[celtspirit]

I find this forum a great aid in my faith.

One of the best places around to help you grow in faith honestly.

 

[celtspirit]

Diary of St.Faustina - 584

When you reflect upon what I tell you in the depths of your heart, you profit more than if you had read many books. Oh, if souls would only want to listen to My voice when I am speaking in the depths of their hearts, they would reach the peak of holiness in a short time.

Words of Jesus to St. Faustina

 

[oldgraymare2]

Yes.

So many in our modern literate world don’t realize that some of us just aren’t wired for reading great amounts. I’m certainly not. It hasn’t hindered my faith life at all. In fact, in some ways it’s helped. One is example is that I can pray deeply from the heart, with my own words, many Catholics aren’t comfortable with this. Your faith becomes much simpler, like that of a child in some ways. St Therese showed us this Little Way. She too struggled with reading books. She could read, but they frustrated her and made her head spin. She found a way to be like a little child who could not read, who relied on God to supply everything.

This is true.

I think that some of the readings of our faith can be very deep spiritually, as well.

It helps me to read them in a way that is reflective, where I read in small sections. I cannot read some of these works like you would read a regular novel, for example.

I can only absorb them in small increments.

Melodeonist,

Perhaps you can read some books in their audio version, like others have recommended. Maybe that will help.

 

[celtspirit]

This is true.

I think that some of the readings of our faith can be very deep spiritually, as well.

It helps me to read them in a way that is reflective, where I read in small sections. I cannot read some of these works like you would read a regular novel, for example.

I can only absorb them in small increments.

Melodeonist,

Perhaps you can read some books in their audio version, like others have recommended. Maybe that will help.

I think what you are refering to is called Lectio Divina

 

[Neofight]

I agree with the importance of reading, but reading in of itself will not bring you closer to Christ, only His grace will do that, and it is received in prayer and the sacraments

Jim

Grace is received in reading scripture…plenary indulgences, which are means of receiving grace, can come through reading scripture. As st Jerome said, “to know Christ you must know scripture”, so reading does bring you closer to Christ.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Grace is received in reading scripture…plenary indulgences, which are means of receiving grace, can come through reading scripture. As st Jerome said, “to know Christ you must know scripture”, so reading does bring you closer to Christ.

Grace comes from God alone, not the exercise in reading Scripture.

Scripture will bring us greater knowledge of Scripture, but knowledge of God in the present, requires being in His presence and receiving His gift of grace.

Jim

 

[Neofight]

Grace comes from God alone, not the exercise in reading Scripture.

Scripture will bring us greater knowledge of Scripture, but knowledge of God in the present, requires being in His presence and receiving His gift of grace.

Jim

Christ is not only present in the word, but he is the word, so by reading scripture we are indeed in the presence of God and receiving grace.

 

[Graceful_Lamb]

Pray the Rosary, pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, volunteer, or go visit a nursing home.

 

[InternetWoman]

Lighthouse Catholic Media has over 350 talks in MP3 format. You can even get a monthly subscription for just $3. What a bargain!

lighthousecatholicmedia.org/

 

[lax16]

But as with anything, reading, especially the Scriptures and the spiritual writers, is a great channel of grace.

So I hope you are not actually telling this OP that it’s fine to reject reading. It isn’t and can be very unwise in the spiritual realm.

As a special educator, I know that some people do not learn from reading. Many in the population even have undiagnosed dyslexia.

Books on tape, videos and hearing the scripture read aloud are just as beneficial as reading is, to a person with a learning disability.

The key is that such a person keep moving forward and develop strategies that work for them.

 

[MaryHelp777]

I would like to know some ways to grow my faith that don’t involve reading. I’m not much of a reader, and I don’t get anything all that meaningful from books. What are some great ways to grow in faith that don’t involve reading?

Thanks!

Go to dynamic catholic.com

Click decision point

Listen to the free 70 online videos on catholicism

Or

Go to YouTube,
Type in Archbishop Fulton Sheen, and listen to any of his sermons (He was very interesting and very funny)

Or
Go to YouTube
Type in Mother Angelica (and listen to any of her shows)

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Another way:

Watch the movie “Passion of the Christ”

Watch the series “The Mini Bible Series”

Watch.the movie “Son of God”

Look.up catholic movies

There is one on the Miracle of Fatima, that is really good, one on Padre Pio, St John Bosco, Pope John Paul Ii, St Theresa the Little Flower,

Download.the app “Truth and Life”
And then listen to the audio of the New Testament for Free (which is made up of different top Hollywood actors, background music, sound effects, etc… It’s like listening to movie of the bible)

Join a youth prayer group, or any prayer group

Go to adoration once a week or once a month

 

[MaryHelp777]

Hey guys:
Awesome idea:

“Action Bible” series, is a graphic novel series of 5 comics that tell the whole story of the Bible, in a cool modern way,

It has sold 1/2 million copies.

The artist who helped draw that comics also worked with Marvel, Stan Lee, and DC Comics, and helped work on initial drawings for Batman and Captain America.

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Kingstone app, also has comics of different Bible episodes from.the same artist, for download on the app for 2 usd each approx

 

[redbetta]

I like reading, but, hate sitting still for long periods of time. I usually listen to Catholic Answers radio shows and focus and Word on Fire while exercising. Chesterton’s Orthodoxy is also good in audiobook format.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Christ is not only present in the word, but he is the word, so by reading scripture we are indeed in the presence of God and receiving grace.

The “Word,” is not the literary word, but the indwelling spirit of Christ himself in the soul.

Grace comes from Him alone.

Jim

 

[Neofight]

The “Word,” is not the literary word, but the indwelling spirit of Christ himself in the soul.

Grace comes from Him alone.

Jim

Oh but it is…you may want to read what the church father’s have to say.

 

[Graceful_Lamb]

The “Word,” is not the literary word, but the indwelling spirit of Christ himself in the soul.

Grace comes from Him alone.

Jim

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

 

[jaimeleglise]

Do something very nice for your mother to let her know how much you appreciate her.

 

[pensmama87]

As a special educator, I know that some people do not learn from reading. Many in the population even have undiagnosed dyslexia.

Books on tape, videos and hearing the scripture read aloud are just as beneficial as reading is, to a person with a learning disability.

The key is that such a person keep moving forward and develop strategies that work for them.

Yes! And apply this to your academic life, too. You have mentioned in other threads that you use vaping to help you concentrate. I would not suggest this as a long term fix for studying, etc. Reach out to resources on campus to help you with reading when it cannot be avoided or substituted (and even perhaps for services that could help you in your coursework - I used to be a notetaker for students with learning difficulties.)

I don’t think you should give up on reading entirely because it can be such a great tool even if it is not as intuitive for you as other things, but yes, absolutely seek out these other methods in the meantime.