December is Spiritual Literacy Month. What does this mean? The goal is to read one or more books about spirituality, faith, or religion. The observance was conceived to show respect to all beliefs by encouraging people to read spiritual texts from other faiths. It’s possible to be spiritual without being religious. Being spiritual means believing in a higher power without following the doctrine of any organized religion.
One reason to bolster your faith-based reading habit in December is because it promotes seeking some quiet, restful time during a season that can be overwhelming. Plus, with the new year approaching and the reason for the season causing many to turn toward spiritual thoughts, it’s a great time to cement a new habit.
Here are three ways you can add faith-based literature to your reading habit this month:
1. START A BOOK CLUB OR SWAP: A book club doesn’t need to be formal; simply gather some friends, decide on a book to read and spend some time discussing it. A book swap simply means a group of friends each invests in a faith-based book and then you trade them when you’re done reading. That lets you all read more books for the price of one.
2. DOWNLOAD A BIBLE APP: If you want to spend faith-based reading time in the word, make it more convenient with an app. If you have a smartphone or tablet, you can download options such as Bible Gateway’s app and have access to scripture anywhere. Since most of these apps come with multiple Bible versions, you can cross reference scripture, and many apps also include commentaries or research resources.
3. INVEST IN AMAZON’S KINDLE UNLIMITED PROGRAM: Those who enjoy inspirational fiction can get their fill of it through Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited program. If you have an Amazon Kindle device or other compatible tablet or computer, you can pay $9.99 per month to access unlimited reading material through it. You can check out up to 10 books at a time, though you’re limited to books that are being marketed under this program. Still, there are hundreds of inspirational fictional titles available on any day.
P.S. Project Pneuma is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
