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The Parable of the Bookstores

And he began to teach them in parables . . .

Dave went out one day to shop for new books. He had heard of a new bookstore in town that, it was said, carried classic works of enduring truth, as well as up-to-date publications that were especially relevant to the issues of the current times. That, he thought, was certainly a good thing, and so many people had recommended the new store to him in such superlative terms that he anticipated his first visit there with great excitement.

When he arrived at the store, he found the parking lot packed. Upon entering the store, he quickly saw the reason for the crowd. A popular author was seated at a table off to one side, signing books. A long line of eager autograph-seekers stretched through the store. Finding a gap in the line, he excused himself and passed through to browse the aisles.

What he found caught him by surprise. On one side was a magazine rack filled with glossy publications, their content ranging from merely trivial to grotesquely crass. Magazines covers flashed feature articles with such titles as “Hot Wives of the Bible” and “He Likes It Dirty.” On the other side, a large display of NEW RELEASES! carried titles like Sugar and Spice and Naughty Is Nice, and Holy Harlotry. Appalled, he nearly turned and left the store. But, wanting to give it a fair chance, he pressed on past the first racks.

Towards the back of the store, he was encouraged to find some truly good material. Works of Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Owen, Edwards, Spurgeon, and many other heroes of church history; Bible commentaries and systematic theologies; stacks of MacArthur Study Bibles. Surrounded by such riches, he began to feel better. Maybe the place isn’t so bad, he thought.

After a browsing a while longer, he selected a couple of good books and headed up to the checkout. On the way, he remembered the book signing. He made his way to that side of the store, where he found the prominent display of the author’s new book: Ecclesiastes 9:10: 101 Dirty Jokes You Can Tell in Church.* Crestfallen, he put his books back on the shelf and left the store. Outside, he was approached by another shopper.

“Quite a store, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, you can say that again,” Dave replied, a trace of disgust in his voice.

“You don’t like it?” the other asked.

“Well, no, I guess not. In fact, I was quite appalled at some of the stuff they sell. Disgusted, to tell the truth. They should be ashamed! I won’t be coming back.”

“Oh, I see; not quite up with the times, are you? This is a different generation. We’ve got to meet them where they are, you know. If we’re going to reach today’s culture, we’ve got to speak their language and address the issues that concern them.”

Disgusted, and in no mood to argue with a fool, Dave just shook his head and turned to leave. About that time, another gentleman strolled up, an older fellow this time.

“I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation. Let me tell you, I share your concerns. I don’t approve of some of the stuff they sell. But look at all the good books they carry. They’re doing some good.”

“Good or not,” replied Dave, “I hope they’ll either take out the trash, or close their doors.”

The older man replied, “Well, that’s a rather harsh reaction, isn’t it? You don’t want to throw the baby out with the bathwater!”

With some considerable effort, Dave bridled his tongue, and with as much patience as he could muster, said, “Would you come with me? I want to show you something.” The man consented, and they drove away.

Their destination was another bookstore. Browsing the aisles they found works of Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Owen, Edwards, Spurgeon, and many other heroes of church history; Bible commentaries and systematic theologies; stacks of MacArthur Study Bibles. They drove to another store, where they found works of Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Owen, Edwards, Spurgeon, and many other heroes of church history; Bible commentaries and systematic theologies; stacks of MacArthur Study Bibles. And on they went, visiting two more stores in the city, where they found . . . works of Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Owen, Edwards, Spurgeon, and many other heroes of church history; Bible commentaries and systematic theologies; stacks of MacArthur Study Bibles.

Arriving back in the new bookstore’s parking lot, Dave turned to his companion. “Now, about that baby . . .”

* A popular pastor has actually told such a joke repeatedly.

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