Reader's Dilemma

​Have you ever chosen a book to read because it sounded interesting, and then you get into it a bit a realize you don’t agree with half of what they say? Maybe you have read other books that contradict it, maybe it challenges what you know, or perhaps it just doesn’t sit right with you? I have read a few books like that lately; seems a few more than normal actually. Not sure why I am drawn to these books, but they did inspire this post. Some of them have some good information in them, but then I find little bits here and there that either challenge my view on something (which is a good thing), or it seems like the author did not do enough research before writing the book (or maybe they were taught incorrectly?). I don’t consider myself an authority on any particular topic, but I do read A LOT of books; mostly metaphysical or psychology related. When it comes to spiritually related topics, there are, of course, not always definitive answers to things. That said, there are some commonly accepted theories and definitions based on what we do know, and there are facts (like recorded historical facts) that just are. While I am all for challenging current theories, stating them as facts we should already know and trust is another thing (in my books).
So what do you do when you come across books like these? Do you stop reading? Do you take what you need from the book and forget the rest? Do they deter you from reading anything further on the topic? Do they make you search out other books on the topic to learn more? Does it turn you off from reading more by that author? Personally, I like to read more than one book on a topic before I make any decisions about what is being said. I will often find a book or two written by someone that contradicts a few things here and there. Sometimes that can be chalked up to personal experience or private teachings. I don’t feel the need to agree with everyone on everything. That simply is not possible. I can also sometimes see how the person may have come to that conclusion based on what I have read so far. I may not agree, but I can see how they would think/feel what they do. Usually, this does not cause me to completely dismiss their writing and avoid them as an author. Though I will admit, that has happened before. I find conflicting opinions to be fascinating. Especially when it comes to metaphysical/spiritual topics. Not everything works for everyone, and sometimes you have to try a lot of different things before you find what works for you. However you feel about the information and/or the author, my advice would be to keep reading, try to see it from multiple angles/viewpoints, and question everything! I highly encourage talking it out with friends/like minded people. Start a discussion group or a book club! Get everyone’s opinion.