The Bible is our ultimate authority, but that does not mean we cannot read other books. Whether for pleasure, learning, understanding the Bible better, or gaining perspective on the world and humanity, reading other books can equip, encourage, and enrich our walk with Christ.
The Bible alone carries the unmatched authority of being God-breathed, but that doesn’t mean other books are without value. Scripture calls us to grow in wisdom and seek understanding, and faithful, Christ-centered books can illuminate God’s truth and help us live it out more fully. Even the Apostle Paul quoted secular poets to connect the gospel to his audience, reminding us that truth about life, humanity, and other things are found in unexpected places. Books about medicine, business, education, or everyday life can equip us to fulfill God’s unique calling in the world. Books read for pleasure can allow us to rest and abide in Christ, seeing them as a gift to our imaginations and lives. Books on the Bible can help us better understand how to read and apply it. So, clearly reading other books besides the Bible is not inherently a sin. Yet, every book must be weighed against Scripture, so that while we learn from many voices, we never lose our anchor in God’s Word (Psalm 1).
There are many reasons to read other books other than just the Bible. Other books are important to help people learn to read. From the earliest stages of learning, children's books and learning tools are necessary for literacy. The Bible was never meant to be a comprehensive and exhaustive book about everything and anything. Many books are also important for or helpful with the practicalities of daily living, such as medical books, mechanical manuals, academic texts, and even cook books. Many fields of learning require reading outside of the Bible. For example, if God calls a person to serve as a medical missionary, that person will need to read books related to medicine in order to fulfill their God-given calling. If God calls a person to run a business, he or she will need to read books related to economics and business. And the list goes on. This type of reading is consistent with God's teachings in obeying God's will for that person's life. It would be foolish to think that we should only read the Bible and not learn the information and skills necessary to live well and glorify Him in all we do.
There are also many books that can help us better learn what the Bible teaches. For example, Bible dictionaries, commentaries, and online resources can assist in understanding difficult passages and how others have interpreted them throughout the history of the church. Books don’t have to only serve a utilitarian purpose, though; we can also read for leisure or entertainment. Though Christians are called to focus on appropriate and helpful concepts (Philippians 4:8), many inspirational books, biographies, and fiction novels can be enjoyable books that provide rest, creative thinking, or encouragement. We can honor God even with the fictional or inspirational books we read.
A word of caution is important when it comes to Christians reading other books besides the Bible. First, there is the concern of content. Is the book you are reading helping you grow spiritually, or is it at least something God would approve of you reading? Second, there is the concern of time. Is the reading of a particular book the best use of your time as a follower of Christ? Even a good book could be a bad decision if it is keeping you from God's calling for your life in other areas. Third, is the reading of other books interfering with reading God's Book? No book is as important as the Bible, and those who focus on it daily are blessed (Psalm 1). So while God calls us to glorify Him in every area of life, this does not exclude Christians from reading other books in addition to the Bible that can help us grow in our walk with Him and better serve others.