Note from Randy: This Q&A appeared in the latest issue of our ministry’s magazine. My thanks to EPM staff member Stephanie Anderson for her answer.

Question from a reader:

How can I discern whether a certain Christian book or podcast is good to read or listen to? I have a hard time knowing which ones hold to good teaching and honor what's found in Scripture.

Answer from Stephanie Anderson, EPM staff:

We are to be like the Bereans, who carefully checked the Apostle Paul’s teachings against Scripture to discern whether what he said was true (see Acts 17:11). Scripture also tells us to “test all things. Hold on to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Our ministry frequently receives questions about whether we/Randy are familiar with a particular resource, and the following are some evaluative tips we often use.

In evaluating books, it can be helpful to check a book's Amazon page, and see who it is published by and also who has endorsed the book. Reading customer reviews (both the positive ones and the negative ones!) can give you an idea of the book's content as well as potential pitfalls.

In her article Becoming a Discerning Christian Reader, Brandi Davis offers these tips:

• Check the author’s social media and/or website. If you see ungodly fruit there, it will most likely show up in what they write.
• Research the publisher of the book. Some publishers target a very specific Christian demographic, and knowing more about them may help you make a clear decision.
• Read a sample. Many online booksellers allow you to read the first few pages of a chapter on their website.

In the case of a podcast, consider looking through their website and episode descriptions. See what guests have been on the podcast. After sampling some episodes, here are some questions to ask:

• Does this podcast lead me to have a deeper love for God and His Word?
• Does this podcast point me to Christ and help me to know and love Him more?
• Does this podcast help me obey Philippians 4:8 (thinking about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable)?
• Could my time be better spent studying/ listening to other resources?

Randy writes, “Our theology tends to come from whatever we trust.” We want to encourage readers to be wise and careful in what they put their trust in.

In his article 15 Discernment Diagnostics, Kevin DeYoung writes, “Mature Christians do not cast a critical eye on everyone and everything a hair’s breadth different from them. But they are discerning, and they are careful.”