I’m glad I’m not alone on this one. I too have several books I have yet to read and have my eyes on a few more. I’m currently an undergrad at Lancaster Bible College and have many books and articles I probably don’t need but find my self picking them up anyhow.

I do read quite a bit during sermon prep which only aids in acquiring more content to my library. In the end I pray it’s all done to the Glory of God.

I had to laugh when I read your tale of woe. Look at it this way, it is a mental illness and not a character flaw. As a collector and bookseller, I know the malady very well. You’re fortunate that you have a large church with a lot of space under the pews where you can squirrel away your latest purchases. And you are blessed to have an understanding wife. But, alas, many of my customers are not so blessed and must resort to hiding their gems under the couch or behind the TV.

As a book addict, you may enjoy the following story. I had a friend, a very scholarly priest from Butte, whose sister ran a religious artifacts/bookshop in the 1950’s. One day a woman came in looking to buy something for her beau but wasn’t sure what to buy. She looked and looked and looked but nothing. Finally, Vernie said to the woman: “Why don’t you buy him a book?” To which the woman replied: “He’s already got a book”. The response should be the motto of all penniless booksellers.