Sound Thinking
His Holiness Pope Shenouda speaks about the importance of sound thinking, which directs man toward goodness and spirituality, affirming that the mind never stops working — if it is not occupied with good, it will work in evil. Therefore, thought must be directed toward what is pure and holy.
Gates of thought and their influence
He explains that the gates of thought are reading, hearing, and the senses.
All can become spiritual channels if used properly. Looking at icons, listening to hymns, and smelling the incense in church all bring spiritual ideas into the soul, affecting the heart, feelings, and will, leading to good actions.
The danger of what enters the mind
He warns that what we read, hear, or see enters the subconscious mind and affects our values and behavior without realizing it. Thus, the personality is formed according to the kind of knowledge and content we feed upon — whether from books, films, or conversations.
The effect of reading and hearing on character formation
He confirms that reading matures thought, broadens understanding, and builds character. But the type of reading determines one’s spiritual or intellectual direction: reading the lives of saints strengthens the spirit, while focusing on atheistic or sinful writings weakens the mind and faith. Likewise, hearing can deeply influence for good or evil.
The need for discernment and awareness
He advises reading with understanding and examination, and not accepting any idea without testing. The mind must be the guardian of the ear, not its follower. He warns against admiring every new idea without discernment, for some new teachings are heresies or deviations from Orthodox faith.
The spiritual approach to reading and hearing
He encourages deep spiritual reading that nourishes the soul and draws it closer to God — such as reading the Holy Bible, sayings of the Fathers, and lives of saints — while meditating on all that is read or heard.
He explains that the Church offers holy means that nourish thought: hymns, readings, incense, and icons.
Christian upbringing and the home
He calls parents to watch what their children hear, read, and see, for all these shape their future thoughts and personality.
The Christian home should be filled with spiritual elements: sacred pictures, hymns, sermons, and edifying readings.
The purpose of reading and hearing
He concludes that the goal of reading and hearing is not debate or amusement, but the growth of the spirit and divine knowledge.
Good reading heals emptiness and passions, and through it man feeds on the Word of God, which is “spirit and life.”
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