Pastor Kurt Thomas, Senior Pastor
Should Christians consume only spiritual reading and media in order to protect the mind?
That question may sound simple at first, but on Sabbath afternoon, September 26, 2026, it generated thoughtful arguments, careful reasoning, and meaningful conversation as the Apple Creek Library Ministry hosted its Second Annual Debating Competition.
The proposition before our young people was both timely and challenging:
“Christians should limit reading and media choices to materials that are spiritual in order to protect the avenues of the mind.”
In a generation where a world of information and entertainment is only a click away, the discussion could hardly have been more relevant. What should Christians read? What should we watch? Is everything that is not explicitly spiritual necessarily harmful? And how do we protect our minds while still understanding and engaging the world around us?
Our Young People Rose to the Challenge
One of the most encouraging aspects of the evening was watching our young people wrestle thoughtfully with these questions.
They were challenged not simply to state an opinion, but to develop an argument, listen to opposing perspectives, respond respectfully, and articulate their convictions with confidence.
Whether presenting for or against the proposition, our participants reminded us of something important: the church should be a place where young people are encouraged not merely to know what they believe, but to understand why they believe it.
That kind of engagement develops discernment.
The debate also incorporated principles from Ellen G. White’s The Adventist Home, particularly the counsel concerning guarding the avenues of the mind. Against the backdrop of social media, streaming platforms, books, music, entertainment, and constant digital exposure, the subject invited all of us, not only our youth, to examine what we allow to shape our thoughts and character.
More Than Shelves and Books
Special commendation must be given to Sister Jewel and the entire Apple Creek Library Ministry team for their vision, creativity, and thoughtful preparation.
This initiative reminds us that a church library can be much more than a room filled with books. It can become a place of learning, conversation, spiritual formation, critical thinking, and intergenerational engagement.
Perhaps that was the greatest success of the afternoon. The goal was not simply to determine which side could make the stronger argument. The deeper victory was that our young people were thinking, searching, listening, questioning, and engaging matters of faith.
And that is something worth celebrating.
Paul’s counsel remains remarkably relevant:
“Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
To Sister Jewel, the Library Ministry team, every young person who participated, and everyone who supported the initiative: well done!
May God continue to bless the Apple Creek Library Ministry with creative opportunities that educate the mind, deepen faith, encourage thoughtful conversation, and help another generation learn to view the world through the lens of Christ.
And perhaps the debate should not end with the closing argument.
What are you allowing through the avenues of your mind, and how is it shaping the person you are becoming?