It's important. And in most cases... I believe essential.
Reading takes your mind places it cannot go on it's own. Books house whole new worlds that expand the mind. Literature is so diverse. There are infinite topics... you can't tell me you're not interested in at least one. It's not only about learning, but amusement, wonder, challenges, and a sense that we're not alone.
I do not have this opinion simply because I am an education major. I suppose that could be a large part of it. Although, it is amazing how many education majors and teachers I meet that absolutely hate reading or maybe even worse are completely apathetic about about. I might be able to understand if a high school math teacher struggles with a love for reading, but any teacher who teaches all subjects (K-6th) should have a broad love for knowledge... that includes reading. Nearly every other subject requires it. It's the basis of knowledge. If you as the teacher don't have a passion for the basis of knowledge, how do you ever expect to light a fire in your students. It just completely blows my mind.
When it comes to spiritual maturity, I also believe that reading has an important role. First being that there is a book called the Bible... and the God of the universe who created your innermost being speaks to you through it. Secondly, there are so very many wise christians that have come before us. They struggled and mulled over a good deal of what we do currently. Quite a few were righteous people that sought God out and have some remarkable things to share. And lastly, it's important to know the theories and beliefs that float around in the modern day world. Some have foundation and like works from past followers can help us grow and learn. Others are nowhere near the truth but we have to be aware of them. When I think of people I know who are spiritually mature or are strong leaders, they are well read. I don't think that's a coincidence.
I'm not saying reading is the above all, end all and it's impossible to wise without. In today's culture there are many other options. Technology has exploded with other options for gaining information. It's just a matter of searching out the right information. The very thing that has made it easier for those who struggle with reading to learn has crippled many. We get bored too quickly and don't have the patience to sit down and read a book.
Needless to say, I have a passion for reading. I do not yet consider myself "well read", but I am working on it. I only wish there were more hours in the day for me to do all I need to and read as much as I would like to.
Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~Author Unknown
I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~Anna Quindlen, "Enough Bookshelves," New York Times
Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers. ~Charles W. Eliot
The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them. ~Mark Twain, attributed
Books let us into their souls and lay open to us the secrets of our own. ~William Hazlitt
Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren't very new after all. ~Abraham Lincoln
TV. If kids are entertained by two letters, imagine the fun they'll have with twenty-six. Open your child's imagination. Open a book. ~Author Unknown
Books had instant replay long before televised sports. ~Bern Williams
To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting. ~Edmund Burke
Books - the best antidote against the marsh-gas of boredom and vacuity. ~George Steiner
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