Masland Library Blog

If it is true that nothing even remotely compares to knowing Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:8), and I believe that is true, then how does a follower of Christ handle literature? Why do we promote learning other things to such an extent? Why are we not simply studying the Scriptures constantly? It is them that point to Christ after all (John 5:39). These are questions that have hounded me for a good portion of this semester, and I am finally ready to approach an answer to them – from the example found in Acts 17.

Once we have traveled 16 verses into Acts 17, we find Paul hanging around in Athens. He was just sent away from Berea because of the angry Jewish mob that had been chasing him, and he is now waiting for Timothy and Silas to catch up. Since Paul never made a habit out of wasting time (something I need to learn from), he immediate started, “preaching Jesus and the resurrection” (17:18, ESV). Paul’s teaching apparently caught the attention of some Greek philosophers, and from verses 18 – 32 we can listen in on their dialogue. During the course of this discussion, Paul both uses their own sculptures (vv. 22-23), and quoted from a couple of their own poets, the [1]Cretan poet Epimenides, and the Cilician poet Aratus (v. 28). This should tell us two things: firstly, that Paul knew the current poets of his time, and secondly, that Paul used those poets as a door to reach people with the gospel.

This has convicted me personally, both with the amount that I interact with literature, and with what I do with it. Here at the library, we have a massive supply of books ranging from literary classics to biblical commentaries. I believe, as good stewards of the time God has given us, that we should engage ourselves deeply in both. During our time Philadelphia Biblical University, we have an incredible opportunity to gain knowledge about Christ, and the world He has called us to minister in. Let’s engage carefully, and thoughtfully, in literature. That way, when the time arises, we can be like Paul and use the world around us start conversations about Jesus – the only knowledge that truly matters.

Did you know that PBU recently added another database to our collection? If you are in Lit and Arts this semester this could be the perfect database for you as you finish up all those projects. And even if you aren’t, it could be beneficial to look this new database over beforehand so you know how to use it when due dates start approaching far too quickly, as they often do.

The new database is named ARTSTOR. Its' digital library is made up of more than one million images. Although a database of images may not seem entirely helpful when your task is to find how culture and values are represented in various art pieces, I found it to be extremely beneficial.

Last weekend I was working on my project studying Greek art. Using JSTOR, another helpful database, I found the sculpture that I planned to study, but I could not find a picture of it in color anywhere on JSTOR. Since I needed to print the picture in color for the assignment, I immediately felt frustrated and wondered if I would have to pick a new art piece altogether. Thankfully, I decided to take a quick peak on ARTSTOR and I am so glad I did. Within seconds of typing my sculpture’s name into the search bar I was given many choices of my sculpture IN COLOR! I even squealed a little bit in excitement…or maybe it was relief.

So, go on the library website, click online databases, click ARTSTOR, click “go” on the pop up, type in your subject, and get going! There are even fancy little pamphlets at the library front desk if you want some more information.

Worry no longer, my friends about those Lit and Arts projects. ARTSTOR can save the day.

~Christa Joy Ciotta

Sikyon, Euthychides Of. Tyche of Antioch. Digital image. ARTstor. Italian and Other European Art (Scala Archives). Web. 7 Dec. 2010. .