Yes, you read the title correctly: There is indeed a brewing controversy over the use of dust-jackets on hard cover books. One side says they add to the reader’s pleasure of the book at hand. The other says that they get in the way, and impede the reading of a book, thereby taking the pleasure out of reading.
For the sake of disclosure I must come right out, and say that I am not a fan of the dust-jacket, whatsoever. Though they tend to be attractive, even pretty, they are rather useless, as well, making them “pretty useless.”
The only time I find them to be alright is when they are on a book borrowed from the Public Library. They go the extra step, and add an extra layer of protection. They actually tape a clear cover over the stock dust-jacket, making the cover of the book impenetrable.
I thought to myself, “Self, I wonder what others think of this oh so important issue?” So, I asked ten random people what their personal preference is in regard to dust-jackets. Here are the results:
4 Pro-dust jacket
3 Anti-dust jacket
2 What is a dust-jacket?
1 What is a book?
The bottom line: I thought I’d simply have some fun with this “issue.” Yet, here is some food for thought:
We live in a world today that, by and large, has its priorities totally messed up. People care about trivial matters, such as entertainment, and sports. Of course, there is nothing wrong with those things. I enjoy some sports, and I do like to be entertained.
However, the most important thing in life is to know the Lord, and make Him the top priority in life. Everything else pales in comparison.
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:1-14
Time to get back to my Library book…
Grace and peace,
Bob
Bob Picard Pastor, God’s Grace Bible Church, Millbury, MA
SUPPLY OF GRACE 
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