How a Commonplace Book Can Transform Your Faith
Capture, Curate, Create: A Tool for Discipleship and Encouragement
The Christian life is a life of remembering. God commands His people to remember His works, His promises, and His words throughout Scripture. From the stones of remembrance in Joshua 4 to Christ's command at the Last Supper - "Do this in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19). Our faith is deeply tied to the discipline of recalling truth. In a world filled with distractions, fleeting thoughts, and an endless flood of information, we must develop a habit of remembering what truly matters.
About a year ago I discovered Commonplace Books on YouTube. I watched videos from
, and (Park Notes) - one of my favorite youtube accounts, they are just great. And got hooked by the concept of commonplacing. Which was, and still is very enriching. So what exactly are Commonplace Books and where did they originate?A commonplace book is not a diary or journal in the traditional sense. It doesn't record personal events or emotions. It serves as a repository for wisdom. This includes quotations, reflections, passages of Scripture, sermon notes, theological insights, and personal thoughts on spiritual matters. It is a collection of intellectual and spiritual treasures gathered from various sources and organized for reflection and retrieval. Many great Christian minds throughout history kept their own versions of commonplace books. Jonathan Edwards meticulously recorded his theological insights. C.S. Lewis compiled thoughts and reflections on literature, theology, and philosophy. Even Charles Spurgeon, whose sermons are full of rich and poetic expressions, had a habit of writing down the words and ideas that inspired him. Johann Gerhard, one of the greatest theologians, who wrote “sacred meditations” wrote his own commonplace book and shaped thousands of thousands of believers. Including me. (reading recommendation! I may write an article about “sacred meditations”).
At its core, a commonplace book is intensely personal. There's no one right way to keep one - it can be handwritten, typed, or even digital. I personally prefer the handwritten way. The key is that it reflects your unique perspective and captures the moments of wisdom you personally want to preserve. That was one of the hardest things at the beginning for me. I would liked to have a guide... But since there is no right or wrong with commonplace books, you have to find the best solution for yourself. However, I hope that I can inspire you with this article.
The Origins
The concept of a commonplace book has its origins in the traditions of note-taking that can be traced back to antiquity. Classical philosophers such as Aristotle and his students employed the practice of hypomnemata, a method of maintaining personal records of useful information or quotations. They were used as tools for philosophical exploration, and personal improvement. The Roman philosopher Seneca advocated a similar practice, encouraging his students to collect wise sayings in order to internalize and apply them to life. Such collections allowed for the development of critical thinking and the synthesis of knowledge, laying the groundwork for what would become the commonplace book. During the medieval period, monks and scholars employed analogous methodologies for the documentation of knowledge. Monastic scribes maintained florilegia (Latin for "flower collections"), anthologies of notable quotations, scriptures, and commentaries, frequently organized by subject matter. This greatly facilitated the spread of theological and philosophical thought throughout Christendom.
The Golden Age
We can say that the Renaissance marked a turning point in the history of the commonplace book. With the advent of the printing press in the 15th century, books became more widely available and the practice of collecting knowledge became accessible to a wider audience. Erasmus of Rotterdam, a leading Renaissance thinker, popularized the concept of commonplaces (loci communes), which were categories under which one could organize quotations and ideas. This method of thematic organization became a hallmark of the tradition of commonplace books that continues to this day. Students were often required to compile their own, learning to extract key ideas and organize them systematically.
The Enlightenment era saw a massive surge in the popularity of commonplace books. Thinkers such as John Locke wholeheartedly endorsed their use. Locke even wrote a comprehensive guide on how to organize one effectively. They were transformed into personal libraries of knowledge, tailored to the interests and intellectual pursuits of their owners.
The Decline
The decline of commonplace books in the 20th century was inevitable. It was driven by societal and technological changes that reshaped how people engaged with knowledge. The rise of mass media like newspapers, radio and television, and eventually the internet, transformed the way how we consume media and get new information. The deliberate process of reading and reflecting that defined commonplace books was sadly replaced by a passive reception encouraged by media. The sheer volume and speed of information made it impossible to engage in the reflective practices that had defined commonplace books for centuries. In an increasingly fast paced world, commonplace books simply had no place. Education, once a cornerstone of the commonplace tradition, also played a role in its decline. By the 20th century, education had clearly shifted to a more standardized model. Efficiency and uniformity were prioritized over personalized intellectual exploration. Textbooks with pre-packaged curricula, and a growing focus on examinations replaced the need for students to curate their own knowledge. Technological advances undoubtedly accelerated this trend. The typewriter formalized and standardized note taking, while computers and digital tools transformed information management. But thats not all…
Cultural shifts undoubtedly compounded these changes too. The 20th century's focus on specialization and reliance on experts was a clear indicator of the diminishing value placed on individual knowledge collection. People looked to institutions and professionals to curate and synthesize information, moving away from the Renaissance ideal of the "universal learner." This led to the demise of the once common practice of compiling personal repositories of wisdom. By the mid 20th century, commonplace books were a thing of the past. Overtaken by tools and habits designed for a rapidly evolving world, they had largely disappeared from everyday life. But their influence is undeniable. Modern approaches to personal knowledge management, from digital note-taking apps to productivity systems, unquestionably draw from the principles of this timeless tradition. The era of physical commonplace books may have ended, but their legacy endures. They remain relevant in even the most connected and fast-paced of times. But wait, there is good news! After all, the headline reads why you should use a commonplace book!
The Revival
Today, commonplace books are experiencing a revival. This is driven by a renewed appreciation for analog tools and intentional practices in a digital age. Writers and creators are rediscovering the immense value of commonplace books as spaces for creativity, and intellectual engagement. In the beginning, I was also a strong supporter of digital tools, but I'm increasingly switching to analog tools. They are much slower and therefore more pleasant to work with. You have much more time to formulate your thoughts, which helps a lot when thinking for yourself. Digital tools like Notion, and Obsidian are great digital tools, but I prefer paper notebooks.
The revival is inextricably linked to broader cultural movements. Minimalism, mindfulness, and the "slow living" ethos has encouraged many, including me, to step back from the noise of modern life and focus on what truly matters. We are responsible for what media we consume. And as we can no longer keep up with the flood of information, it is all the more important to filter it for quality. TikTok has already taken up enough of my time. A commonplace book is the ideal tool for this. It allows you to slow down, reflect, and preserve what resonates most deeply. The act of physically writing down a quote, insight, or observation is deliberate and enduring. And it feels good. Really. It sounds so stupid but it really does. Well, that could be because these digital tools have taken me over too much in the past. It is a great way to reclaim ownership over the information we consume.
Why Should Christians Keep a Commonplace Book?
A commonplace book is a great tool for biblical meditation. The Scriptures repeatedly urge us to meditate on God's law day and night, yet we find this difficult in the modern age. Writing out verses that strike your heart, recording reflections on their meaning, and preserving the insights gained through prayerful study deepens your engagement with the text. This approach, unlike passive reading, forces our mind to slow down and absorb the richness of God's revelation. Beyond Scripture itself, a commonplace book also allows us to preserve spiritual insights gained over time. God speaks to His people through sermons, theological books, conversations, and personal experiences, but these moments are often lost because they weren't written down. You don’t want to know how often I forgot what I read or what the sermon was about… What once moved my heart in a powerful way fades from memory naturally, if not recorded. By capturing these moments in writing, we create a growing archive of wisdom that can be revisited and built upon. A fleeting thought today might become a wellspring of encouragement years later. Our Christian life is a lifelong journey of learning, deepening our understanding of God, His character, and His work in the world. It serves as a personal theological journal, chronicling how our knowledge of God matures and strengthens. When faced with doubt or confusion, looking back on recorded insights brings clarity and reassurance, reminding us of the solid foundation which is already laid down. It will also cultivate gratitude. Just as the Israelites were instructed to remember God's past faithfulness, you too can record God’s dealings in your life an start to see patterns of divine providence. Prayers that seemed unanswered in the moment become clear signs of God's perfect timing. Seasons of spiritual dryness become more understandable when viewed in contrast to past periods of growth. Gratitude will deepen when we actively recall and record the ways in which God has provided, led, and comforted us. And there is a communal aspect to this practice, too: Christianity is not an isolated faith… it is passed down from one generation to another, and the wisdom of those who have gone before strengthens those who come after. Christians throughout history have benefited from the writings of theologians and preachers, and a well kept commonplace book can become a resource for others. It doesn't need to be a formal theological treatise, but it should serve as a record of a believer's personal engagement with the truth. Something that will encourage our children, our friends, or our fellow believers. Keeping a commonplace book is an act of stewardship. Knowledge and wisdom are gifts from God, and preserving them is a way of honoring what He has given.
Redeeming the Practice of Writing for God’s Glory
The Bible is written to be engaged with. The book of Proverbs is filled with wisdom sayings meant to be collected and reflected upon. The psalms are structured in poetic form, designed to be remembered and recited. Christ's teachings were often delivered in parables, not just to be heard once, but to be pondered and understood more deeply over time. As the book of Proverbs teaches, steadfast love and faithfulness should never be forsaken. They should be "bound around your neck" and "written on the tablet of your heart" (Proverbs 3:3).
Commonplacing is also an act of humility. We acknowledge that wisdom is not something we naturally retain, but something we must intentionally seek and preserve. Even the wisest among us forget what we have learned if we do not revisit it. Paul urges Timothy to "guard the good deposit entrusted to you" (2 Timothy 1:14). Truth must be protected, stored up, and revisited lest it be lost in the noise of the world. Especially in our modern wold, shaped by the internet. Ironic, isn’t it?
Redeeming the practice of writing for God's glory is reclaiming something ancient and powerful that has shaped the people of God for generations. The early church fathers meticulously documented their Scripture and theological insights, ensuring that their wisdom would endure for posterity. The Reformers filled their writings with carefully preserved biblical insights, ensuring that the truths recovered in their time would not be lost. Great Christian thinkers throughout history - Augustine, Edwards, Luther, (especially) Johann Gerhard, Lewis and many other used writing as a means of engaging with God's truth, collecting wisdom, and sharpening their minds for the glory of Christ.
For us christians, a commonplace book is should not be just a personal habit. It is a spiritual discipline, meditating on God's Word. It is an act of worship. It is a written testimony, a witness to the journey of faith, a record of God's work, and will always be a reminder of His steadfast love to us. As the psalmist says, "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old" (Psalm 77:11).
Amen.
Start using your Commonplace Book!
It doesn't matter whether you choose to go digital or stick with pen and paper. Starting a commonplace book will transform how you engage with the Bible, the world and yourself. I gurantee you: It changed me totally. The only thing you have to do right now is to start. And, I know, that is probably the hardest part. But don’t be too harsh with yourself. For a long time, my reason was that I didn't want to make any mistakes. But that’s stupid. We all make mistakes while writing and it doesn’t matter if the line isn’t that straight like you imagined. So start commonplacing and don’t let your perfectionism hinder you.
I use the Leuchtturm and Moleskine Notebooks, they are both perfect. But a cheaper one or a college blog is perfectly fine for the start. Either way, the most important thing is to start. If you plan to archieve your books in the future, I personally prefer quality notebooks. Also, stick with it and make it a habit. That will help you a lot!
If you liked this article, I would be delighted to receive a comment or further suggestions from you. Maybe you can give others some more tips in the comments.
Thanks for reading,
Matthew
A valuable reminder of the various communicative modes the Holy Spirit uses to inspire His people to move forward with their godly service in the world.
great reminding. I write frequently, trying to write daily. And hope to write sacred meditatios as what you reminded here.