Why limit references to and reviews of external works to those created by dead authors?

While a work may be analyzed on its own merits, and the beneficial material within a particular work may be helpful apart from the life of the author, the credence of an argument or an exposition or an instruction is certainly informed by the life of its author. Once a man has died, his life can be assessed, as to whether he remained faithful and finished well or whether what he wrote needs to be discounted by a less-than-exemplary application or finish. Additionally, this limit avoids disputes over current issues that are being handled by currently-living writers, some of whom may have very wise and appropriate things to say on the issue. But such issues and such discussions can too easily lead to needless disputes over personalities or over particular applications regarding modern issues. Furthermore, this limit helps us to avoid chasing after spiritual fads, the newest book by the latest author, and the newest hot dispute among this or that group of professing believers. Some of these books are very helpful, and some of these disputes are very needful to understand (and maybe even be involved in).  Accordingly, from time to time, book reviews and current topics may be discussed here; and those may include works by living authors and current discussions within Christianity.  But generally, we will seek to use classic works to address spiritual issues and support within this blog.