Bible study (Christianity)
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In
Personal Bible study
In
Christians of all denominations may use study Bibles and Bible reading notes to assist them in their personal Bible studies. In some cases, the practice of reading through the entire Bible in a year is followed, this usually requires readings each day from both the Old and New Testament. This practice, however, has been widely criticized[by whom?] on the basis that the understanding gained of each specific passage is too vague.
The association of Bible study and prayer is an important one. Christians do not merely study the Bible as an academic discipline, but with the desire to know God better. Therefore, they frequently pray that God will give them understanding of the passage being studied. They also consider it necessary to consider what they read with an attitude of respect, rather than the critical attitude which is frequently followed in formal study. To them, the Bible is not just a sacred book, but is the very Word of God, that is, a message from God which has direct relevance to their daily lives.
Inductive Bible study
Inductive Bible study is a means of studying and exegeting a biblical passage. Richard Krejcir describes it terms of "interviewing a passage" without preconceptions or agendas.[3] Inductive Bible study involves examining the ideas and words of the text, which leads to the meanings and then the interpretations, which in turn lead the reader to conclusions and applications.[3] In inductive study, the reader will read a passage and then ask questions of how they personally interpret the verse(s). These questions can range from what the verse(s) literally means to how it applies to the believer's present personal circumstances. The purpose of these questions is to go deep enough into the text to extract the meaning and then to apply that gained knowledge to their personal life in order to create change for their own or other people's benefit.[4]
Exegetical Bible study
In this type of study, the believer also goes beyond the surface value of the text. However, the purpose is not so much for personal application as gaining information. Exegetical study is used most often by pastors, theologians, writers, professors, and church leaders in order to prepare for sharing lessons with others. It is often categorized as advanced Bible study and is meant to extract the ideas found in the text for the primary purpose of teaching.[4]
Bible study in small groups
Bible study groups within congregations are sometimes known as
Some Churches encourage the formation of small groups while others form casually or due to shared interest or common circumstances (such as a singles small group or a newly wed couple group). These groups range from young children, normally middle school and up led by an adult, to elderly people. These groups can even interact with other small groups. Groups may be formed based on age group (e.g. youth, young adults, etc.) or by other demographic markers (singles, married couples, gender-specific). Online platforms and social media have made it possible to join virtual study groups, breaking down geographical barriers and enabling people from different parts of the world to share insights and interpretations. This digital aspect has been particularly beneficial during times when in-person gatherings are not feasible, such as during health crises or in regions where religious gatherings are restricted. [5]
Distinctives by Christian denomination
Baptists
With the sola scriptura approach to Sacred Scripture held by Christians of the Baptist tradition, Bible study is viewed as a key practice in furthering one's relationship with God.[6]
Catholicism
The general theme of the "
The 1992 Catechism of the Catholic Church describes principles of Bible Study in paragraphs 101–141 and other sections. For Catholics, the Word of God is not a "dead letter" but is incarnate and living. Christ must through the Holy Spirit open minds to understand the Scriptures.[7]
Eastern Orthodoxy
The Eastern Orthodox Churches teach that "Reading Scripture is important. If prayer is where we speak to God, Scripture is the best way to listen to Him."[10]
Lutheranism
In Lutheran Christianity, Bible study is often done in "small groups, large groups, [and in] personal devotions".[11] The Lectio Divina method of studying Scripture may be employed by Lutherans.[2]
Methodism
The theology of
See also
References
- ^ ISBN 978-0-8132-3171-6.
- ^ a b Sherer, Michael L. (5 July 2013). "Lectio Divina: A way to slow down and listen to God". Metro Lutheran. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
Because this discipline focuses on Scripture and not specific Christian doctrines, it is compatible for use among the faithful in several faith traditions, whether Roman Catholic, Orthodox, or Anglican, Lutheran, or general Protestant. There are, in fact, devotees of Lectio Divina in all such branches of the church.
- ^ a b Krejcir, Richard J. "Why Inductive Bible Study?". Retrieved 7 March 2012.
- ^ a b Krejcir, Richard Joseph. "How to Study the Bible?". Retrieved 29 October 2013.
- ^ "How to Read the Bible for Beginners". Love in Bible. Retrieved 2023-12-15.
- ^ "The Importance of Bible Study". Boyd Avenue Baptist Church. 28 January 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
- ^ Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 108 with allusion to Luke 24:45
- ^ November 11, 2010 Catholic Culture : Latest Headlines : Pope Benedict issues major document on Sacred Scripture (link to full text)
- ^ Synod of Bishops – Index
- ^ Akrotirianakis, Stavros (9 May 2019). "The Importance of Reading Scripture". Orthodox Christian Network. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
- ^ "What is Daily Discipleship?". Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
- The United Methodist Church. 2019. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
External links
- Bible Lessons Online
- bibletruthandprophecy.com
- Bible Study Radio by Bible Study Radio
- Bible Studies - Staying in the Word Archived 2017-03-12 at the Wayback Machine
- Useful Bible Studies
- [1]
- Into Thy Word's Bible Studies
- Daily Portions Bible
- Bible Study Notes
- Small Groups
- The Journal of Inductive Biblical Studies
- Bible Study Topics
- Bible Studies in EasyEnglish by MissionAssist
- Walking with Purpose Catholic Bible Study
- https://onedeterminedlife.com/the-christian-growth-hub-b/ Online Christian resources
- 200 Bible Study Topics