Ernie wrote: ↑Sat Mar 11, 2017 8:39 pm
Over the last ten years on MD and MN, I and others have often commented that many evangelicals read the Bible very differently from how early Anabaptists and early Christians commonly read the Bible.
It seems to me that rather than systematizing the content or reading it to see what is explicitly not forbidden,
early Christians and early Anabaptists read the text with the goal of getting into the proper frame of mind to carry out God's will on the earth.
By absorbing the tenor of the New Testament, they believed they were in position to make applications to scripture that would be God-honoring. They didn't seem to avoid calling people to follow them as they followed Christ in places the scriptures didn't give specific direction.
This thread is to explore this subject further.
Just noticed this topic.
It’s been on my mind this year as i’ve “walked through” Catholic confirmation classes with my granddaughter.
The final class is complete. One thing that puzzles me is not once did the group take out their Bibles and read together.
Frequently, confirmands were told, “well, if you want to know more, look up” .. whatever passage, along with empathy that, “well, i know you’re not going to do that,” etc. and, moving the discussion/mostly lecture on.
There was a lot of talk about the Bible. Not actual reading the Bible.
There were mixed messages about how exciting+interesting the Bible is, tempered with messages of, “but we know you’re not going to read it.”
i found it confusing. maybe even somewhat insulting. also, sad. they were told to google passages. not to “take out their Bibles” to read.
This is one experience, remote via zoom, i understand many teachers/leaders have had to adapt “on their feet.”
My impression is, reading the Bible is not a primary goal. i am grateful i was welcome to “audit” this class. a new experience for me.
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Secondly, regarding the OP, on MD i learned there are Bibles written
without chapter+verse, i have not seen one.
It makes me wonder how differently scriptures might read in this format? The earliest format.
Is this part of what Ernie is describing/questioning about how response has changed, is understood and lived?
It might be.
Is reading meant for parsing? Or understanding? (Intent, purpose of study, is important.)