Proof texting and Understanding the Bible as a Missionary Tool with Ben Spackman – Episode 21
Jun 21, 2018
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In this discussion, Ben Spackman, an eclectic historian with a deep understanding of ancient scripture and religious history, shares insights on using the Bible effectively in missionary work. He critiques the common practice of proof texting, highlighting its pitfalls and advocating for a richer, contextual understanding of scripture. Spackman explores how different faith traditions interpret the Bible, urging missionaries to build bridges and embrace deeper comprehension of texts. His expertise encourages thoughtful dialogue over simple doctrinal assertions.
Understanding different interpretations of the Bible enhances missionaries' effectiveness in teaching the gospel across various faith traditions.
Recognizing the limitations of proof texting encourages deeper discussions and more meaningful engagement with scriptural teachings.
Deep dives
The Role of Ancient Scripture in Missionary Work
Ancient scripture, particularly the Bible, plays a significant role in missionary work as it connects Latter-day Saints with those from other faith traditions. Understanding how people from different backgrounds interpret the Bible can enhance the effectiveness of teaching the gospel. This knowledge helps missionaries navigate situations where others may have a different understanding of scriptural references, allowing for clearer communication. Broader insights into ancient scriptures can lead missionaries to more effectively use these texts as teaching tools.
Proof Texting and Its Implications
Proof texting involves using specific Bible verses to support a particular doctrine or idea, often without considering the surrounding context. This common practice risks misinterpretation, as verses can carry different meanings based on their cultural and historical context. Missionaries often encounter proof texting from members of other faiths who might throw specific verses at them. Understanding the inadequacies of this approach is crucial for missionaries, as it promotes deeper discussions rather than mere argumentation.
New Perspectives on Faith and Works
The relationship between faith and works is a complex topic that varies significantly between different Christian denominations. For many Protestants, the emphasis on faith as pure belief can conflict with the idea that actions and loyalty are also essential. Missionaries must recognize this difference to effectively communicate Latter-day Saint beliefs. This understanding clarifies how Latter-day Saints view faith not just as intellectual assent but as a commitment to loyalty and obedience to God's commandments.
Strategies for Effective Bible Study
Effective Bible study for missionaries requires a multifaceted approach that includes reading multiple translations and understanding the textual context. Starting with the King James Version can provide foundational knowledge, while modern translations can offer better clarity and more accurate understanding. Utilizing study Bibles that provide scholarly insights helps missionaries grasp the complexities of scriptural passages and their historical backgrounds. Continuous engagement with the scriptures and note-taking aids retention and deepens understanding of the spiritual teachings within both the Bible and the Book of Mormon.
Ben Spackman (left-guest) and host Nick Galieti (right) discuss using the Bible as missionaries.
Welcome to the LDS MissionCast a podcast to educate and inspire in the great cause of Missionary Work. This episode is hosted by Nick Galieti.
Ben Spackman is an interesting type of scholar. He spent some time teaching at BYU, but has since continued his formal education towards his PH.d. His educational background is so varied that I am not sure there is anyone who has repeated his same course of study. As a result I find his insights to be good food for thought. His area of expertise deals a lot with ancient scripture. Sometimes we don’t spend much time as missionaries considering the role of ancient scripture in our lives, but we don’t always know what the Bible means or how the Bible is used in other faith traditions. I am sure we can all admit that there are good and bad ways to use the Bible in missionary work. Ben Spackman helps us to not only help us learn how to use the Bible better in our own lives, but how to understand its use by other religions, so that we might be able to better build bridges of understanding between different faiths.
When we use scriptures to teach the gospel, we sometimes get confused when others don’t see the Bible the same way that we do as Latter-day Saints. Missionaries tend to follow the practice of proof texting (or prooftexting) which does very little to help teach people the true gospel of Jesus Christ. So, again, Brother Spackman is here to help us know how to better use the Bible as a teaching tool in missionary work.
Links and content mentioned in this episode:
Benjamin the Scribe (Ben Spackman's Patheos Blog)
Ben Spackman on LDS Perspectives Podcast - Genre in the Bible
Ben Spackman on LDS Perspectives Podcast - Genesis Chapter 1
Why Bible Translations Differ - BYU's Religious Educator publication
Article by Grant Hardy on The King James Bible and the Future of Missionary Work - Dialogue Journal
Ben Spackman's Genre in the Bible Video Presentation:
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