Tools for Studying the Bible | An Interview with Jonathan Pennington
Apr 8, 2023
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Jonathan Pennington, author and pastor, shares practical tips for Bible reading. They discuss the decline of Bible engagement, the significance of recognizing literary structure in Bible passages, and the influence of culture on scripture interpretation.
Different approaches to reading the Bible - information-based, theological, and transformational - are crucial for a comprehensive understanding.
Challenges in engaging with the Bible, such as distractions and a desire for instant gratification, can be overcome through intentional, thoughtful reading to deepen one's relationship with God.
Deep dives
Valuing Different Approaches to Reading the Bible
The podcast episode discusses the importance of different approaches to reading the Bible. It emphasizes the need for both information-based reading and theological reading, as well as transformational reading. It highlights the significance of understanding genres in the Bible, recognizing cultural influences in interpretation, and engaging with the text with the goal of being transformed and living out the teachings of the Bible. The episode encourages readers to slow down, ask questions, and seek personal application in their reading.
Challenges in Bible Engagement
The podcast explores challenges people face in engaging with the Bible. It mentions the decline in biblical engagement according to recent surveys, with a significant percentage of churchgoers not reading the Bible regularly. It also acknowledges the prevalence of unbiblical beliefs among Christians. The episode suggests that these challenges may stem from distractions such as excessive screen time and a desire for instant gratification. It emphasizes the need to prioritize intentional, thoughtful reading of the Bible to cultivate a deeper relationship with God.
Different Reading Approaches: Ingrid, Tom, and Taylor
The podcast introduces three different approaches to reading the Bible, represented by fictional characters named Ingrid, Tom, and Taylor. Ingrid represents an information-based approach, emphasizing understanding the structure, genres, and literary elements of the Bible. Tom represents a theological approach, emphasizing the importance of engaging with creeds and doctrinal statements to understand the Bible's teachings. Taylor represents a transformational approach, emphasizing the need for personal application and allowing the Bible to shape and change one's life. The episode encourages combining all three approaches to gain a fuller understanding of the Bible.
Practical Tips for Bible Reading
The podcast offers practical tips for Bible reading. It suggests adopting a slower and more meditative approach rather than rushing through the text. It encourages prayerful reading, asking God to open one's understanding and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through Scripture. It mentions the benefit of multiple Bible translations and recommends study Bibles and commentaries to deepen understanding. The episode emphasizes the ultimate goal of Bible reading, which is not simply acquiring knowledge but being transformed and becoming more like God.
What keeps you from reading the Bible? Is it too intimidating? Too hard to understand? Jonathan Pennington, author of Come and See: The Journey of Knowing God Through Scriptureand pastor, sits down with Keith to discuss practical tips for Bible reading. Join as Jonathan and Keith invite you to learn about God's goodness through spending time reading the Bible.
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