How to Study the Scriptures

Scriptures are the sacred texts used by many religions and can include the Holy Bible, the Rig Veda, Qur'an, Book of Mormon, Torah or the Diamond Sutra. Studying them and discussing their teachings with others can expose you to revelations that can change your life or open your thinking.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Study by topic. Many scriptures will have an index, glossary or topical guide that will list all the verses dealing with the topic you've chosen. Study all the verses as a group and compare the lessons contained in each.

2. Look for key words. Rather than just letting your eye wander down the page as you read, look for key words that reappear or stand out. Stop reading long enough to ask yourself what the key word means and how it is used in regard to the verse.

3. Personalize the scriptures. Interject your name where the scriptural character's is and imagine what the scripture could be telling you in your day and situation.

4. Use companion guides. Most major religious scriptures have books written about them for better understanding and clarification. Refer to these as you read your scriptures, or take notes on points you want to explore further and research them in the companion guides later.

5. Ask who, what, where, why and when questions. Why did Peter deny he knew Jesus three times? When did the Buddha find enlightment? Look for patterns to the characteristics and personalities involved that will open the scriptures to greater understanding. Draw timelines for significant events to see how a theology evolved. If you're comparing religions, compare the timelines to see if there are any similar patterns.

6. Ponder. Each time you finish reading, take a quiet moment to think about what you just read and what it means. With your mind still and unbusy, insights will come to you. See how these lessons, some of them centuries old, apply to your life and current circumstances. For example, how do you reconcile "Thou shalt not kill" or "Turn the other cheek" with defending yourself and your country against an attack?

7. Share. Schedule a night once a month in which you and a group of fellow believers can share your thoughts and insights on specific scriptures. Assign a theme to each meeting, such as "Marriage and the Scriptures" or "How the Scriptures Teach Us to Love Thy Neighbor." Each particpant should bring in verses that support or perhaps contradicts that theme. Take turns reading each verse, and then spend a set time discussing them. Keep it wieldy. If you have six people attending a 90 minute session, study four verses for twenty minutes each, allowing five minutes for an introduction and another five for a closing.

[sonnetreader]

on 6/10/2009 You made 7 good points. 5* (Anyone listening?)