Your analysis is spot on, JC. I've been involved in small groups for a long time. The participants call it 'Bible study' but it's more like the Bible book club. We read a selection and then tell how it means we should be better Christians. The main point is frequently missed and some of the most profound readings are never even discussed. These are faithful people, so their salvation is not in danger. I just find that the depth and beauty of Scripture is something that benefits everyone as we examins God's word.
Yes, you’re absolutely right! I think we can all fall into this at times. I think part of the problem is that our Bible reading culture is we’re looking for a full throated application for each verse. Especially with something like narrative we may need several verse, paragraphs, or chapters to get the intended application. Like you said that’s where the true beauty and real force of the text comes through. I love how you pointed out too that this is done by faithful people! Sometimes we force an application because we don’t know better or we’re just desperate to hear God. Thanks for the thoughts and encouragement!!
This is a solid video on a challenging subject - I thoroughly appreciate your work on this channel. Thank you for your service to the church and Christian community at large. Keep up the great work :-)
Well said - within biblical studies, the maxim “the method is often the magic” is perhaps especially applicable in biblical studies, where (regrettably) an unusual glut of research is encased in so-called “echo chambers,” often creating a dismal “silo” effect. Arthur Keefer (Ecclesiastes and the Meaning of Life) states: “Biblical study only gets so far when speaking its own language and drawing on its own resources" (8). Would that more Bible scholars followed suit in doing interdisciplinary research.
