Bible Study Shaping Up the Bible Study Forum

[Mike]

I'm posting this as a thread in the Bible Study Forum, because I believe (especially seasoned) members can overlook the stickies and begin treating this as they would the A&T. We may need to bump this now and then to keep it fresh in the minds of our current Bible Study Forum participants. Reba has begun what we've discussed doing as a team, so this shouldn't be seen as a target on anyone's back. It may take some adjusting, be this forum needs to be treated as if it were a Bible study in one of our homes. :yes

The following is an excerpt from a sticky above. (Guidelines for an effective Bible study)

1. Scripture is the basis of study. Stay close to the text.
2. Keep your post to a manageable length where others can respond to a section of scripture as opposed to an entire article.
3. We encourage your understanding of a text. If you wish to post snipits from a website, please make sure it accompanies your comments of the text. Excessive copy / paste from web sites are frowned upon.
4. If you disagree with an interpretation of scripture, think out your response according to the specific text and post accordingly.
5. No debating doctrines or denominational differences. (E.G. TULIP, OSAS, Purgatory, Papacy etc)

The following considerations are suggested to assist in our study of Holy Scripture. This method utilizes an instructional and comprehensive approach

1. Exegesis; Critical explanation or analysis, especially of a text. (I.E. What does the text mean?)
2. Hermeneutics; The theory and methodology of interpretation, especially of scriptural text. (I.E. How did you come to the conclusion of your Exegesis? Does it agree with the Bible as a whole?)
3. Redaction; to draw up or frame ( I.E. a statement, proclamation, etc.)

Most believers attend a Bible study to seek a deeper understanding of scripture through the collective thoughts of a small group. Personally, I've never been interested in attending one to listen to one person espouse his/her interpretation of it. That's not a "study". That's a "lecture".

I've never been anxious to return to a small group if it were confrontational or argumentative. That's not fruitful. That's divisive and discouraging.

There can be respectful disagreements regarding scripture. Usually this is done by acknowledging someone's interpretation and asking if they can see what we see rather than demanding that they must see it as we do. We're going to make efforts to get this forum back to it's intended purpose.

Threads that appear to be monologs will likely be moved to the Bible Study Blog Forum. Ones where the OP is not open to an exchange of ideas in an inviting manner will likely be moved to the Apologetics & Theology Forum. If your purpose is to create one of these threads, we suggest you start it in the appropriate forum.

Let's all do our part to make this forum what we would like to have in our homes.

Be blessed in your studies. :amen