Category: Bible Insights

Some people read the Bible like a textbook—to amass knowledge. Other people read the Bible like a book of law—looking for precedent and loopholes to justify themselves, ideas, and behavior.

Still, others read the Bible like a “how to” book—noting the things that they should do and the things that they shouldn’t.

However, all of these approaches miss the point. The people in the Bible—times understood and appreciated it as narrative. That was how it was written and is its best use —for them, and for us.

Not only should we pursue the Bible as narrative, but also with the knowledge that the narrative is best comprehended when it is experienced in the community.

Although personal Bible study and reflection is helpful and enlightening, it is also ego-centric and intellectually narcissistic. It is through the lens of community dialogue that a deeper and fuller understanding can best be discovered.

So, the Bible is best read as a narrative and—whenever possible—in a group environment.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
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When you read the Bible, do you wear glasses? I mean metaphorically. Seriously, do you?

Communication experts tell us that we take in and process information through filters—or lenses.

Often this selective process is helpful, removing the minutia of life so that important and relevant information can be observed, remembered, and contemplated.

Sometimes, however, this filtering process blocks us from seeing—and knowing—what is really significant and meaningful. Such is often the case as we read and study the Bible.

As we contemplate what the Bible says, our filters cause us to see and understand it through the perspective of our childhood upbringing, our education, and our formed beliefs.

If we are socialists, we see socialism in the Bible.If we are capitalists, we see capitalism in the Bible.

Similarly, we see democracy or theocracy or even monarchy as possessing Biblical support. Be we Democrats or Republicans, our political views are also mandated by the Bible, with the opposing party’s views squarely nullified.

Never mind that both sides are able to do so with equal vigor and aplomb.

This all happens because we tend to filter out those things that mess with our preconceived ideas and the status quo of our lives.

To garner a fuller, more holistic understanding of the Bible, we need to endeavor to remove our “reading” glasses, considering the full text and embracing the complete narrative—not to support our point-of-view, but to confront it and challenge it.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
​
​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.