You’re an inquisitive Bible reader.
You love to study your Bible and research all the details. What strikes you about the Bible is its ability to instruct and train you for godly living. Your desire is to really understand what’s happening so you can accurately interpret the meaning of the text. Thanks to the internet and some Bible software, you have answers at the touch of a button. You enjoy digging deep into maps, word studies, and the original languages. Bible study methods are so engrained in your head, you automatically come to the text making observations and thinking through interpretations.
You want to apply the truth of God’s Word to your life, but sometimes you overthink the meaning and miss the big picture. Your study time can lead to a lot of rabbit trails, but you love the adventure of it all. You come to the text like a forensic scientist with a microscope, and it brings you joy to do so. Scroll down to see how to change things up.
How to Change Things Up
Bring your imagination to the text, not just your reading glasses. The Scriptures should appeal to your imagination. Yes, it can persuade and teach and argue, but it can also engage your heart. Literary features add broader dimension to biblical texts, as the content is just as important as the form. One of the beautiful things about Scripture is the immersive experience it can be when you have the courage to step into the stories yourself. This is less about what the text says and how the text can apply to your life. Make it more about how this would have been experienced by the author and everyone mentioned in the stories. Put yourself in their shoes and imagine walking a mile in their experiences.
Appreciate how the text makes you feel. Keep using your mind to absorb the content, but also find ways to let the Scriptures speak to your heart and impact your soul. The Bible should inspire you too.
Diversify your commentaries and study resources. You’ve likely got your go-to resources on your phone or on your desktop, but ask yourself what voices are missing from your scholarly and pastoral resources. Are women and people of color represented? Have you ever read an opposing view or commentaries from a different faith tradition or denomination? Or invite more people into your study process. Sometimes inquisitive Bible readers come to the Bible as lone rangers. Process what you are reading with a diverse group of people. Scroll down to get the PDF of all three types.
Download the Guide
Are you curious about the other two types of readers?
Want book recommendations based on your type?
Kat created a Bible reader’s guide, but it’s reserved for folks who’ve pre-ordered a Bible study from the Storyline Bible Studies Series.
Honor code, people.