In the first post of this series we looked at a tried-and-true method for achieving bland, ineffective Bible study. Today we’ll add a second method to our arsenal:
2. Find Your Own Meaning
The Bible calls itself a “sharp double-edged sword.” That sounds awfully dangerous, doesn’t it? No need to worry; you can keep that sword safely in its sheath by looking for a private, personal meaning for every text you read. Just come up with a summary of the text which you can claim is true for you (and not necessarily true for anyone else), and you’ll be safe from being pricked by the Word.
You need to know this tip because there are people out there who still hold to the idea that a text has an objective meaning. They would say that an author has a single main point in mind while writing which he or she wants to communicate to readers. The problem with this is that you’re left dangerously exposed to any number of ideas which might upset the serene status quo of your own thinking!
Here’s a quick example: John 3:16. Ask one of those objective types what this verse means, and he’ll start yammering on about “context,” being “born again,” etc, etc. What’s worse, he’ll probably land on a rather unsettling conclusion involving sin, death, faith, and the need for repentance. So much for safe, empty ritual! A much simpler and safer approach would be to say, “I’m so glad God loves the world. That means He loves me. That makes me happy.” Why go further than that?
So instead of asking, “What does this text mean?”, ask, “What does this text mean for me?” See the difference those two little words make? They’re all you need to protect yourself from annoying life-changing truths!
Here’s a few particular suggestions for applying this tip:
- Remember to apply our first tip for bad Bible study: assume you already know what the text says. You’ll be much better positioned to make up your own meaning if you start with what you think the text says rather than what it actually says.
- Avoid thinking about the fact that the text you’re reading was written by a particular person (in a particular place at a particular time). Instead, imagine the words floating ethereally. This makes it easier for you to attach your own meaning to them.
- Similarly, try not to think about the fact that the text was written to a particular audience. If you start thinking about other people who have read the same words you’re reading, it’s harder to make up your own private meaning.
- In Bible study meetings, keep the discussion centered on feelings. If you have to say something about the text itself, stick with vaguely spiritual statements like, “Wow, it’s just amazing that it says such-and-such.”
Give it a try! Apply this tip in your Bible reading, and I guarantee you’ll stay safe from stinging conviction, tumultuous encouragement, and lofty joy. Instead, you’ll stay in control and you’ll know just what to expect: nothing much at all.
One word of caution: Finding your own meaning will help you read the Bible without danger of learning anything, but be careful not to apply the strategy too generally. There are times when it’s a good idea to consider what the author intended to say. For example, I would not recommend finding your own meaning in the following types of writing:
- Emails from your boss
- Instructions for operating power tools
- Anything written by the IRS
Great post! I would add "anything your significant other says" to the list of times you don't want to find your own meaning.
This post is deliciously ironic and wonderfully cutting; I love it!
Brian,
In Bible study, how do you combat this is the neo-criticism type of world? When they say, you can’t truly ever know what the author truly meant? They say, even if hte author was standing right in front of us, and could answer all of our questions, even they may not know what the full implications of their writing are. Hence, not even they can be completely authoritative on a text.
Good question, Jake. Now I’m sure you realize that the best way to respond to someone espousing a particular viewpoint always depends on where that particular person is coming from. You should always seek to understand first, and defend second. That said, I might start with an appeal to practical experience, sort of like I did at the end of the post. For instance, most people would acknowledge that when your boss writes, “Please send me the report by 9am tomorrow” that a particular expectation has been effectively communicated. Misunderstanding is always possible (especially when the hearer willfully misunderstands), but that doesn’t mean true communication is impossible.