QUESTIONS
1. What large story does the Bible tell??
2. In what ways is the Bible God’s word? In what ways is it human words??
3. Why do Christians continue to read the Old Testament??
4. Why were the Gospels written??
5. In what ways is the Bible true?
ACTIVITIES
Studying the Bible: The term used for undertaking a critical study and interpretation of the Bible is ‘exegesis’. Below are three ways that Biblical texts can be analysed. What might each of these three forms of analysis reveal about a particular Biblical passage, and why might it be important to consider the passage in that light? Write a piece outlining your thoughts.
a) Literary analysis: Considering the text itself, the genre of the work, the words and phrases used by the writer.
b) Historical cultural analysis: Considering the history and origins of the text, who wrote it, why it was included in the Bible, what meanings they drew from it.
c) Contemporary analysis: How is the piece received by different audiences today? What meanings are drawn from the texts in different contemporary communities?
Engaging with the Bible: Read Ann Maria Sabu’s reflection on her favourite Bible passage. What Bible stories or passages do you remember best? Choose (or research) one Biblical passage, and then either:
a) Do a literary/historical/cultural analysis of the piece (outlined above), drawing on Biblical commentaries as a resource.
b) Put together a written or audio-visual piece outlining why that piece is important to you, and what you think God is saying to you when you read the piece.
The truth of the Bible: What do we mean when we say ‘the Bible is true in all things on which our salvation rests?’ Read that passage in the Explorations article again, and compose a letter to the editor of a newspaper explaining the difference between this idea of ‘truth’ and the idea of ‘scientific truth’ to an audience of non-believers.
The beauty of the Bible: The Psalms have some of the most beautiful passages of the Bible, and have been a source of wisdom and solace for many. Explore the book of Psalms, and choose one of the Psalms to sit, read and pray with for a time. When you’re done, consider how you might encourage others to also engage with that psalm, e.g. creating a reflection video or podcast using that psalm as a basis, or putting together a presentation using images and words from that reading
YOUNGER STUDENTS
Bible story circle #1: In a circle, ask children to share and retell a Bible story they remember. It might be helpful to have some stories ready as prompts (e.g. Noah’s ark, Ten Commandments, the Good Samaritan). It’s okay if some students retell the same story, but ask each of the students to share what they enjoy most about the story they’re telling. At the end of the session, ask students to draw a Biblical story.
Bible story circle #2: Conduct a ‘story circle’ exercise talking about Jesus. The first person starts by saying something about Jesus, e.g. ‘Jesus was a kind person’. The second person has to say something else about Jesus, e.g. ‘Jesus was born in Bethlehem’. Continue the story circle until everyone’s said something about Jesus. Afterwards, the children might like to draw their contribution to the story circle and put together your own class ‘Story of Jesus’.