Adult Education: Bible Study Methods
Patristic Interpretation
The first three centuries of the Church developed a method of studying scripture that borrowed from the both the Hebrew as well as Greek tradition.
Clement of Alexandria (155-220) identified five meanings of Scripture:
- The historical (literal reading) sense.
- The moral sense.
- The prophetic sense.
- The philosophical sense.
- The mystical sense.
A somewhat simplified version of this system emerged in the early medieval period as the dominate means of biblical study. It recognized four depths of meaning to be found in Scripture.
- The literal sense. Be careful not to relate this to a modern fundamentalist reading of the text. Literal here means something more along the lines of a simple or direct reading of the narrative.
- The moral sense. At this level one reads the text to discern guidance for living. At this level one may discern principles for the development of a more faithful character.
- The anagogical sense. This level might also be called the prophetic or typological level. Here a faithful reader observes a linkage of themes and images that seem to transcend time and space. For example, the "anointed one" in Isaiah 42 refers historically to Cyrus, the King of Persia. But in the anagogical sense, Cyrus is a "type" of The Anointed One, Jesus Christ, who is to come.
- The spiritual sense. Here the reading discerns the voice of God. At this level Scripture mediates God's divine presence and reveals truths to the human heart that awaken the reality of salvation and healing through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Following the Patristic period, later spiritual masters would read the biblical interpretation of these leaders of the early church. This collection of interpretive material the Reformers of the church in the 16th century called "the tradition."
As you read Scripture you may want to look for these different levels of reading. To do this well, one is advised to become familiar with the tradition of interpretation. The error of the application of the "too creative imagination" is corrected by reading the biblical text in conversation with "The Tradition."
Lectio Divina (Divine Reading)
This is an approach to the prayerful reading of scripture that emerged with the monastic experience. It involves listening to the text with the ears of the heart. It follows three simple steps.
- Read the text. Be very intentional about remaining in an attitude of prayer. Read it slowly and carefully. Note the details and the tone. Allow the words to soak deeply into your consciousness. Befriend the text.
- Meditate. This step involves something between thinking and praying. Do not try to analyze the text like a scholar. But gently explore its meaning. Try to understand while seeking to hear God's voice speaking through your experience.
- Contemplate. After you have explore the text sufficiently --this might be signaled by a significant thought that awakens your attention - sit quietly and rest in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Try not to think. Put you mind on "cruise control." The intention is to offer yourself fully and completely to Jesus who comes to you in your silence.
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