Choosing the Right Bible Reading Method
Are you an auditory learner or a visual learner? In other words, do you learn and retain information best by reading (visual) or listening (auditory)? This is an important question to answer, especially when it comes to reading the Bible. You need to use the method that keeps your attention span and helps you learn the most.
If you are not sure, try a basic experiment. Read the Book of Philippians. It is only four chapters and it should probably take the average reader 15-20 minutes based upon your reading speed. By the way, the average person reads about 200 words per minute at a comprehension rate of 60%. Obviously, speed is less important than comprehension, but if you are a slow reader you might be more of an auditory learner. After reading Philippians, write down six things that you learned or remember. Next (maybe even the next day), listen to an auditory version of Philippians. If you don’t have an App, BibleGateway.com has a nice audio program with good reading options that are free. After listening, write down 6 things that you learned or remember. Now evaluate how you did. What method gave you a better comprehension rate or result? What method felt more natural or less draining? Did your attention span wander while reading or listening?
Based on your answers, you should have a pretty good indication of which method is right for you. There are no right or wrong answers to this question. It is simply the way God has wired you to best learn. When you “read” the Bible in the right way for you, your Bible reading time will be more fun and fulfilling. Also, you will learn and retain the information at a higher level.
Why am I talking about this? It is crucial to your Christian walk to read the Bible. You will not grow in your relationship with Jesus if you do not read the Bible. It is like trying to grow your relationship with a boyfriend or spouse without spending time together. It just doesn’t work.
So give it a try and see how it goes. Whether you are an auditory or visual learner, the point is to become more relationally connected to the God who created and loves you. Also, if you want to try a radical idea, you can read and listen at the same time. That might be the best method of all to increase focus and comprehension.
Thanks and enjoy “reading” God’s word this week.
Take care and be safe.
Derek
Works Cited
Gallaty, Robby. Rediscovering Discipleship. Zondervan. 2015.
See also: Chapel's Bible Reading Plan
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