11.07.2007

Learning to read well

Reading is underrated by many. In many circles the idea of being a bookworm is similar to being a goth in emo circles. As a discipline reading is almost never done right. You have several literary genres that an author can invest in, fiction or non. The reading I am talking about here, is when one reads non fiction, whether it be history, theology, philosophy or any number of subjects. Often I read, and others, just to get the assignment done, or when it is for the occasion of pleasure and fun – that's all it is. Instead we should read and constantly ask… is this true? Does this make sense? If the answer is yes to both questions, the next is… If I don't believe this- how should it change my life?

I lament the church who does not teach people to read well, by not asking the text intelligent questions. (Which exposes the logic and themes of the narrative.)

When we share the gospel, whether it is in person or from the pulpit? Do we ask unbelievers to read Scripture and to read it well? To ask the question… is this true? Then, by that fact, the logic demands the next be answered… how does this impact my life? And do we do it as well? Do we ask ourselves the hard question – How does the truth of Scripture change my life?

The beautiful truth is that God gives us that grace to do so. (grace is awesome)

6 comments:

steveandjanna said...

If you're going to teach folks how to read 'properly' as you suggest you're also going to have to teach them logic. Let's face it, most people aren't taught logic anymore.

Robbie Schmidtberger said...

is logic the same as reason? While there is a proper way to reason through an argument, Scripture teaches clearly that men and women do have rational cognitive minds. If logic is the same as reason, do not people have the ability to think logically? Now that reason or logic could be corrupted, it certainly is. I would not be Augustinian if I said otherwise. Reason cannot lead to God, only the Spirit through Scripture does that. In this midst, we can ask logical questions, that the spirit uses to reveal our need for God.

If we say we need to teach them logic, sounds similar to that argument: ignorance is the problem of people. In reality, Postmodernity is one of the most consistent worldviews and philosophies out there. And that was devised by lost sinners deprived of goodness. "And they did what was right in their own eyes."

steveandjanna said...

You're the one who brought up logic in your post, I was simply responding to it. If we're going to have the church teaching people how to read (a dubious function of the church quite frankly) you need to teach the people how to think logically, at least according to the questions you suggested people ask themselves when they're reading. I'm here to tell you, most people don't understand the first thing about formal logic. They may reach logical conclusions from time to time but they don't have the slightest idea how they came to reach those conclusions. God and His word are profoundly logical and for some believers I think understanding logic will help their walk with Christ. I don't think that's a requirement for everyone though, nor do I really believe the church needs to teach people reading or logic.

On another note, I don't think postmodernism is quite as logical as you suggest. I suppose to a sinful man it is, evil always looks right in the eyes of the wicked. But if we get right down to it, I'm not so sure that it's as logical as it appears at first glance.

Robbie Schmidtberger said...

Yes I brought up logic, I brought in reason and rationality. In any discussion about thought you do so. You might think that it is a dubious for the church to teach logic, but how is that so when you lead others to ask and answer questions about the faith? When I say lead, I specifically mean leading them through such a process - what questions to ask due to their personal setting and context.

steveandjanna said...

I don't know that you need to teach people formal logic in order to make sure they properly understand and articulate the faith. I think this comes down to a church by church issue with the pastor determining whether it's important enough or necessary to teach. Even there, I don't think we need drawn out sermons on logic, perhaps minor points on general logic would be in order.

Robbie said...

Steve,
I see your point, and it is well raised. I would not want to sit through a sermon on logic, i would find that quite... distracting from the mission of the church. It would be better for logic to be displayed and taught by lifestyle and conversations, leading one to Christ in a discipleship, evangelistic, and mentoring context.