Biblical Literacy
Understanding the story
If literacy is the ability to comprehend and master the use of a particular area of knowledge, then what is biblical literacy? How do we measure it—by the ability to explain “propitiation” or display a well-worn and highlighted Bible?
Surely those are markers of biblical knowledge. And acquiring knowledge is important. After all, the core doctrines of our faith begin with knowing our Scriptures.
Yet biblical literacy refers to a deeper awareness of not only the content but also the meaning of Scripture—how the story holds together from beginning to end. And understanding the meaning leads naturally to application, because doctrinal competency can never stand alone. Doctrinal competency without Christlikeness is toxic.
Seeing biblical illiteracy in our surrounding culture is one thing. Watching the effect of it in our own churches is another altogether. As EFCA leaders, we long to see our church members deepen their biblical knowledge in a way that enables them to drop their faith-anchors deep into Jesus. Our prayer is that as they delight in exploring Scripture, they will find Him and the redemptive story there as well.
Biblical Literacy
IF LITERACY IS THE ABILITY to comprehend and master the use of a particular area of knowledge, then what is biblical literacy? How do we measure it—by the ability to explain “propitiation” or display a well-worn and highlighted Bible?
Surely those are markers of biblical knowledge. And acquiring knowledge is important. After all, the core doctrines of our faith begin with knowing our Scriptures.
Yet biblical literacy refers to a deeper awareness of not only the content but also the meaning of Scripture—how the story holds together from beginning to end. And understanding the meaning leads naturally to application, because doctrinal competency can never stand alone. Doctrinal competency without Christlikeness is toxic.
Seeing biblical illiteracy in our surrounding culture is one thing. Watching the effect of it in our own churches is another altogether. As EFCA leaders, we long to see our church members deepen their biblical knowledge in a way that enables them to drop their faith-anchors deep into Jesus. Our prayer is that as they delight in exploring Scripture, they will find Him and the redemptive story there as well.