March 29, 2013

On Memorizing Scripture

A couple of years ago I was able to attend a conference where James White spoke.  Dr. White said something concerning scripture memorization that has stuck with me.  I think it impacts me because I recognize myself in the illustration.  This instruction from Dr. White has alloyed with the continued brotherly prodding of my pastor to look at theology in a biblical framework rather than simply a systematic framework, resulting in a long-term shift in the way I read, study, and meditate on the Bible. I am thankful for their care for me, pushing me to consider truth in deeper disciplines that can carry me through the rest of my life.  Roughly quoted, here is what Dr. White said.

"Context is key. Verse divisions are artificial and drive us towards an artificial focus on specific snippets. Memorize in context."