The word study may conjure up negative feelings from our school days. We may recall pulling those all-nighters prepping for some big exam. We likely have had some kind of study beyond our school years. Whether it is work related or our spiritual growth, we probably have some degree of study throughout life. This blog will be a personal view of Bible study in particular. As a part of my thoughts I will deal with e-books in the blog. You are free to agree or disagree.
The KJV rendering of 2 Timothy 2:15 begins – Study to show thyself approved unto GOD.
I am certain we would all like to be better students of GOD’S word. At the beginning of the New Year many people set out to read the Scriptures through during the year. That is a very worthy goal. However, there is a difference between reading and studying. There is benefit in both. I encourage you to make time for study.
Let us strive to become better students of the word. Of the Bereans, Acts commends them in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily. (Acts 17:11) They had a receptive attitude and they studied daily!
I have noticed a trend lately of people using electronic devices for their Bibles. This of course is an individual decision and I have a NKJ version of the Bible on my smart phone. This allows me access to the Scriptures wherever I am. There is no denying the convenience of such. But let me opine on the matter of digital materials if you will.
If you have been around me long you know I am an advocate for making notes in your Bible. This is a personal decision one has to make and I understand there are those who are opposed to writing in the Bible. I respect that because presently there is a trend toward journaling or drawing pictures in the margin to illustrate the text. I personally am not a fan of the drawing pictures. However, I do make marginal notes in my Bible so that I can remember my studies easier. It helps me remember and many of my Bibles are full of notes from years gone by.
For those who use their electronic versions of the Bible let me share a recent article. Jared Jackson in the November, 2016, Fortify Your Faith Newsletter asked the question, “Is there a difference between real books and e-books?” He then cited the Millward-Brown Study (Bangor University) that evaluated how a person’s brain reacts to electronic print. Using MRI data, the study strongly suggests that greater emotional processing is facilitated by the physical material as opposed to the virtual.
Specifically the study revealed the following:
- Tangible materials leave a deeper footprint in the brain.
- Physical materials produced more brain responses connected with internal feelings, suggesting greater “internalization” of the subject matter.
- Physical material involves more emotional processing, which is important for memorization.
The complete article detailing the study can be found on the link, http://www.millwardbrown.com/docs/default-source/insight-documents/case-studies/MillwardBrown_CaseStudy_Neuroscience.pdf
Digital materials certainly have a place in my study. In fact, I use electronic media for much of my study and lesson prep including writing this blog. There are so many advantages including filing and searching options with digital media. However, there is nothing that can take the place of my physical Bible in reading and studying.
If you are so inclined to make marginal notes in your Bible, let me suggest one more thing. There are several pens on the market that are designed for this. Their ink will not bleed through the paper nor are they prone to fade over time. I personally like the Pigma Micron pens. I use a .005 mm pen that is very thin and allows me to make the most use of my limited marginal space. I also like to use multi-colors to differentiate various themes on a single page. I am indebted to the late Wendell Winkler for his suggesting these pens to me long ago.
I know this is largely an opinion piece but let me just emphasize the important. Whatever your method, I hope you will strive to be a better student. I am encouraged to see those who bring their physical Bibles to worship and to observe them making notes in the margin (with a .005 Pigma pen) for future reference. I know this has helped me become a better student of GOD’S Word.