5 Questions to Ask to Build Biblical Literacy

Have you ever felt God nudge you to speak and then instantly had a barrage of thoughts in your head that sound like, “I don’t know the Bible enough,” or “what if I teach something wrong,” or “when I read the Bible, I do not feel like I comprehend what I am reading.” Please, hear me when I say, you are not alone in these thoughts and insecurities.

Most women share your feelings. They shy away from using their voice because they feel they do not know the Bible enough. Understanding the Bible can be very overwhelming and intimidating but it does not have to paralyze you. I have been taking a small group through Jen Wilkins book, Women of the Word. We are eating it up! She is an amazing Bible teacher and part of the reason for that is her unapologetic pursuit of Biblical Literacy. She calls us all up as believers and communicators of the Bible.

There are simple ways to improve your Biblical Literacy if you are willing to take small steps. Which. I know you are or else you wouldn’t be reading this blog.

Let’s start with Jen’s definitions of Biblical Literacy: Bible literacy occurs when a person has access to a Bible in a language she understands and is steadily moving toward knowledge and understanding of the text.

Friend, I have really great news! You don’t have to stay paralyzed or silent. There are small takes you can take towards Biblical Literacy. One simple step to help you go further in your Bible understand is to ask 5 simple questions of the text you are reading. Here’s how Jen explains them:

1. Who wrote it?

   • Most of us would not read a book or an article without considering its source. Knowing who wrote something helps us understand why a text is written one way and not another, and it helps us judge the credibility of what was written.

2. When was it written?

   • We use the dating of a book to help us understand how the book would have been read by its original audience, how it speaks uniquely to their moment in history, what other books of the Bible are its contemporaries, and where it fits in the Big Story.

3. To who was it written?

   • Every book of the Bible was written to a specific audience who lived in the past. These original hearers lived in times and cultures very different from ours. The message of the Bible transcends its original audience, but it cannot be severed from its original audience.

4. In what Style was it written?

   • Each book of the Bible utilizes one or more of these genres to communicate its message. Our ability to accurately interpret and apply a text depends on how well we understand the nuances of each of these genres. Each genre uses language in different ways.

5. Why was it written?

   • Every author writes with a specific purpose in mind. We can identify why a book was written by considering its major themes and repeated ideas in light of its original audience and its historical and cultural context. Knowing the purpose for which a text was written guards us from reading it solely for our own purposes.

How simple are those? Very doable. Here’s an example from the book if you are visual like me:

I HIGHLY encourage you to check out the book for yourself or even go through the book with a few of your friends. It is very easy to read. It’s short. And it will change your life. Here’s to you taking one step forward in Biblical Literacy!

Come learn how to set up your own plan for Biblical Literacy! Check out our four-day, hands on, and interactive training, The Echo Weekend. We have ONE spot left! Grab it before it’s gone.

The best way to develop your voice is to invest in your voice. Every time you invest in your own voice, your family, your community, and your world improve. I believe in your voice! This is a weekend you do not want to miss!!!