Review Essay, Keeping the Balance

Proper distinctions between academic and devotional Bible study The proper distinction, Cupples contends, lies neither “in the principles of interpretation …[nor] in the ultimate purpose of Bible study”, both of which must remain the same at all times. The real difference lies in their “immediate purpose” and “intended effect”. In academic study, the “main emphasis” is on “deepening our understanding”; in devotional study, on “restoring our daily fellowship with the Lord”. Both involve the mind, faith and a proper interpretation of scripture. Both build up our knowledge of God, but at different “levels”. Cupples identifies four main factors that determine the character of a particular Bible study: Our “setting” is one of them. In class we may be defending our view of the Bible; in church we assume it. The actual passage of scripture is another. “Different kinds of literature in the Bible will have a different purpose and effect in building up our relationship to God”. Whilst all scripture is inspired, “it is not all equally inspiring”! The level of our investigation is a third factor. Roughly speaking, in class we are mainly asking the question, “what did it mean then?”; in our personal study, “what does it mean to me?”. Both levels should inform and enrich one another. The final factor Cupples identifies is the area of application. He breaks this down into two main categories: dimensions of life and dimensions of our relationship to God. Regarding the former, he reminds us that we are not just distinct individuals but “part of a network of relationships that extends to the whole human community”. God’s Word must be applied to all these dimensions of life and their facets in order to form a truly Christian outlook. Regarding the later, we have a relationship with God that should deepen and develop over time. In both these areas, there is “micro-level” and “macro-level” growth. Our devotionals effect change at the “micro-level”, keeping heart and mind “in tune” with God on a daily basis. But “issues we only touch on in devotional reading we may cover systematically in academic study”, gaining a coherent, overall grasp of Christian life and doctrine. This is “macro-level” growth. But this “macro-level growth” also “feeds into our daily communion with God”.

Tags: balance, carl trueman, christian student, daniel strange, david field, intervarsity, phillip duce, theology, theology degree

Category: In Depth, Spring 2006