Bible Curiosity
“I hate studying history.” This is a statement I have heard on more than one occasion when someone learns that I spent much of my life teaching history. Over the years I have learned it is not really that a person hates “history”; instead, it is a hatred of the way history was taught. Likely, the one making such an assertion had a “just the facts” teacher who relished in dates, names, and filling-in-the-blank but had a gaping deficit in the ability to tell the story. Interestingly, the same thing that can lead one to “hate” history can also lead to “hating” Bible study.
By design, learning to effectively engage the Bible is a lifelong journey. While getting the facts down is paramount, it is essential to learn how these facts relate to the overall theme of the Bible. This begins by understanding that the Bible is a book of wisdom literature. Sometimes there is a misunderstanding that there are only a few books dealing with wisdom housed within the Bible. It is often the case that these books are labeled as “wisdom literature,” as opposed to books of history or law. Such a designation leads to confusion about how to approach God’s word. From Genesis to Revelation, all the books in the Bible are wisdom literature. From cover to cover, God demonstrates that a choice must be made by humanity as to whether one will follow God or rely on one’s own thoughts. Wisdom is demonstrated when God’s ways are chosen. Though the style of writing may vary, the Bible in its entirety calls on humans to make a wise choice; it calls on humanity to trust God even when it appears there may be a better way. This idea is well demonstrated in the statement, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12). The two trees of Genesis 2 begin to unpack an idea that continues through the book of Revelation; will humans choose life or death?
By its very nature, wisdom literature calls on one to think. Biblical stories are often presented in such a way that questions arise in the thinker’s mind. This is good! Such occasions provide a line of thought that will keep biblical ideas in the forefront and provide an opportunity to consider how wisdom could or should have been displayed. Intellectual curiosity is essential! Instead of simply saying, “God said it, I believe it, that settles it,” the idea grows to encompass the questions of “Why does God want me to believe it and how does this provide a richer understanding of God?” For example, why would God include the story of a talking snake, two trees, and a couple of gullible humans? In this, He is seeking to teach the wisdom of good choices and the consequences of choosing unwisely.
With this curiosity firmly in place, patterns will begin to emerge throughout the Bible. Consider, for example, God’s separation of light from darkness in Genesis 1. For the remainder of the Bible, light comes to represent God. This comes to fruition when Jesus boldly proclaims, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). Passages encouraging the faithful to walk in the light (I John 1:7) and to be children of light (Ephesians 5:8) are then understood within the theme of separation. This is only one of a host of themes found within the pages of God’s wisdom book.
In this exciting excursion into biblical studies, it is extremely helpful to have others join in the pursuit. When curiosity guides the thoughts of several, ideas can be shared that might not have otherwise been considered. It is here that caution is necessary. First, it is important to make sure that thoughts do not exceed the boundaries of truth; God makes this abundantly clear throughout His word. However, it is also important that ideas borne through biblical curiosity are not squelched. The Bible is not a “surface book”; there are deep ideas within it that are there for those willing to dig deep. It is important for every child of God to be more than a “surface student” of the Bible. Failure to appreciate themes and a richer understanding of God’s word will keep one on a “milk only” diet (see Hebrews 5:12-13). This prevents personal maturation and can stifle healthy biblical discussions with others. It is important to keep an open mind along with an open Bible.
God’s word must never be reduced to simply a “book of facts.” By design, God has prepared a book that challenges its readers on every level and never ceases to provide new insight. While the words of the Bible do not change, situations within the lives of its readers do. The more wisdom attained from Bible study, the better one can grapple with these changes in life. May each reader approach the Bible with curiosity and excitement and may each reader determine to not walk this trek of wisdom alone. Vast storehouses of wisdom await the one who with reverence, fortitude, and curiosity seeks to know this revealed portion of the mind of God.
