Attitudes toward the Bible

If my attitude is like that of a ...	I will approach the Bible like a ...	My questions will be ...	The result will be ...
frightened slave, abused child	taskmaster, parental authority	How can I stay out of trouble? What do I have to do to earn approval? Is it a sin to . . . ?	I will find a list of rules, but God will become unnecessary. There is need for God if all the questions are answered.
rebel, lone ranger	parental authority, boss	Why should I listen to any ideas except mine?	All I have to rely on is my own limited experience.
trusted friend	dialogue partner, spiritual advisor, acknowledged repository of wisdom and experience with God.	Tell me what you know about God. Who is God? Who are we? What does it mean to be God's people? What do you mean when you say . . .?	I will learn what the Biblical writers have to say. I will profit from their experience of God, and come to know God for myself.

Studying a New Testament passage:

What is meant to the author and the audience in the first place. (Study)
1. Who is speaking? Who is the audience? What are they like?
2. How is the message communicated? (story, poem, song, dialogue) (serious, humorous)
3. What is the content of the message?
4. Why is the author saying this to these people?
5. How does this fit with the rest of this document? ... with the rest of the writings of this author? ... with the rest of the Bible?
What it means to Christians today. (Reflection and prayer)
1. How is the original audience like me/us?
2. What does this say about how God wants to relate to me/us?
3. What would it look like to respond obediently to this passage?

Professor Sharyn Dowd

Lexington Theological Seminary