- It is
not a particular study method
- It is
not the marking system
- It is
not the use of a triple or a quad
- Not chronologic or topical study
The key is intensity and consistency of effort in
study. There are no shortcuts.
Peter taught, in the JST of 2 Peter 1:
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scriptures is given of
any private will of man.
21 For the prophecy came not in
old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved
by the Holy Ghost.
The scriptures are repositories of words, ideas, stories and
revelations that have been recorded by the power of the Holy Ghost. They are to
be understood by the power of the Holy Ghost.
Speaking of this principle, Jesus Christ revealed through
Joseph Smith that scriptures are His words when the Spirit gives those words to
us. D&C 18:
33 And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God,
have spoken it.
34 These words are not of men nor
of man, but of me; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me and not of man;
35 For it is my voice which
speaketh them unto you; for they are given by my Spirit unto you, and by my
power you can read them one to another; and save it were by my power you could
not have them;
When we approach the scriptures with a desire to learn of Christ, we prayerfully ask to be taught through the power of the Holy Ghost and then we diligently seek in the scriptures. When we do so, we will hear the voice of the Lord our God through the scriptures.
With that understanding, it is nice to have some ideas about
how to read the scriptures in order to learn from them. There are several ways
of approaching scripture that will allow you to gain a greater understanding of
what is being taught.
1. Asking Good Questions - If you notice in the
headings to the sections of the Doctrine and Covenants, most of the revelations
are given in response to questions asked by Joseph Smith. Many of these questions arose as he was
studying the scriptures. You can learn much by asking good questions. God has
said, "Ask and ye shall receive ... " He has given us many, many
hints about what we should ask and He is willing to answer abundantly. Ask
about those things that are promised or asserted in the scriptures.
2. Making Connections - When you discover a
correct principle in the scriptures you will find the same principle taught in
other places in scripture, as well. When you combine insights from multiple
places in scripture that teach the same principle your understanding will be
richer and more detailed.
3. Defining a Word - There are places in
scripture that actually give definitions of words. For example, among the many
references to faith, there are only a few that actually say "Faith is ..."
and, thus, define the word. We must be willing to let the scriptures define
words rather than looking for the scriptures to validate our preconceptions
about what words mean.
4. Understand the Context - This includes
knowing the timeline, location, key players and the questions being addressed.
We can consider questions that will aide understanding, such as: Who is the
author? Who do they quote? Who is speaking? Why is this story being told? What
historical references do they use? What question prompted the information you
are reading?
5. Understand the Composition - We need to
understand that the Book of Mormon is a carefully constructed narrative, not a
loose collection of pithy phrases. The authors and editors have a message they
are trying to deliver. What is the compositional unit? A phrase? A set of
verses? The chapter? Several chapters? The book? Etc.
6. Understand the Content - Once you understand
who is speaking and the context of the verse, it is important to understand
what is actually being said. Sometimes this means understanding the individual
words and their definitions. Sometimes this means understanding a phrase and
its grammar. Sometimes this means comparing to other places where similar ideas
are taught. In other words, making connections, defining words, understanding
context and considering the composition should all come together to give
insight into the content that is being presented. One common mistake is using
the scriptures as "proof texts" where we go looking for statements
that support our preconceptions. Great insight comes from assuming that the
prophets knew what they were saying and that they carefully composed what you
are reading.
7. See Yourself in
the Story – consider the story as an allegory of your life and your
relationships with God, family, or others.
8. Articulate What You Are Learning - Write
it down to preserve what you have learned. Writing will force you to state
clearly what you have learned. Sharing what you learn with other people also
forces you to understand what you learn well enough to articulate it so someone
else. Nothing refines, and tries, your understanding like attempting to
communicate what you have learned to others. Often it is in the interaction
with others where you learn whether you have correctly understood an idea. This
requires us to set aside our pride and be more interested in correct
understanding than in being "right." Remember the blind men and the
elephant.
9. Experiment on the Word - Ultimately,
understanding the scriptures is of little value if our behavior does not change
as a result of what we learn. In fact, it is in acting on what we learn that we
prove the truth of the word as taught in the scriptures.
Here is a specific way to experiment –
Precept Experiment:
The basis of the precept experiment is Joseph Smith's
statement in the introduction to the Book of Mormon, “… the Book of Mormon was
the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a
man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other
book.” A precept is defined as a principle or general rule intended to regulate
behavior or thought (see Mirriam Webster's Dictionary). As a means of
experimenting on the word, you can identify, and act upon, precepts that you
find in the Book of Mormon.
As you read, try to identify precepts that are taught. This
will happen as you prayerfully ask to be taught through the Spirit and study
the scriptures. Once you find a precept, find other places in the scriptures
where that same precept is taught. Making connections with other scriptures
that teach the same ideas will refine your understanding. Then, identify
specific things you can do to live that precept as an experiment upon the word.
Finally, write a short summary of the experience you have as you live the
precept over a period of time. Articulating your experiment in writing will
refine your understanding. Also, sharing your experience is an important part
of sharing testimony. Your understanding will deepen as you share your
experience with others.
