Critiquing: #069 — How do we get people reading the Bible again?

June 10, 2021 | Ask NT Wright Anything – Premier

Biblical engagement — Reading strategies — Attention span — Secular historian — Early Christian vision

---

Episode Assessment:

		Commentary
Degree of Accuracy	C	Some statements about historical trends and Bible engagement rates lack concrete statistical backing. For instance, the claim that people read the Bible less now despite having more access needs empirical data for validation.
Degree of Coherence	B	The overall discussion follows a logical sequence, but certain segments could be more tightly connected to the central theme of increasing Bible engagement. The discussion occasionally diverts into tangential topics.
Absence of Fallacies	B-	There are minor logical fallacies, such as hasty generalizations about young Christians’ engagement with the Bible and assumptions without broad evidence. For example, attributing decreased Bible reading solely to increased digital distractions.
Degree of Evidence	C-	The arguments presented are mostly based on personal observations and anecdotal evidence. There is a lack of robust, scholarly research or data to substantiate claims about trends in Bible reading and effective engagement strategies.
Degree of Testability	D+	Many suggestions and claims made in the discussion are not easily testable. For example, the proposed reading strategies for the Bible, while practical, lack empirical studies to measure their effectiveness.
Rational Confidence	C	While the arguments are presented with moderate confidence, the lack of substantial evidence and testability means the overall confidence level should be tempered. More rigorous research would strengthen the arguments made.

---

Potential/Apparent Weaknesses:

1. Factual Accuracy

“It’s frequently said, isn’t it, that we’ve got more access to the Bible than we’ve ever had in history, but people are actually reading it less than they ever have, at least within the Christian church.”

This statement lacks robust statistical backing. Historical data on Bible readership trends could provide more accuracy. To strengthen this point, it would be beneficial to reference specific studies or surveys that track Bible engagement over time, such as those conducted by organizations like Pew Research Center or Barna Group.

2. Degree of Evidence

“And I think I would say part of the trick is experimenting with different speeds of reading, that if somebody wanted to get to grips with the Bible, I would say, don’t just read the first 10 verses of a chapter in 1 Kings, and then the next week read the next 10 verses.”

While the suggestion is practical, it is based more on personal opinion rather than empirical evidence or studies demonstrating its effectiveness. To substantiate such claims, it would be useful to cite studies on different reading strategies and their impact on comprehension and retention of complex texts.

---

Formulations of Major Arguments

Argument 1: Decreasing Bible Engagement

Premises:

1. Premise 1: Bible engagement is critical for understanding Christian faith.
2. Premise 2: Young Christians rely on secondary sources like podcasts and social media for biblical knowledge.
3. Premise 3: Direct reading of the Bible has decreased among young Christians.
4. Premise 4: Increased access to the Bible paradoxically correlates with decreased reading.
5. Premise 5: Strategies are needed to reignite personal and corporate scripture reading.

Conclusion:
Reigniting personal and corporate Bible reading is necessary to counter the decline in direct Bible engagement among young Christians.

Counter-Argument:
While the decline in Bible reading is concerning, it may not necessarily correlate with decreased engagement with Christian teachings. Secondary sources like podcasts and social media may provide accessible and engaging ways for young Christians to understand and apply biblical principles in their lives. Emphasizing quality content in these mediums could complement traditional Bible reading rather than replace it, addressing the root concern of understanding and living out Christian teachings. Furthermore, the interactive and community aspects of digital platforms might offer a more engaging way to connect with the Bible’s teachings, potentially leading to deeper engagement and application in daily life.

Argument 2: Importance of Telling the Great Story

Premises:

1. Premise 1: The Bible is often perceived as a collection of fables rather than a unified narrative.
2. Premise 2: Properly telling the overarching story of the Bible can enhance engagement.
3. Premise 3: Historical and theological context is crucial for understanding the Bible.
4. Premise 4: Misunderstanding the Bible’s purpose leads to disinterest among young people.
5. Premise 5: Effective storytelling can renew interest in Bible reading.

Conclusion:
Emphasizing the Bible as a coherent, grand narrative can renew interest and understanding, leading to increased engagement with scripture.

Counter-Argument:
The challenge lies in bridging the gap between ancient texts and contemporary relevance. While framing the Bible as a grand narrative is valuable, it may not be sufficient for all audiences. Practical application, relatable teachings, and addressing modern issues directly within the biblical context can further enhance relevance and engagement, making the Bible more accessible and appealing to today’s youth. Additionally, integrating modern storytelling techniques, such as multimedia presentations and interactive discussions, can make the Bible’s narratives more compelling and relatable, encouraging a deeper and more personal connection with the text.

Argument 3: Integrating Diverse Reading Approaches

Premises:

1. Premise 1: The Bible contains complex and varied literary forms.
2. Premise 2: Different sections of the Bible may require different reading approaches.
3. Premise 3: Speed reading can help grasp overarching narratives.
4. Premise 4: Detailed, slow reading aids in deeper understanding of complex passages.
5. Premise 5: Experimenting with reading speeds can enhance overall comprehension.

Conclusion:
Integrating diverse reading approaches can improve overall comprehension and engagement with the Bible.

Counter-Argument:
While diverse reading approaches can enhance comprehension, they require guidance and structure to be effective. Simply suggesting varied reading speeds without a clear methodology may not yield significant improvements in understanding. Structured reading plans, guided by theological educators or study groups, can provide the necessary framework for applying these techniques effectively. Additionally, the use of supplementary materials, such as commentaries and historical context guides, can support deeper engagement and comprehension, ensuring that readers gain a more holistic understanding of the Bible’s messages and themes.

◉ Creating Vested Interest through Bible Reading:

The Role of Time, Energy, and Money in Religious Loyalty

One of the primary ways to enhance loyalty to a religion is for the religion to create in its constituents a vested interest through the investment of time, energy, and money. This vested interest often manifests in the emphasis religions place on the reading of their Holy Book. Increased reading of the holy book will likely not result in a convergence of doctrinal positions (as the disparate doctrines among “Bible believers” show), but it will give the individual a sense that they have invested too much to allow themselves the consideration that the religion is false. Any evidence counter to their religion is quickly dismissed as too painful to honestly consider. This phenomenon is true for all major religions.

Religious texts, revered as the ultimate source of spiritual truth and moral guidance, hold a central place in the life of the devout. By encouraging followers to regularly engage with these texts, religions effectively bind individuals to their faith. This engagement is not merely passive but requires a significant investment of time. Daily readings, study sessions, and memorization efforts collectively amount to countless hours devoted to understanding and internalizing religious teachings. This time investment deepens the individual’s connection to the religion and makes them less likely to abandon their faith, as doing so would mean acknowledging that their extensive efforts were in vain.

Additionally, the energy expended in reading and interpreting religious texts is considerable. Engaging with complex scriptures demands mental effort, reflection, and often participation in communal discussions or study groups. This intellectual investment fosters a profound personal commitment to the faith. As individuals wrestle with the meanings of sacred texts, they build a cognitive framework that reinforces their beliefs and makes alternative viewpoints seem less credible or appealing.

Financial investment also plays a role in creating a vested interest. Many religions encourage the purchase of religious texts, commentaries, and supplementary materials. Followers may also contribute to religious institutions that support educational programs centered on their holy books. These financial contributions further entrench individuals in their faith, as they have made tangible investments in their religious identity.

However, while increased engagement with religious texts reinforces loyalty, it does not necessarily lead to a unified doctrinal understanding. The diversity of interpretations among “Bible believers” is a testament to this. Despite shared sacred texts, doctrinal differences arise from varied interpretations, cultural contexts, and personal perspectives. This divergence shows that while holy books are central to religious practice, they do not homogenize belief.

Instead, the primary outcome of this investment in time, energy, and money is a strong psychological commitment to the religion. The notion that one has invested so much makes the idea of the religion being false too painful to consider. Cognitive dissonance theory explains this as the discomfort experienced when confronted with information that contradicts one’s beliefs. To alleviate this discomfort, individuals often dismiss contradictory evidence rather than reconsider their faith. This dismissal is a defense mechanism to protect the self from the emotional and intellectual turmoil that such reconsideration would entail.

This phenomenon is not unique to any single religion but is evident across all major faiths. Whether it is the Bible in Christianity, the Quran in Islam, the Torah in Judaism, or the Vedas in Hinduism, the pattern of investing significant resources into engaging with sacred texts is a common strategy to solidify believers’ loyalty.

In conclusion, the emphasis on reading holy books serves a crucial role in fostering vested interest among followers, thereby enhancing religious loyalty. This investment of time, energy, and money creates a psychological barrier against apostasy by making the costs of leaving the faith seem insurmountable. While it does not lead to doctrinal uniformity, it strengthens individual commitment and makes counter-evidence too painful to seriously consider.

---

We warmly welcome you to discuss this topic further in the comments section. Your thoughts and perspectives are invaluable to enriching our understanding of how vested interest shapes religious loyalty.