The Art of Responsible Bible Teaching: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
As a Bible teacher, I’ve come to realize that teaching a familiar passage to students who have already studied it is far more challenging than teaching it to those who haven’t. By assigning homework, I’m not only encouraging critical thinking but also holding myself accountable to avoid common teaching pitfalls.
One of the most significant pitfalls is failing to give the primary text the attention it deserves. It’s easy to get sidetracked by cross-references, but our primary goal should be to teach the key text thoroughly, so it becomes second nature to our students. A well-prepared student will expect us to delve deep into the text, exploring its nuances and complexities.
Another pitfall is feminizing or masculinizing a text, overlaying it with gender-specific meanings that rob it of its original intent. While it’s essential to consider gender-specific applications, we must avoid reducing the text to a single perspective. The Bible is a book about God, written for people, and our job as teachers is to teach it responsibly, without manipulating the text to fit our agenda.
Imagining beyond the text can be tempting, especially when trying to make the Bible more relatable or engaging. However, this approach can be distracting and potentially extrabiblical. A student who has spent time in the text will recognize when we’re going “off script” and appreciate a more disciplined approach to teaching.
Humor and storytelling are valuable tools in teaching, but we must use them judiciously, ensuring they reinforce the lesson rather than compromise it. A well-prepared student will recognize when we’re using these devices as filler or manipulation.
Teaching the Bible should awaken a deeper love for God in both the teacher and the student. While emotions play a crucial role in our spiritual journey, we must avoid targeting people’s emotions for the sake of creating a shared experience. A teacher’s job is to draw attention to the beauty of the text, not build a cult of personality.
Knowing what content to include and what to leave out is a delicate balance. A well-prepared student will appreciate a focused approach, and we must be willing to admit our limitations and uncertainties. Honesty about our knowledge gaps can be reassuring to our students and encourage them to think critically about the text.
Ultimately, teaching women (or men) the Bible requires a commitment to responsible teaching, avoiding common pitfalls that can undermine our message. By doing so, we can create an environment where our students can grow in their understanding of God’s Word and develop a deeper love for Him.
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