Customer Reviews

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Teaching the Bible (Complete Idiot's Guide To...)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book will assist people with various bible teaching appoaches or tastes; like focusing only on a single verse, or a whole chapter, or a specific topic, or a bible person, etc.

This book was very complete -- and would allow a reader to teach and write Bible studies, teachings -- perhaps even an entire book with authority if guidelines were followed. Very thorough!

This is a very useful book. It gives various techniques for a person who is interested in learning how to teach Sunday School or a Bible study.

One concern I have is the person's view of Scripture. Is the Bible, all of it, given by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and is profitable for teaching (doctrine), reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be complete (or perfect), thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17; see also 2 Peter 1:21)? Whalin seems to take that approach.

One sign is when he deals with translations. Of course, there are so many translations one can't deal with them all. However, Whalin focused on the more conservative translations (KJV, NKJV, NIV, NASB) and freer paraphrases (NLT, NCV, the Message), but did not mention more liberal versions like the NRSV, etc.

I have one slight caveat. It mentions putting more focus on application (how to live Scripture out) than interpretation (what did it mean to the original readers). On one hand, I loudly applaud Whalin, because the Bible is relevant and changes lives. However, the best applications follow interpretation. The method of interpretation will affect the applications.

I have looked extensively through this book at the library but then ended up purchasing Rick Warren's Bible Study methods from my local Christian bookstore. WOW was I ever surprised at the amount of information and even some of the same QUOTES in both books. I was curious as to who wrote what first and it looks like Rick Warren was the winner! So is Terry Whalin guilty of borrowing quite a few thoughts? You can decide that or simply get the Bible Study Methods by Rick Warren. It's an easy read and packed with helpful teaching info.

I could only get to chapter five here. I always hate doing this to my own brethren but this book is poorly written.