Need of Better Methods
By M. E. Kern
“If God’s Word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose that are rarely seen in these times.” Surely the object to be gained is worthy of the most diligent effort to supply the conditions,—breadth of mind, nobility of character, and stability of purpose,—a steadfastness of purpose, a strength of character, a nobility of nature, and a breadth of mind rarely seen in this age. Surely these are just the objects for which we are seeking in Christian education. We want to send forth from our schools noble, broad-minded men and women who can take their places beside the best men and women of this age, command their respect, and give to them God’s message. These results are conditioned on the right study of God’s Word. We have talked much about making the Bible the basis of our work, and of bringing it into other studies, but we have not said much about proper methods of Bible study; yet there is great need of the Bible study in our schools being put on a better basis, that the simple laws of pedagogy should be followed in its teaching, so that it may be the most interesting and delightful study, the deepest and most profound study, that the students shall have. In spite of the fact that the Testimonies have told us that, “as an educating power, the Bible is without a rival,” the students in our schools have often said that the Bible is their easiest study, requiring very little mental effort. And when there is little mental study, there is little development. In a recent letter from one of our leading teachers, he said: “I am sure that much of the Bible teaching in our schools during the past few years at least has been haphazard, and given without proper thought.” He suggests as a remedy “a more systematic and logical study of the Word of God.” This is the sentiment of many of our teachers as they look back upon their own Bible study in school, and compare the methods pursued with the exact, definite methods in other branches. But instead of this lack of thoroughness, we are told by the spirit of prophecy that every student who values the heavenly treasure should “put to the stretch his mental and spiritual powers, and sink the shaft deep into the mine of truth, that he may obtain the celestial gold,—that wisdom that will make him wise unto salvation.” That we should seek to improve our methods of Bible study is indicated by an extract from our latest instruction on the subject of education. In the book “Education,” page 186, we read: “Parents and teachers should constantly seek for improved methods. The teaching of the Bible should have our freshest thought, our best methods, and our most earnest efforts.” It seems to me that nothing would22more revive the interests of our schools than a careful study of the best methods of Bible teaching. Young people are constantly saying that they do not know how to take up the study of the Bible. Under the inspiring influence of one who has become thoroughly familiar with the Scriptures, and is filled with a holy zeal for the salvation of souls, young people will resolve to become Christians and to make the Bible a part of their lives, but they will still find that they do not know how to study the Bible. We can only give our students a start in this study, so it should be our constant aim in Bible instruction to teach them how to study systematically for themselves. This the student can not learn by hearing, but only by doing. If he is taught to “put to the stretch,” his mental and spiritual powers to produce something for the class, he will be more apt to do the same thing out of school.