p. 24 | The Bible in Our Schools by J. E. Tenney

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 7, 1907

The Bible in Our Schools

By J. E. Tenney

“As an educating factor the Bible is without a rival.” Many evidences of the truthfulness of this statement can be produced. It is said that after three and one-half years of association with Christ his disciples “had come to be like him in mind and in character.” This is a wonderful statement. Men who were absolutely unlearned had in such a comparatively brief time become like their great Teacher in all that goes to make a complete education—perfection of mind and character.

“It is the Spirit that quickeneth.” The Scriptures were written by inspiration of God. In the study of the Scriptures the human mind is brought in contact with the divine mind. “It is only life that can impart life.” “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” It is therefore only as the mind is brought in contact with God’s mind that life is imparted.

There are two forms, or methods, of Bible study. One may be called argumentative, the other spiritual. It is true, of course, that in the study of the prophecies, and those portions of the Scriptures which furnish a foundation for other pillars of our faith, there is a blessing. We are told to be always ready to give to every one that asketh a reason of the hope that is in us; but there is in a study of the Bible apart from all argument a study in which we compare text with text, and search as for hidden treasures,—a power and a blessing that no other form of Bible study can impart.

Of this latter method of study there is too little in our schools. Pupils acquire the ability to prove the different points of our faith, and yet have received but little of that vitalizing power which the study of the Scriptures is designed to give.

It is doubtless true that our students could be prepared for efficient service in the cause in a shorter time if some unimportant and mind-taxing subjects now in our courses of study were to give place to more of the practical study of the Bible.

If this were done, our students would never feel that they had been educated above any branch of the Lord’s work. Graduates would be willing to canvass or to teach church-schools without feeling that it was belittling their attainments.

Let us have more Bible study in our schools, more practical, spiritual Bible study, and less of that which caters to human pride and encourages worldly ambitions. J. E. TENNEY.