Learning to Read is More than Just Pronouncing Words!
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
The three great Monotheistic religions have their differences, but one thing that binds them as a unifying principle is all three faith communities are people of the book. Islam has The Koran, Judaism has The Hebrew Scriptures, and Christianity has The Bible with its Old and New Testaments. Another unifying factor within these three monotheistic religions is the recognition that each finds not just how we are to live as people of faith. Still, the very being of God is revealed within. Therefore, knowing how to read and interpret what we are reading is foundational to being a person of faith in all three of these historically influential religions.
Reading is more than just following the words on the page or even memorizing specific passages. Transformational reading requires empathy. When we read, we should empathize with the characters and even put ourselves into the story. How would we react to walking up to giant Goliath with only a slingshot? Would we run from the garden of Gethsemane when Judas and the Roman guards arrived? In times of trial, like those described in Revelation, would we give in to cynicism or remain trustful that God hasn't forgotten us and will provide the New Heaven and the New Earth? Asking ourselves questions, brought to our attention by the writer, brings the words on the page to life.
In his stimulating, How to Read and Why, Harold Bloom uses a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson to challenge us, "One must be an inventor to read well." When we read sacred Scripture, or anything well-written book or article, we need to think creatively enough to glean new insight. Of course, simply reading what other people say about a book, like Cliff Notes or a commentary, will help you learn what others say, but real wisdom is finding your insight from the written material. Reading with intentionality is especially vital when reading Scripture—even the newest Monotheistic scripture, The Koran, was written over fourteen hundred years ago. Yet, The Koran, The Hebrew Scriptures, and The Bible continue to bring each new generation unique insight and inspiration.
Today, think about what you read, why you read, and how you read. Are you reading for entertainment? That is fine, but entertainment shouldn't be your only motivation. Open your Bible today and read a story. Ask yourself what the character's motivation was and what they had to gain or lose. Put yourself into the situation and determine how you would respond in similar circumstances? Have you faced challenges like the ones described in your life? The words will bounce off the page and into your heart and mind when you read this way. Reading with empathy is the way your sacred Scripture will come to life and how God will speak to you, and how you will better know the mind of God!
