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Bible study (Christian)

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In Christianity, Bible study is the study of the Bible by ordinary people as a personal religious or spiritual practice. Some denominations may call this devotion or devotional acts; however in other denominations devotion has other meanings. Bible study in this sense is distinct from Biblical studies, which is a formal academic discipline.

1 In Evangelical Protestantism
- 1.1 Popular methods
- 1.2 Criticisms
2 See also
3 External links

In Evangelical Protestantism

This term can refer to a period of time set aside to study the Bible and pray in an effort to build a stronger spiritual relationship with God. This time is often spent alone or with a small group of people. Whereas the notion of 'quiet time' refers more often than not to individual devotionals of daily frequence or multiple times during a week, 'a Bible study' often connotes a less frequent--often weekly--meeting of a group of people for devotional study of the Bible and spiritual accountability. When used this way, a Bible study is also often referred to as a "small group", especially when the focus is on some aspect of a Christian's walk with God other than the study of the Bible according to some specific plan. In a number of Protestant sects, the term also refers to an individual story or message that follows the above format. Pastors and ministers who speak using stories as opposed to sermons are said to be giving a "devotion(al)" or "devotionals".

Popular methods

Many devotional books, or devotionals, are available in retail stores today. These books contain directed Bible studies often incorporating stories or anecdotes that convey Biblical principles, similar to the parables used by Jesus in his ministry. One of the most famous of these is a devotional called My Utmost for His Highest, written by Oswald Chambers. Many Christian stores dedicate an entire section to these types of books, but they are widely available at secular stores as well, often shelved in the "inspirational" section. Some Christian communities (e.g. Christadelphians) have Bible reading schedules, like the one suggested in the Bible Companion, for example, as one tool to help them with their study of the Bible. Such schedules take people systematically through the entire Bible, reading approximately four chapters per day (in the case of the Bible Companion), which allows the reader to keep context in their studies through the different books of the Bible, and ensures different areas are not neglected. Some sites concentrate on particular aspects of certain books of the Bible, such as the site Book of Acts Today, (bookofactstoday.wordpress.com) which deals with highlights of the Book of Acts applied to the Church of God community.

Criticisms

Some have criticized this approach to Bible study, prayer, and spirituality for various reasons. With regard to Bible study, Some Christians, liberal and conservative alike, claim that the individual layperson receives little aid in fully understanding the text he or she is reading, and is left to for contrary opinions to that of historical Christianity if he or she is not constantly checking his/her opinion with historical doctrines. In certain contexts, for example, for group study on public school grounds, the term "wisdom study" may sometimes be used in place of "Bible study." Sections of the Bible are studied in addition to other texts, and the emphasis is changed from whole-Bible study and proselytism to the more general study of wisdom as it relates to the development of personal character and a life of purpose.