Why Seeds of Faith?

We reap what we sow, right? So, to grow a healthy soul, plant some seeds of faith.

This is where thoughtful Christians practice reading the Bible well.

To do that, I’ll use the “SOAP” method for devotional Bible reading and reflection. This is a simple approach that anyone can learn and use: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. In personal practice, the “application” part would consist of one or two statements of intention or commitment based on an insight from the observation. Instead, since this is also a reflection to share, I’ll pose a question or two.

Additionally, two quotes capture the aim of this practice:

“You see, but you do not observe.” (Sherlock Holmes, in A Scandal in Bohemia, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Reading the words and sentences is one thing, but learning to observe well takes deliberate practice. I’m practicing with you.

“Some interpretations are more well-grounded than others.” (Dr. David Bauer, Professor of Inductive Biblical Studies and Dean of the School of Biblical Interpretation at Asbury Theological Seminary, in-class lecture)

People offer speculative interpretations and sometimes scoff at one interpretation being more correct than another. While it’s true that a passage may have a range of interpretations that are valid, (1) that range is not infinite, and (2) to paraphrase Dr. Bauer, some interpretations are more well-grounded in sound observations than others.

These are riffs of scriptural reflection, grounded in observation, not speculation. I hope you’ll read along and practice with me.

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