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Bible Study: Following the Ways of the Word
What is Bible study, anyway? The answers are many and diverse! Is it the same thing as just reading through the Bible, or does true Bible study involve treating it differently from any other book?
Here Kathleen Nielson calls laypeople interested in Bible study to the crucial starting points and approaches that the Bible itself demands. She not only analyzes current trends, but also points the way forward, toward the most fruitful and powerful study we can have of God’s inspired Word.
Bible Study: Following the Ways of the Word winsomely highlights not a rigid set of methods, but a clear approach to Bible study—one that acknowledges the Scripture for what it is and faithfully enables us to take in the very words of God and submit ourselves to them. It examines just what Bible study should involve, according to the truths and principles given to us in the Bible itself.
Here Kathleen Nielson calls laypeople interested in Bible study to the crucial starting points and approaches that the Bible itself demands. She not only analyzes current trends, but also points the way forward, toward the most fruitful and powerful study we can have of God’s inspired Word.
Bible Study: Following the Ways of the Word winsomely highlights not a rigid set of methods, but a clear approach to Bible study—one that acknowledges the Scripture for what it is and faithfully enables us to take in the very words of God and submit ourselves to them. It examines just what Bible study should involve, according to the truths and principles given to us in the Bible itself.
182 pages, Paperback
First published February 17, 2011
7 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Buswell Nielson
15 books24 followerssee also: Kathleen B. Nielson
A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Kathleen Nielson holds M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in literature from Vanderbilt University and a B.A. from Wheaton College (Illinois). She has taught in the English departments at Vanderbilt University, Bethel College (Minnesota), and Wheaton College. She is the author of numerous Bible studies, and the book Bible Study: Following the Ways of the Word, as well as various articles and poems. Kathleen has directed and taught women s Bible studies at several churches and speaks extensively at conferences and retreats. She serves as director of women s initiatives for The Gospel Coalition and on the board of directors of The Charles Simeon Trust. Kathleen and her husband Niel (president of Covenant College 2002 2012, now leading an enterprise in global Christian education) have three sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law, and a growing number of grandchildren!
A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Kathleen Nielson holds M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in literature from Vanderbilt University and a B.A. from Wheaton College (Illinois). She has taught in the English departments at Vanderbilt University, Bethel College (Minnesota), and Wheaton College. She is the author of numerous Bible studies, and the book Bible Study: Following the Ways of the Word, as well as various articles and poems. Kathleen has directed and taught women s Bible studies at several churches and speaks extensively at conferences and retreats. She serves as director of women s initiatives for The Gospel Coalition and on the board of directors of The Charles Simeon Trust. Kathleen and her husband Niel (president of Covenant College 2002 2012, now leading an enterprise in global Christian education) have three sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law, and a growing number of grandchildren!
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 26, 2011
Bible Study: Following the Ways of the Word I've really enjoyed reading Kathleen Buswell Nielson's thoughts from time to time on The Gospel Coalition blog, so I was curious to read her new book, Bible Study: Following the Ways of the Word.
Mrs. Nielson's background in literature gives a unique perspective to how we should approach bible study, different from the typical "method" approach. She focuses on the literary aspects of Scripture, without at all detracting from the inspired, inerrant nature of it. With my love of reading, her approach naturally appeals to me!
Bible Study: Following the Ways of the Word begins with the premise that most of us approach Scripture with three faulty assumptions:
* That the church, both on the local level and in a larger sense, consists of two "classes" of people: the "professionals" and the rest of us.
* That no one has the right to act as an authority over me.
* That words lack the power to effectively communicate truth.
These perceptions greatly affect how we go about studying our bibles. After a discussion of how these three intertwine to impact our view of the bible, Mrs. Nielson proposes five key truths about Scripture that should guide how we approach it, posing each one as a question:
* If the Bible is God Speaking...Then How Should We Listen?
* If the Bible is Powerful...Then How Should We Approach It?
* If the Bible is Understandable...Then How Should We Get It?
* If the Bible is a Literary Work...Then What Should We Expect?
* If the Bible is One Whole Story...Then How Should We Read It?
She spends one to two chapters on each of these propositions, delving into the implications each one should have on our view and study of Scripture, then wraps up by bringing them all together into one multi-faceted view of the bible and discussing the fruits of personal bible study.
I really enjoyed Bible Study! It definitely offers a different twist on the typical "how to study your bible" manual, and although it focuses more on principles than processes, it's got plenty of practical application as well. With her literary background, Ms. Nielson was able to bring out aspects that I had never picked up on before. I loved her discussion of Hebrew poetry, and her assertion that we should be reading for more than just getting propositions from the text...we should also relish the beauty of the literary qualities and genres:
"God could have inspired an outline or a list of truths. Instead, he inspired a literary work."
Words are important. Handling God's Word correctly is vital. Bible Study: Following the Ways of the Word emphasizes both the beauty and truth of God's Word avoiding a simply mechanical, analytical approach to Scripture:
"If the Bible is indeed God speaking, then we do well to listen with full and utmost attention to every detail. If it is true that God is the original word-speaker and that every human being uses words only because of the image of God in him, then anything about words, including their literary beauty, has to do with God. We all (not just "literary people" but all of us) need to pay more attention to words."
Bible Study is definitely a worthwhile read for anyone interested in thoughtful and faithful bible study, especially bible study leaders and teachers. I found it encouraging and thought-provoking and will definitely be referring to it again and again!
Thanks so much to P&R Publishing for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Mrs. Nielson's background in literature gives a unique perspective to how we should approach bible study, different from the typical "method" approach. She focuses on the literary aspects of Scripture, without at all detracting from the inspired, inerrant nature of it. With my love of reading, her approach naturally appeals to me!
Bible Study: Following the Ways of the Word begins with the premise that most of us approach Scripture with three faulty assumptions:
* That the church, both on the local level and in a larger sense, consists of two "classes" of people: the "professionals" and the rest of us.
* That no one has the right to act as an authority over me.
* That words lack the power to effectively communicate truth.
These perceptions greatly affect how we go about studying our bibles. After a discussion of how these three intertwine to impact our view of the bible, Mrs. Nielson proposes five key truths about Scripture that should guide how we approach it, posing each one as a question:
* If the Bible is God Speaking...Then How Should We Listen?
* If the Bible is Powerful...Then How Should We Approach It?
* If the Bible is Understandable...Then How Should We Get It?
* If the Bible is a Literary Work...Then What Should We Expect?
* If the Bible is One Whole Story...Then How Should We Read It?
She spends one to two chapters on each of these propositions, delving into the implications each one should have on our view and study of Scripture, then wraps up by bringing them all together into one multi-faceted view of the bible and discussing the fruits of personal bible study.
I really enjoyed Bible Study! It definitely offers a different twist on the typical "how to study your bible" manual, and although it focuses more on principles than processes, it's got plenty of practical application as well. With her literary background, Ms. Nielson was able to bring out aspects that I had never picked up on before. I loved her discussion of Hebrew poetry, and her assertion that we should be reading for more than just getting propositions from the text...we should also relish the beauty of the literary qualities and genres:
"God could have inspired an outline or a list of truths. Instead, he inspired a literary work."
Words are important. Handling God's Word correctly is vital. Bible Study: Following the Ways of the Word emphasizes both the beauty and truth of God's Word avoiding a simply mechanical, analytical approach to Scripture:
"If the Bible is indeed God speaking, then we do well to listen with full and utmost attention to every detail. If it is true that God is the original word-speaker and that every human being uses words only because of the image of God in him, then anything about words, including their literary beauty, has to do with God. We all (not just "literary people" but all of us) need to pay more attention to words."
Bible Study is definitely a worthwhile read for anyone interested in thoughtful and faithful bible study, especially bible study leaders and teachers. I found it encouraging and thought-provoking and will definitely be referring to it again and again!
Thanks so much to P&R Publishing for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
January 27, 2019
Kathleen Nielson paints with words. Anyone who has heard her speak knows this to be true. As an author, she causes the reader to savor and mull over each thought and detail. This book that is both theological and practical is loaded with beautiful metaphors and imagery. Only a skillful writer accomplishes this art; that of entwining beauty and knowledge.
This has been on my “to read” shelf for quite a while. I pulled it off that shelf and began reading and making notes in my preparation to lead a small Bible study.
Some of the chapters that I found most helpful were those that dealt with the Bible as a literary work, her instruction in teaching a variety of genres appropriately and understanding the overall storyline of the Bible, which is one overarching story. For example she unfolds the remarkable weaving together of the Old Testament narratives to create the whole big picture, detail after detail and generation after generation all pointing to God’s gracious plan to rescue His people; all these details, shadows and types point to the coming Savior. Christ is in every book; every genre points to Him.
This book is a remarkably helpful Bible study tool but the greatest value is that it causes the reader to desire to learn, study and dig deep in the Word, that he or she might know God better and in so doing, the reader will encourage others to do the same. Thank you Kathleen!
This has been on my “to read” shelf for quite a while. I pulled it off that shelf and began reading and making notes in my preparation to lead a small Bible study.
Some of the chapters that I found most helpful were those that dealt with the Bible as a literary work, her instruction in teaching a variety of genres appropriately and understanding the overall storyline of the Bible, which is one overarching story. For example she unfolds the remarkable weaving together of the Old Testament narratives to create the whole big picture, detail after detail and generation after generation all pointing to God’s gracious plan to rescue His people; all these details, shadows and types point to the coming Savior. Christ is in every book; every genre points to Him.
This book is a remarkably helpful Bible study tool but the greatest value is that it causes the reader to desire to learn, study and dig deep in the Word, that he or she might know God better and in so doing, the reader will encourage others to do the same. Thank you Kathleen!
March 7, 2020
This is beautifully written (every sentence gorgeous) very helpful and thought-provoking. I hope to revisit this book often.
August 18, 2016
I so appreciated Kathy Buswell Nielson's insightful approach to this vital topic. Encouraging, challenging, thought-provoking... above all beneficial in many ways. I look forward to reading more of Nielson's works, and growing in my Christian faith as a result.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
July 24, 2014
Kathleen Nielson writes beautifully with much wisdom.
June 3, 2024
Bible study is one of the activities of the Christian life that I suspect is more characterized by hope, desire, and intent than by actual thought, work, and practice. Partly that is because people may not know how to study the Bible, and thus good intentions may not translate into regular discipline. This book should remedy that situation, should help bridge that gap between intent and practice.
Nielson, who has written numerous study guides to various books of the Bible, patiently guides us through an understanding of what exactly the Bible is, and thus how to approach it. She builds her book on five foundational truths about the Bible: 1) the Bible is God speaking (which has implications for the goal of and our attitude toward Bible study); 2) the Bible is powerful (respect the text and recognize its sufficiency); 3) the Bible is understandable (she lists seven questions to ask about a Bible text to help understand it); 4) the Bible is a literary work (don't just look for proof texts: see, appreciate, and understand the various literary genres the writers use); and 5) the Bible is one whole story (how does this text point us to Jesus Christ?).
The book is very approachable, not overly long or complicated, and contains within it much encouragement to those who are serious about reading, understanding, and applying the truths of the Bible to their lives. One of the features of the book that I really appreciate is the frequent insertion of comments from a variety of Bible study leaders and teachers.
If you are serious about your own personal study of the Bible, or about leading a Bible study group, get and read this book.
Nielson, who has written numerous study guides to various books of the Bible, patiently guides us through an understanding of what exactly the Bible is, and thus how to approach it. She builds her book on five foundational truths about the Bible: 1) the Bible is God speaking (which has implications for the goal of and our attitude toward Bible study); 2) the Bible is powerful (respect the text and recognize its sufficiency); 3) the Bible is understandable (she lists seven questions to ask about a Bible text to help understand it); 4) the Bible is a literary work (don't just look for proof texts: see, appreciate, and understand the various literary genres the writers use); and 5) the Bible is one whole story (how does this text point us to Jesus Christ?).
The book is very approachable, not overly long or complicated, and contains within it much encouragement to those who are serious about reading, understanding, and applying the truths of the Bible to their lives. One of the features of the book that I really appreciate is the frequent insertion of comments from a variety of Bible study leaders and teachers.
If you are serious about your own personal study of the Bible, or about leading a Bible study group, get and read this book.
March 27, 2021
This is an excellent book on Bible study and think it is appropriate for both men and women. What is the purpose of Bible study? To study the Bible. The Bible is not about us, the Bible is about God, so as we read the Bible we should be searching for God. I especially appreciated Kathleen Nielson's chapters on the Bible as a literary work and how knowing and studying the different parts of the Bible with the understanding of that literary genre, will enlighten our study of the Bible. The subtitle of this book is "Following the Ways of the Word." This sums up what studying the Bible is all about. The focus is on the Word.
January 8, 2020
Excellent. Great for experienced Bible readers to push you further. If you are new to this I recommend Jen Wilkin's Women of the Word before you read this.
March 13, 2021
Good, easier to read intro.
April 6, 2025
3.5 helpful, good examples. the personal stories were nice but the formatting was incredibly distracting.
May 9, 2011
One of the things that every Christian faces is how best to study the Bible. That is a monumental task that needs to be taken with love and grace. Yet, how do you get started? Is there a specific order you should read in? What should you be doing as you are reading? There are many reading plans out on the market that tell you how to read the Bible their way. Kathleen Buswell Nielson helps you to develop your own way to read God’s Word.
Not all Christian’s are alike. This is evident in the many branches of Christianity. Even when we set aside whether we are Catholic, Protestant, Baptist, and so on. We still are left with the fact that we are each individual human beings. We each have our own way of learning.
So if you are like me and are looking for a way to study the Bible in a way that will be meaningful to you, then this book is definitely for you.
In conjunction with the Wakela's World Disclosure Statement, I received a product in order to enable my review. No other compensation has been received. My statements are an honest account of my experience with the brand. The opinions stated here are mine alone.
Not all Christian’s are alike. This is evident in the many branches of Christianity. Even when we set aside whether we are Catholic, Protestant, Baptist, and so on. We still are left with the fact that we are each individual human beings. We each have our own way of learning.
So if you are like me and are looking for a way to study the Bible in a way that will be meaningful to you, then this book is definitely for you.
In conjunction with the Wakela's World Disclosure Statement, I received a product in order to enable my review. No other compensation has been received. My statements are an honest account of my experience with the brand. The opinions stated here are mine alone.
January 6, 2015
Excellent resource for laying a good foundation for how to study the word for the long haul. So very helpful and encouraging. Well written in an engaging and inspiring style. Excellent resources recommended throughout. Your reading list will grow through reading this!
January 13, 2016
Wonderful! Thorough treatment of not only why & how to study the Bible, but this book also provides help for those who lead Bible studies, with the goal of teaching women how to study it for themselves.
March 5, 2012
More theory than "how-to" but good, especially chapters 4-7 and the Genre-Specific Questions in the Appendix.
November 22, 2014
Very good, some very helpful things to say about bible study & the importance of proper training when leading groups.
March 11, 2013
Good basic book for the study of the bible. Easy to understand and follow.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews