Now I’m confused.
Apparently there is a particular “structure” or “format” for this Bible study, but I have no idea what it is. I received an email from one of the leaders containing a 22-page document (with 10-point type!!) outlining that format, and honestly it doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. 22 pages? I didn’t know there were “rules” for reading the Bible!
This may be nothing. I’m probably overreacting. I haven’t read the 22 pages in depth (really, who has that much time?). But in just a quick scan of the document, I saw this:
Each morning ask God to give you a verse from 1 John to challenge you for that day. Do not close your Bible and eat breakfast, take a shower, or go to work until you have it written down.
Okay, I totally understand commitment to the Bible. I get it. I even agree with that part of it.
But this pulls back memories from my college days, of those “Bible studies” that taught that the Bible says that we are supposed to read the Bible in the morning before getting dressed, as if reading the Bible at any other time of day does not count. Back in college, they made a strong implication that it was sinful to take a shower or brush your teeth prior to reading the Bible. As a night person, I spent many days in college wondering if my constant struggle (and often, failure) to wake up early to read the Bible would doom my eternal soul. Not true! And I WILL NOT go back to a Bible study like that.
I don’t know yet if that is what this group is. I will return, and I will take it one week at a time. Like I said, I am sure I am overreacting. I’m taking it out of context. But still… this gives me pause.
22 pages? I just want to scream, I’m new to your church! I’m new to your group! I don’t know what you are doing and I feel totally clueless! And yea, I’m just a little bit scared.