ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 4 (April 18-24), The Bible--the Authoritative Source of our TheologyT

Welcome

Many Sabbath School class teachers either preach a sermon to their class or deliver a monologue on the whole lesson, going through it "day-by-day." The most rewarding sessions involve the members in discussion. These questions here are intended to stimulate the active participation of the members in your class. Of course pertinent information imparted by the teacher is also very valuable, for which there are many resources in print and on the internet. This site seeks to provide a resource for discussions.

If you are a member and not a teacher and your class is boring, try asking questions such as these in your class.

Tuesday, 21 April 2020

Lesson 4 (April 18-24), The Bible--the Authoritative Source of our TheologyT

Tradition

How does tradition begin? How do traditions grow?
What, if any, man-made traditions do we observe in the Adventist church?
Where the Bible is not clear, does it need the church to give an official interpretation? Do we have official interpretations of passages in the Adventist church?

Experience

How much does God/the Holy Spirit speak to humans as individuals? What are examples?
How do we know if a dream is from God?
What is God's purpose in speaking to individuals?
How does God guide us in understanding scripture?

Culture

Could God have avoided culturation of the Bible texts? If it were possible, why didn't He?
If culture is affected by sin does it make the Bible less reliable?
Are Christians exempted from cultural norms of the Bible such as covering the head, removing shoes in holy places, following roles for women as in the Bible?

Reason

Has human reasoning improved or deteriorated over the ages?
What is human reason based on?
To what extent if any, can human reason correct the Bible?

The Bible

Why is the Bible the standard by which everything has to be measured?
Why is not possible for us to accept a prophet's word as superior to the Bible?
Might God be expected to update the teaching of the Bible?

How to Teach a Sabbath School Class

1. Make a conscious decision that you will lead a discussion and not preach a sermon. Prepare accordingly and be alert for discussion opportunities. A discussion in which many participate is very rewarding.

2. You must have a page of freshly written notes. Don't waste people's time with inconsequential things just to occupy the time.

3. Sprinkle your notes with discussion questions and mark them out in bold. Any time you feel you are losing the attention of the members get them into another discussion. The discussion should be relevant to the lesson as well as to everyday life.

4. Start the lesson with a discussion question, or at the very latest within the next few sentences. If you wait for ten minutes and then try to generate a discussion it will be too late. The class will have tuned you out because you have tuned them out.

5. The opening question should be general enough so that even those who have not studied will be interested in contributing.

6. Avoid questions that can be answered by a single word. If someone answers with "yes/no" ask them to give reasons for their answer. If the answer is too short ask them to clarify or simplify the answer.

7. If a member asks a question, that is a golden opportunity for a discussion. Don't waste it by answering it too quickly. Throw the question back to the members for their opinion. You can give yours at the end.

8. Avoid childish questions such as "Which day is the Sabbath?" Members will not feel any need to answer it. Similarly do not pause in a sentence for the members to supply the last few words. That kind of participation is not a discussion. Members must contribute ideas and thoughts and not just words.

9. Avoid trick questions. Members will be embarrassed if you show them wrong and they will not answer the next time. Also avoid questions that will make it obvious whether or not they have studied the lesson. Those who have not studied should also feel urged to contribute.

10. You may sometimes present two views and ask the members to evaluate the views.