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.

Wednesday, 6 May 2020

Lesson 6 (May 2-8), Why is Interpretation Needed

Presuppositions

  1. What are some factors that prejudice a reader of the Bible?
  2. What had blinded the disciples that they could not comprehend what Jesus was telling them about his death?
  3. Is it necessary to rid one's self of prejudices or will God understand the situation?
Translation and Interpretation
  1. What value is there for preachers who have not studied Biblical languages to refer to Greek and Hebrew usage?
  2. Does study of other ancient documents also urge learning of the original languages? What are the limitations of translations?
  3. Have electronic translators eliminated the need for learning languages?
The Bible and Culture
  1. What makes Greek culture different from Hebrew culture?
  2. Why does Christianity seem like a Western religion?
  3. How can missionaries help themselves and their religion to not be seen as a foreign religion?
Our Sinful and Fallen Nature
  1. What did Jesus do that antagonized the religious leaders of his day?
  2. Could Jesus have done anything to help them not feel threatened? Would that have necessitated any sacrifice of his mission and message?
  3. How can scripture be used so often by both sides of an issue?
Why Interpretation is Important
  1. How do various denominations come up with differing doctrines from the same Bible?
  2. Are preachers going to be held responsible for teaching wrong doctrine if they were sincere?
  3. Have Adventists been guilty of misusing texts to defend their teachings?