There is a thread currently running in the Theology Section about books. The implication is that they are necessary for spiritual growth.
I am curious what people here believe about the capability of the illiterate to grow spiritually.
Opinions?
Illiteracy and Spiritual Growth
Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Rolfe, Aug 6, 2014.
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Crabtownboy Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Yes, they can grow spiritually, but not nearly as far, as deep, as mature as they could if they could and did read. Sadly, there are those who can read but do not.
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But no, the implication that these books are necessary for spiritual growth, IMHO, is intellectual snobbery. If they are needed, then the issue becomes which ones are the right ones...if they are needed, then surely the right ones are to some degree inspired...etc. I guess it depends on the understanding and need of the individual. But what is needed for spiritual growth is the Spirit.
I have, BTW, ran across many who are very well read and intellectually right on target but seem to be lacking in the spiritual growth department. -
preachinjesus Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
I disagree with that Crabtownboy.
Given the history of Christianity is spread across centuries where the vast majority of believers couldn't read, it seems unlikely that illiteracy is a hindrance to sanctification and spiritual growth.
We do plenty of work in and with third world churches. They have many members who can't read...but they can sing, they can use their hands, they can recall the stories (they're quite good with the stories), they can recite verses and passages, they can do ministry. In fact, in many ways, some of the most vibrant people I know spiritually in these places are illiterate.
Because the Gospel transcends our intellectual abilities and Christianity is not a religion based solely in the mind, but it is placed also in our hearts.
As someone with a terminal degree in theology, my life is enriched and my faith enhanced by my ability to read. Shame on me if I think that someone who can't is less of a Christian. :) -
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Crabtownboy Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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preachinjesus Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Generally speaking, there are usually individuals in the community who are able to read and keep them affixed with Scripture. If not them, than the regular check ups just like Paul says he got in Galatians 1-2. You seem to be inferring something I haven't written here.
We always want to help people be educated. Education is the silver bullet for so many things in our society and lives. Education changes the world. My points aren't about education, but about the reality the those who can't read are in no worse place than those who can. Our salvation and sanctification aren't predicated on the ability to read the words of Christ, but to receive the Word.
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JohnDeereFan Well-Known MemberSite SupporterRolf said: ↑There is a thread currently running in the Theology Section about books. The implication is that they are necessary for spiritual growth.
I am curious what people here believe about the capability of the illiterate to grow spiritually.
Opinions?Click to expand... -
Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Out of curiosity (and I'm not trying to be a wiseguy) but is anyone illiterate these days? Maybe I'm just considering this country!?!
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evangelist6589 Well-Known MemberSite SupporterJonC said: ↑They are helpful in understanding Scripture. Without commentary, it is easy to place the text of Scripture within our own context and misunderstand what is actually stated. These books are helpful (speaking of commentary) in bridging not only language but cultural gaps when studying the Bible. Also, books help as we wrestle with theological issues (many contemporary issues have been considered in the past...we can benefit from historical theology.
But no, the implication that these books are necessary for spiritual growth, IMHO, is intellectual snobbery. If they are needed, then the issue becomes which ones are the right ones...if they are needed, then surely the right ones are to some degree inspired...etc. I guess it depends on the understanding and need of the individual. But what is needed for spiritual growth is the Spirit.
I have, BTW, ran across many who are very well read and intellectually right on target but seem to be lacking in the spiritual growth department.Click to expand... -
evangelist6589 said: ↑I sure learned allot in seminary and grew a love for books, and also that is where I learned Street Evangelism and grew a passion for witnessing there. Boy books and good teaching/preaching sure ddi help me.Click to expand...
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Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known MemberSite SupporterDon said: ↑Is this a serious post? Or did someone hack Evangelist's account?Click to expand...
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All I can say is that evidently there's a lot of you poor souls that have never sat under the powerful preaching of the gospel that I've been blessed to hear. One doesn't have to be literate to listen to the healthful teaching of the gospel.
It's the way God set it up, He designed it, He intended our timely salvation to be through the preaching of the gospel.
Thank you Lord! -
evangelist6589 said: ↑I sure learned allot in seminary and grew a love for books, and also that is where I learned Street Evangelism and grew a passion for witnessing there. Boy books and good teaching/preaching sure ddi help me.Click to expand...
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While a Sophomore in High School a notice was posted about taking an IQ test. It was two hours long and I said to myself..., "Self, go ahead. You'll get out of English and Biology class. It was play time, to me. Besides, I didn't know the difference between an IQ Test and a Left Handed Water Pump.
So, I took the test. I scored so low they wouldn't tell me how bad it was afraid it would warp my "widdle" mind. Seriously, I just marked answers and just wasted my time.
As an adult I have been tested and found to be in the higher echelons of average, reflecting at around one hundred with a deviation of fifteen. No, I'm no Einstein nor am I a Bubba. An interesting aspect of an IQ test however is that there is no real way to gauge someone intelligence. Rather, an IQ test better rates ones personality.
Moving right along here..., I didn't find out until 1990 that I am an Introverted individual. At this point, a lot of doors opened for me and, what had been cloudy in years past finally began to make sense.
I can read and gain very little. I can listen and the topic opens up like a raging river. I can then think about it all for a day or two and retain it for an entire lift time.
The biggest difference between an Introvert and an Extrovert basically boils down to how we process information. About 75% of the world are Extroverted while only 25% of us are Introverted. Pipe smokers are usually extremely Introverted.
As such, people who are lacking in basic education more than make up for their loss through other processes. Example being, a blind person can "see" what sighted individuals often can't see. I worked with a deaf mute (from birth) years ago who told me (by writing a note) the only thing he ever heard was his dog yelp when it got hit by a car and killed. I just looked at him.
...may I suggest that for grins and giggles you all take the Meyers-Briggs test. It on line and should reflect about 100 questions. There are no right or wrong answers but it's fun to see the results. -
Earth said: ↑Out of curiosity (and I'm not trying to be a wiseguy) but is anyone illiterate these days? Maybe I'm just considering this country!?!Click to expand...
How many college Freshman are required to take remedial English?
The need for remediation is widespread. When considering all first-time undergraduates, stud­ies have found anywhere from 28 percent to 40 percent of students enroll in at least one re­medial course. When looking at only community college students, several studies have found remediation rates surpassing 50 percent.
Link for this info -
My wife showed me a Pinterest thing: "How, in only 100 years, did our colleges go from requiring Latin to teaching remedial English?"
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evangelist6589 Well-Known MemberSite SupporterJonC said: ↑Yes...books are good. But I had one in college, "Modern Business Statistics," that was bad. Very, very bad. And the author was Reformed...I think. Kept saying stuff like "coefficient of variation"....Arminians don't say stuff like that.Click to expand...
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