Do you use any aids when studying scripture?

RachelleDrew · #1 (**permalink**) 03-22-2008, 07:03 PM

Just curious if there is anyone else out there who has books that they utilize to help them further understand scripture. I do a lot of studying on my own, so it's nice to have a few literary aids to further my study.

I have a copy of The Message: Remix. Which is essentially just a modern language translation of the new and old testaments. I've found it to be particularly helpful over the years.

However, i've yet to come across anything similar for my LDS set. Does anybody have any suggestions for aid with my study from the LDS scripture? Are there any books that you guys use that you would suggest I check out?

lilered · #2 (**permalink**) 03-22-2008, 07:15 PM

A word of caution about using Study Aids. There is the possibility of the Author inserting personal opinions and
the other is not relying on prayer and the Holy Spirit for help. However, there is a lot of help available using the Church resources.

Abraham · #3 (**permalink**) 03-22-2008, 07:17 PM

Hi,

I can't help too much on LDS commentaries that are similar to some of the in depth voluminous series on the Bible, but if you have not heard of it, The Interpreter's Bible Series is incredible on Bible study. Of course you have other LDS commentaries like you see in Deseret Book etc. Perhaps if you went to FAIR/FARMS and asked there they would be able to assist you.

Abraham

skalenfehl · #4 (**permalink**) 03-22-2008, 07:18 PM

The "Treasures from the Book of Mormon" volumes by Cleon Skousen was what I used several years ago. I only have the first volume and it has been quite insightful.

I have used many old Ensign and Liahona articles to further my research and have lately enjoyed my new best friend: Google

Google has helped me find many old articles and lots of new ones for my current exploration into the Book of Mormon:

http://www.lds.net/forums/share/9872...rkmanship.html

RachelleDrew · #5 (**permalink**) 03-22-2008, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilered

A word of caution about using Study Aids. There is the possibility of the Author inserting personal opinions and
the other is not relying on prayer and the Holy Spirit for help. However, there is a lot of help available using the Church resources.

Yeah, i've come across that problem before. Which is why I thought it would be best to get opinions on study material from this board, as I trust the opinion of you guys more than I do some random internet review.

Before the "contemporary" bible that I now own (The Message:Remix) I had another one that was meant specifically for preteens. I used it a lot, then when I got older and my reading comprehension improved, I started noticing that some of the "interpretations" featured in that book were completely slanted. I got really mad once I realized the author's bias in the studybook. I've become very selective about my study material since then.

Even though I like the one I have now, I try to only use it when it's a matter of language comprehension and literal meaning. When it comes to understanding the spiritual idea behind the lines I like to use prayer instead.

Also in a similar thought, does anyone here use the Pioneer scripture markers? I've always just used crayons to mark my verses, but they tend to be bulky and messy. I saw those makers advertised on deseret and wondered if they were worth it.

skalenfehl · #6 (**permalink**) 03-22-2008, 07:43 PM

Some have used two or three color pencils for different themes/subjects. I seldom mark my scriptures anymore. If I do it's with a pen and a simple underline. I still use my missionary scriptures which are replete with markings and underlinings of all kinds, colors, ink, pencil, color pencil, etc. and tons of cross references and scribblings and more. My wife bought me a new set a while ago, but I still use my old set. I've had it for over 20 years. I can find anything quite easily with them. I don't want to start over with a "blank slate" if that makes sense.

THIRDpersonviewer · #7 (**permalink**) 03-22-2008, 11:35 PM

I have found that Elder Bruce R. McConkie's(who has been regarded as the greatest scriptorian of our time, by some.) works are extremely, doctrinally sound. His commentary's were written like a doctrinal background of the whole gospel because of his use in the scriptures. I read the scriptures, then moved towards these doctrinal commentaries to refine my understanding which helped me gain insight into how read with easy comprehension. I rarely use them now, not because I don't like them, but because I "know" how to read scriptures properly and can learn effectively. The scriptures are more direct and are of more benefit. lilered made an excellent point about using study aids. Because we are men and not perfect, we cannot often keep the word of God perfect, unless we use scripture. That is why we read scriptures, to find the mind, will, word and voice of the Lord and to find the power of God unto Salvation.

This is the process I used to gain a greater understanding of the gospel.

For the Record, The greatest commentator of the scriptures is the Holy Ghost. Pray for the Spirit to guide you as you read and the mysteries of God will unfold.(as you put the time and effort into it.)

tomk · #8 (**permalink**) 03-23-2008, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RachelleDrew

Just curious if there is anyone else out there who has books that they utilize to help them further understand scripture. I do a lot of studying on my own, so it's nice to have a few literary aids to further my study.

I have a copy of The Message: Remix. Which is essentially just a modern language translation of the new and old testaments. I've found it to be particularly helpful over the years.

However, i've yet to come across anything similar for my LDS set. Does anybody have any suggestions for aid with my study from the LDS scripture? Are there any books that you guys use that you would suggest I check out?

One book I read recently, "A Scriptural Discussion of Light" is a tremendous book which gives an example of how to effectively take ONE subject in the scriptures and thoroughly explore it. In this case, the topic is "LIGHT". The book explores all the different meanings of LIGHT as they are referenced in the scriptures, how the connections are drawn, and how they apply to our daily lives.

The point of the book is: You can take what the book did with the word LIGHT -- and apply the same methodology to ANY word or phrase or topic that you find in the scriptures.

Here is a link to that book:

Amazon.com: A Scriptural Discussion of Light: Allen J. Fletcher: Books

Another technique I use, is to take each scripture I am studying, and to record the verse in my journal, but I do it as a conversation between myself and the Lord, like this (the Lord's words to me are in CAPS):

=======

Tuesday, 11 March, 2008

Dear Jesus,

Good morning

GOOD MORNING, TOM

LET'S CAPTURE FROM D&C 1

1 Hearken, O ye people of my church, [HEARKEN, TOM] saith the voice [MY VOICE THAT YOU FEEL INSIDE OF YOU, MY VOICE THAT YOU FEEL MORE THAN AUDIBLY HEAR] of him who dwells on high, [READ THIS AS MY INVITATION TO YOU TO JOIN ME, TO COME TO WHERE I AM!] and whose eyes are upon all men; [IN MY CAPACITY AS YOUR GOD I MONITOR ALL THAT ALL THAT YOU DO, SO THAT A MERCIFUL JUDGEMENT MAY BE WROUGHT UPON YOU AT THE LAST DAY] yea, verily I say: Hearken ye people [HEARKEN, TOM] from afar; and ye that are upon the islands of the sea, listen together.

Why do you say "listen together," instead of just "listen"?

IT DENOTES MORE OF A GLOBAL LISTEN. I AM INVITING THE WHOLE WORLD TO LISTEN.

LET'S CONTINUE =)

2 For verily the voice of the Lord [STILL, SMALL, QUIET, PEACEFUL] is unto all men, [IS UNTO YOU, TOM] and there is none to escape; [THE WORD ESCAPE HERE REFERS TO THE FACT THAT THE LIGHT OF CHRIST FILLS THE IMMENSITY OF SPACE, IT IS IN AND THROUGH ALL THINGS - THERE IS NONE TO ESCAPE] and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated.

"EYES SEEING" - SEEING MY HAND IN YOUR LIFE

"EARS HEARING" - HEARING MY VOICE

"HEARTS PENETRATED" - THINK BROKEN HEART AND CONTRITE SPIRIT -- THE CONVERSION PROCESS.

I need to go =/

I KNOW. I LOVE YOU, TOM. AND I HAVE LOVED SPEAKING WITH YOU THIS MORNING. =)

NOW GO. =) STAY CLOSE TO ME TODAY. =)

============

The above is not a joke or a gimmick. It is my sincere desire to connect with my Jesus, and to record what I feel are His words to me. I try not to doubt or worry that I am just "making all of this up." I just try to have faith in His words and in what I feel inside.

This process has blessed my life significantly! I feel closer to Jesus than the previous 38 years of my life -- no question about that.

Elgama · #9 (**permalink**) 03-23-2008, 03:16 PM

I am going to suggest the Institute Manuals they are really good.
Online Catalog - Student Manuals

And go a bit deeper. They have deliberately made the Book of Mormon one a lot smaller to encourage our own thought and prayer whilst reading it

-Charley

checkerboy · #10 (**permalink**) 03-23-2008, 04:08 PM

I am reading Commentary on the Book of Mormon as I read through the Book of Mormon this year. It is by George Reynolds and Janne M. Sjodahl. It is nice cause it is set up to go along with the chapters and verses as you read them in the Book of Mormon.
I also love anything by Hugh Nibley. That man was a genius. Seeing as I have LDS Library I have just about any reference book anyone has written on any subject. It was perhaps the greatest purchase I have ever made.