The Art of Teaching the Bible: A Practical Guide for Adults

Rating:
Summary: Very highly recommended, invaluable reading
Review: In The Art Of Teaching The Bible, Christine Blair (Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program and Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Austin Presbyterian Seminary) shows how adult educators can motivate adults to utilize the necessary tools and theological principles for studying and interpreting biblical texts for themselves. Blair presents four models (Conversion; Common Identity with Bible People; Justice/Faith in Action; Spiritual Growth into a Holy Life). Then she examines how and when adults learn best. This is followed by the "5 Rs" of Bible Study: Remembering, Revisiting the Text, Reflecting Critically, Reinterpreting, Respond. Blair then concludes with a chapter on storytelling and a chapter offering nine specific teaching tips. The Art Of Teaching The Bible is very highly recommended, invaluable reading for anyone charged with a responsibility for teaching the Bible whether in a formal seminary classroom, church school setting, or an informal Bible study group.

Rating:
Summary: Creative, challenging and accessible
Review: This newly published work is a careful, clear, and concise guide to both the art and the science of teaching the Bible to adults. Dr. Blair presents information on the theological basis of biblical interpretaion, current adult learning theory, and educational methodology, in a way that is creative and challenging and, at the same time, readily accessible.
One of Dr. Blair's gifts as a teacher is her skill at synthesizing information and placing it within understandable frameworks. In this book, she creates a synthesis of several sub-disciplines of theology and education, from which she builds a very useable framework for wholistic Bible study that balances intellect and creativity, tradition and innovation. And she does this all in a very compelling way: using imaginative metaphors but without employing unnecessary jargon or needlessly obscure terminology. The result is a very useful and inspiring guide for teaching, evaluating curriculum, and developing one's own methods and techniques to lead adult learners in listening to, reflecting on, and responding to the Word of God.