Initial Scripture Run-Thru

Background Context

When I left University, it was suggested that I work a book a year for each of old and new testaments and really get to know them. I started out his way but changed to a more appropriate method upon encountering the approach used in the Native community. In Sandy Lake, the Church leadership , including preaching was handled by 23 Elders in random rotation, working on the assumption that "if you are a growing person, you will normally have something to share (at any time).

They had no resources in their language, so took the Scripture and asked themselves" what would I have to do to bring my life into line with this?" It tended to result in a somewhat literal approach to the text, but in terms of living, it resulted in considerable spiritual depth and practical application of the Word. I knew a lot about the book, they knew the book in a deep and personal way.

Approach Used

I merged the two systems as follows:

• Textual examination with a commentary to grasp basic textual issues and meanings.
• These were referenced directly in study copies of Scripture texts (English Translations).
• A "jottings" notebook was used to record relevance and applications of the text-in-context to today.
• The work was done in spurts to prevent overload. When it became stale, it was left for periods of time so as to have new life-experience to bring to the text.
• Proverbs required word-by word work with English Lexicon owing to the nature of the literature. It went continuously for about 6 years.

Current Status

Completed textual review and jottings for all books Oct. 7/02.

Findings To Date

• Seven binders of "Jottings".
• The most extensive work was a six year intensive study of "Proverbs"

  This particular gold mine is the residual database of advice from leaders we would now term "business and personal consultants". These leaders were giving amazing insights about human dynamics and interactions in a particularly harsh economic context over a several-hundred-year period. Poor translations make them sound like "cracker-jack sayings" but upon closer examination they in fact match up to the depth and quality of wisdom of the First Nations Elders I got to know in the North. Most cultures have such "wisdom literature". This collection is sublime.

Lateral Connections

Required for Completion

Some form of dissemination.