for 2007-2008
by
VOW
When the VOW Board met May 10-11, 2007, we carefully reviewed the Horizons Bible Study for 2007-2008, Above and Beyond: Hearing God’s Call in Jonah and Ruth, by Carol M. Bechtel with Suggestions for Leaders by Joyce MacKichan Walker. We reflected on the lessons in light of the six questions we have used for the last few Bible Studies we have evaluated:
Q.1
Does the author take the Scriptural context seriously? That is to say, does she carefully note when the passage was written, why it was written, and to whom it was written? Further, does she set forth the clear and plain sense of the passage before she attempts to apply its meaning to the lives of women today?
A.1
Yes. Bechtel explains that we must read the Scriptures in their own context rather than imposing our own cultural biases on them: “Sometimes [the biblical writers] use parables, as Jesus did. Sometimes they use stories that have been handed down for generations, which the writers shape to make a particular theological point in their own day. Whatever form they choose, however, we owe it to themand to the Holy Spiritto try our best to match our expectations to the material” (pp. 6-7).
Yes. On pages 4-6 Bechtel provides a reasonable discussion of the date, purpose, and original hearers of both Jonah and Ruth.
Yes. Addressing the contemporary feminist protest against the perceived promotion of patriarchy in the book of Ruth she suggests: “that we approach our foray into the book of Ruth as a cross-cultural experience. Maybe if we saw the culture that this book assumes as descriptive, rather than prescriptive, it would free us to feel less threatened by it” (p.8).
Q.2
Is there a contemporary political, philosophical, or theological “agenda” that the author “reads into” her understanding of the text, or is the text allowed to speak for itself?
A.2
The author allows the text to speak for itself. Bechtel is very clear right in the beginning on this point: “Our expectations must match the material if we are to appreciate the books of Jonah and Ruth” (p. 4). One excellent example of the author’s allowing Scripture to speak and not our contemporary mores is her exposition of Ruth chapter 3 in the section “Did They or Didn’t They?”(p.50). In discussing whether or not Ruth and Boaz had sex on the threshing floor Bechtel writes: “I think it’s highly doubtfulfor at least three reasons. First, the whole point is that Ruth and Boaz can’t consummate their relationship. The nearer kinsman may as well have been sleeping between them. Second, it would have been out of character for both of them to disregard the law . Third, just because the author wanted to (sic) the readers to think about sex doesn’t mean the characters actually had sex” (p.50).
Q.3
What speaks with the most authority to the authorthe plain meaning of Scripture itself, or other, extra-biblical sources?
A.3
The plain meaning of Scripture itself. The author does cite extra-biblical texts but she does not use them as the primary text or to embellish the Scriptural text with something that is not there and her reference to these sources arises out of the biblical text itself.
Q.4
Does the writer consistently write from a Trinitarian perspective, lifting up the one God who has been revealed to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
A.4
Yes. Prayers are prayed to God, in the name of Jesus, and there is emphasis on the Holy Spirit as the inspirer of Scripture (p. 6).
Q.5
What is the mission emphasis of the study? Does it hold up the person and work of Christ, and his power to transform individual lives, as of equal importance to political, social, and economic change?
A.5
The mission emphasis of the study is to introduce the students to the call of God upon their own lives.
Yes. Right from the start Bechtel issues this challenge: “Perhaps you have not yet made a commitment to Christ. In that case, the call you hear might be to take that step of faith and find out what it means to give your life to God.” Walker, in addition, provides a concrete example of the social and economic implications of giving one’s life to God in the Lesson 8 Illustrate section of Lessons for Leaders (p.51).
Q.6
When you have finished studying each lesson, do you have a deeper understanding of what it means to be an obedient disciple of Jesus Christ?
A.6
Yes. Several Board Members shared that the study challenged them either to explore the Scriptures in greater depth or to consider the greatness of God’s love for those who are different.
In Sum:
The VOW Board is pleased to enthusiastically endorse this year’s Horizons Bible Study. Each lesson is consistent in its focus on God’s steadfast love for us and His call to love each other in the same manner. The prayers at the end of each lesson are grounded in the biblical text and draw the heart of the believer to Jesus Christ. The suggestions for leaders are helpful, concise, and consistent with the lesson.
Using humor, literature, contemporary references, and even the Veggie Tales, Bechtel presents us with a study that is engaging and might even make you laugh while studying the Bible. We commend Presbyterian Women for producing Above and Beyond: Hearing God’s Call in Jonah and Ruth by Carol Bechtel with “Suggestions for Leaders” by Joyce MacKichan Walker and hope for more of the same! This solid Bible study is an excellent example of what Presbyterian Women should provide women of the church every year
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*Two Concerns:
1. It is unfortunate that the publisher insists on embracing the currently popular and secular practice of designating time before and after Christ with the labels, “B.C.E.” (Before the Common Era) and “C.E.” (Common Era). Christians acknowledge that the incarnation of God in the person of Jesus Christ and His redemption of those He came to save through his suffering and ultimate victory over death itself is the single most significant chapter in the history of the human race. Since this is a Christian Bible study why not honor the Lord of history with our traditional designations of B.C. and A.D.?
2. An appendix by Kikanza Nuri Robins offers an inadequate statement of the purpose of Bible study for Presbyterian Women. Although her list includes legitimate goals, it fails to make any specific mention of seeking God’s will for authoritative guidance on how to live a Christian life. Instead the focus is on personal reflection and individual perceptions, and hints more at reading an agenda in to the text (eisegesis) than drawing out the plain meaning of Scripture (exegesis). In addition the prayer books recommended on page 61 of her appendix are not Christian and therefore are unacceptable.