The Importance of Studying the Bible Carefully

When President Hummel asked me to write about the importance of reading the Bible in a thoughtful, scholarly way—especially as we navigate moments when Scripture is misused for personal agendas—I was immediately interested. This is a topic that has deeply shaped my own faith journey, and I believe it can help remove many of the barriers Christians encounter today.

Many Christians want to grow in their faith but are unsure how to study the Bible correctly. Learning simple Bible study methods can help believers understand Scripture more clearly and avoid common misunderstandings.

Growing Up with an Inherited Faith

Growing up, my faith was largely inherited—almost like one’s nationality. My parents grew up in the church, as did their parents. Christianity has a long history in my family.

In my youth, it was rare that we missed a Sunday morning or a Wednesday evening service. My parents served, sang, led, gave, and at times worked in the church. Christianity, Jesus, and church life were simply part of the rhythm of our lives. They were never questioned—only accepted.

I share this not to dismiss my upbringing. In many ways, I consider myself fortunate. But it did shape how I initially understood faith. My belief system was something I absorbed rather than something I actively explored. My conclusions were largely predetermined rather than discovered.

When faith is presented primarily through culture and routine, it can become easy to confuse what is truly biblical with what is simply familiar. For Christians in the West especially, it can sometimes blur the lines between faith, tradition, culture, and national identity.

When Faith Becomes Personal

For many years my faith existed largely because I lived within Christianity. It had not yet become something I had personally wrestled with, studied deeply, or claimed as my own.

That began to change in 2017 when, at the age of 37, I took a course titled Hermeneutics taught by Seapointe’s Professor Barbee. I enrolled at the encouragement of then–Academic Dean Hummel, not realizing it would reshape how I approached Scripture and my faith.

Learning how to properly study the Bible sparked a curiosity that had not existed before. I began asking questions about passages I had previously accepted without reflection. I began examining my assumptions and considering the context, history, and purpose behind the text.

For the first time, my faith was becoming something I actively pursued rather than something I simply inherited.

Learning to Study Scripture

As I gained tools for studying the Bible more carefully, my perspective began to shift. I became more aware of how easily Scripture can be interpreted through the lens of our own experiences, preferences, or cultural influences.

Studying Scripture thoughtfully requires humility. It asks us to examine our assumptions and approach the text with a desire to understand what God is communicating rather than simply confirming what we already believe.

This process also made me more reflective. I became more empathetic, more teachable, and more willing to acknowledge that my understanding was still developing. That kind of growth can be uncomfortable, but it is also incredibly freeing.

Why Careful Bible Study Matters

Approaching Scripture carefully does not weaken faith—it strengthens it.

The Bible invites us to pursue wisdom and knowledge as part of spiritual growth. In 2 Peter 1:5 we are reminded:

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge.”

Faith and learning are not opposites. They work together.

When we invest time and effort into understanding Scripture well—examining context, language, and the broader story of God’s work—we begin to see its depth and beauty more clearly. Our faith becomes less dependent on assumptions and more rooted in understanding.

A Call to Seek Truth

If we are willing to approach our careers, hobbies, or interests with a desire to learn and grow, how much more attention should we give to understanding our faith?

Studying the Bible carefully is not about proving ourselves right. It is about seeking truth, growing in humility, and allowing God’s Word to shape us.

At Seapointe College, learning how to approach Scripture thoughtfully is an important part of forming leaders who can engage the world with wisdom, discernment, and faith.

Courses like Hermenutics help students move beyond inherited assumptions and develop the tools needed to study Scripture deeply and responsibly.

Because our faith deserves more than passive acceptance.

It deserves our curiosity, our effort, and our commitment to seeking what is good and true.