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Module 3: Week 3: Ashley Mann
Squares, Triangles, Circles, and Hearts
Squares:
1. God, through divine inspiration, is the author of the Bible. “Consequently, the words they
wrote were at the leading and direction of the Holy Spirit.” (48). Although God may not
be the one putting ink to paper, His guidance of the person He chose to write each
passage was, in fact, His words.
2. A piece of wisdom shared in most children’s ministries when explaining the multiple
translations of the Bible is, “The best translation of the Bible is the one that you will
read.” (64). Even though formal translations are usually better suited to Bible study, if its
wording or layout is tricky for you, you’re better off picking something you easily
understand and will engage with.
3. There are not only multiple translations of the Bible but also different styles created for
specific purposes. Journaling, note-takers, or wide-margin Bibles are great tools for
people who learn best by interacting with content through writing. This practice allows a
deeper understanding and a longer-lasting impression of the material you are studying.
(65)
4. Without realizing it, what is happening in our lives and what happened during our
lifetime change how we read God’s word. This idea explains why the meaning of Bible
verses you memorized as a child impact you differently when rereading them as an adult.
Just as you grow with experience and education, the Bible grows to meet us wherever we
are in that moment. (68)
Triangles:
1. When Adam and Eve rebelled against God, He had every right to abandon them and let
them face the consequences of their choice, but He didn’t. Instead, He coaxes them out of
hiding, seeking to restore their relationship with Him. This pattern shows how He treats
all His children even now. Mistakes happen, consequences follow, and God still comes
after us to mend what we broke. (37)
2. “Humankind rebels against God, and God responds in both judgment and grace.” (37).
The pattern of justice followed by mercy and grace is present throughout the Bible, yet I
have never connected them. There are repercussions for our actions doled out through
God’s justice, but what quickly follows is His mercy and grace. Remembering that He
still loves you even after punishment is a powerful message of God’s intentions toward
His children.
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3. I never considered the locations of sin, but if I had, I would have pictured literal places
where sin runs rampant. However, the idea that sin is not external but internal, demanding
more attention, provides an entirely new perspective.
Circles:
1. Why is the book of Esther the only Old Testament book not quoted?
2. Is having so many translations with minor word choice and structure differences but
agreeing on more significant issues why so many denominations have formed?
3. If the message is delivered and understood by reading a functional translation, why is it
necessary to read and study that passage in a formal translation?
Hearts:
1. “… Advice gives people more work to do. Good news gives people freedom.” (38)
Works Cited
John Cartwright and Chris Hulshof, Everyday Bible Study: Growing in the Christian Faith, ed.
Gabriel Etzel and Ben Gutierrez, 2nd edition., Everyday Bible Series (Nashville, TN: B&H
Academic, 2019), 37, 38, 42, 48, 64, 65, 68.
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Makenna,
I enjoyed seeing what ideas you highlighted in your post this week. I also used the quote, “Yes!
Writing in your Bible and interacting with the text is a great way for God’s Word to leave an
impression on you.” (65) as one of my squares. Growing up, I always treated my Bible carefully,
and it was not until high school that I started highlighting and annotating directly in the text.
Once I did, I noticed a significant difference in what I got from my bible study.
We did not use the same sections for our triangles which I found very interesting. Seeing your
take on the idea that stories are equipment for living and comparing this with our dreams made
me look at that section in chapter 6 again. This idea would fit into my list of new angles
identified from the reading. Although I had seen the comparison of Heaven to a feast or banquet,
reading that this was new for you made me think of when I first really understood this idea.
Having a large family growing up, gathering for meals turned into banquets and potlucks into
feasts. I remembered the feeling I had in those moments, surrounded by loved ones laughing and
eating, and the thought that this is how I will feel in Heaven warmed my heart.
Your questions were puzzling in the best way. I also find it hard to understand how God can see
all sin as equal when, in my mind, there are apparent levels. Our justice system depends on
identifying the severity of a crime to determine the appropriate punishment. More violent or
heinous crimes earn longer and harsher sentences than minor crimes. I also understand the need
for multiple translations but agree that the amount available may be excessive.
Finally, I loved what quote you chose to wrap up your post. I agree the section, “God
demonstrates his affection for and redemption of Israel when they were a helpless baby, a
beautiful young woman, a lewd prostitute, and an adulteress wife” (44), demonstrates God’s
equal love for everyone.
Tristin,
The way you thought about and expressed your perspective was wonderfully inciteful and
made me see some of your selections differently. Comparing how we relate to television shows
and the lives of celebrities to our approach to biblical stories was so simple, yet it was a
connection I had never made. Using stories as a teaching tool isn’t a unique method since it is
usually highly effective in delivering a point or giving context to an idea. Choosing to use as you
said, “the greatest story of all eternity” as the model for our lives and submitting to the
authorship of the Lord painted a beautiful picture I will not soon forget.
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I also chose the passage, “Most people in your context think that Christianity is all about
advice—that it’s a list of “dos and don’ts.” They couldn’t be more wrong… Advice gives people
more work to do. Good news gives people freedom.” (Cartwright and Hulshof 38-39) in my
discussion. I agree that society is prioritizing individual freedom and autonomy now more than
ever before, which is the gift God gave us through a relationship with Him. Unfortunately, most
people do hold the mistaken view that the Bible is simply a set of rules to use as a way of
condemning the actions of others. Until we as Christians better communicate that message and
prove it through how we live our lives, we will never correct that misinterpretation.
I initially considered the line “In actuality, the human race had been looking for a savior
since the time of Genesis.” (Cartwright and Hulshof 37) as one of my triangles. Upon reflection,
I realized I did understand that people were seeking a savior as early as Genesis, even though I
had never put it in those words. The chapter discussing the four pieces of baggage we bring to
reading the Bible fascinated me. Relating the errors in Christmas decoration was something I,
too, had never considered, but I agree with you; if we are unsure, we should go straight to the
source to find the correct answer, the Bible.
Your choice of the idea you love touched me as well. No matter how far or how often we
stray, God always comes running to bring us back into a relationship with Him, and if we are
willing, He will always catch up.
John Cartwright and Chris Hulshof, Everyday Bible Study: Growing in the Christian Faith, ed.
Gabriel Etzel and Ben Gutierrez, 2nd edition., Everyday Bible Series (Nashville, TN: B&H
Academic, 2019), 37, 38-39.
