GETTING STARTED

1.  Welcome to Search the Scriptures!

Questions to think about during this lesson…

• Should Orthodox go to “non-denominational” Bible studies?

• Who’s Dr. Jeannie and what makes her qualified to teach an Orthodox Bible study?

• Why did she create an Orthodox Bible study like this in the first place?

• What types of topics will you explore throughout this course?

• Why is this course called “Search the Scriptures”?

• Why is it so important to interpret the Bible in its proper context?

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2.  The Church Fathers (Part 1)

Questions to think about during this lesson…

• Who are the “Fathers” of the Church?

• When did they live and why are we encouraged to “imitate” them?

• Why do we trust them in what they have to tell us… especially when it comes to interpreting the Bible?

• Why did they encourage EVERYONE — no matter their education — to read the Bible regularly?

• According to the Fathers, why does Holy Scripture exist — what is its sole purpose?

• What were some of the excuses that St. John Chrysostom’s congregation gave for neglecting to read the Bible?

• How does the availability and affordability of the Bible back then compare to today?

• Why is it important to read the Bible even if you don’t understand it?

• What do the Fathers mean when they said the Bible is “God’s condescension to humanity?”

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3.  The Church Fathers (Part 2)

Questions to think about during this lesson…

• What did St. John Chrysostom mean when he compared the Bible to a medicine chest?

• Why did he believe that it was important for children to be instructed in Holy Scripture?

• What was some advice the Fathers gave for learning Scripture?

• Why is it important to interpret the Scripture “according to Holy Tradition?”

• What was some advice from the Fathers for having the proper spiritual disposition when studying the Bible?

4.  The Church Fathers (Part 3)

Questions to think about during this lesson…

• What qualified someone to be considered a “Father” in the Orthodox Church?

• How does this differ from the Catholic Church?

• What does interpreting Scripture “according to the Fathers” really mean and why is it so important to understand this?