GETTING STARTED
1. Welcome to Search the Scriptures!
Questions to think about during this lesson…
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Should Orthodox go to “non-denominational” Bible studies?
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Who’s Dr. Jeannie and what makes her qualified to teach an Orthodox Bible study?
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Why did she create an Orthodox Bible study like this in the first place?
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What types of topics will you explore throughout this course?
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Why is this course called “Search the Scriptures”?
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Why is it so important to interpret the Bible in its proper context?
2. The Church Fathers (Part 1)
Questions to think about during this lesson…
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Who are the “Fathers” of the Church?
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When did they live and why are we encouraged to “imitate” them?
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Why do we trust them in what they have to tell us… especially when it comes to interpreting the Bible?
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Why did they encourage EVERYONE — no matter their education — to read the Bible regularly?
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According to the Fathers, why does Holy Scripture exist — what is its sole purpose?
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What were some of the excuses that St. John Chrysostom’s congregation gave for neglecting to read the Bible?
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How does the availability and affordability of the Bible back then compare to today?
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Why is it important to read the Bible even if you don’t understand it?
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What do the Fathers mean when they said the Bible is “God’s condescension to humanity?”
3. The Church Fathers (Part 2)
Questions to think about during this lesson…
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What did St. John Chrysostom mean when he compared the Bible to a medicine chest?
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Why did he believe that it was important for children to be instructed in Holy Scripture?
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What was some advice the Fathers gave for learning Scripture?
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Why is it important to interpret the Scripture “according to Holy Tradition?”
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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…
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What qualified someone to be considered a “Father” in the Orthodox Church?
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How does this differ from the Catholic Church?
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What does interpreting Scripture “according to the Fathers” really mean and why is it so important to understand this?