Top Ten Myths of Bible Study by Dr. Mike Heiser

[Philip]

As many here know, I enjoy the input of Bible scholar / theologian / linguistics / ancient Mesopotamian cultures and languages expert Dr. Michael Heiser. Not because I always agree with his every contention on every topic. No, it is because he really makes you think and dig deeper into the meaning found within the Scriptural texts. He often makes us reconsider other aspects of passages we thought we were certain of. Or he further illuminates texts within their original, ancient Near Eastern context. He'll either strengthen what you already believe about a passage, or make you dig deeper as you discover new revelations.

Late last year (2018), Mike released a series of short videos titled, “The Top Ten Myths about Bible Study” As usual, has produced a very thought-provoking and often challenging series about the Bible.

So, to facilitate discussion, thoughts or criticisms – and so as to not clutter this thread up with a thousand rabbit trails, how about going under the G&S Bible Study forum page (viewforum.php?f=40), and post your comments / thoughts on a given video, titling your subject topic ONLY using the video titles found below - Example: “Heiser Bible Study Myths Series #3” And so as to make sure someone else hasn’t already started a thread on the same video, do a quick search in the search box found at the top / left of the Bible Study forum (viewforum.php?f=40) first.

Note that, except for the introduction video (which is 21 minutes), all of the 10 myth videos are around three minutes or less!

“The Top Ten Myths about Bible Study” Series by Dr. Michael Heiser

Heiser Bible Study Myths Series Introduction Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnLw8J3fxbs

Heiser Bible Study Myths Series #1 / Everything in the Bible is really about Jesus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF3dyiVSr5Y

Heiser Bible Study Myths Series #2 / The Bible was meant to be simple: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AEWjjwdxk0

Heiser Bible Study Myths Series #3 / Words can mean many different things in a given verse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k_P1kM7xqM

Heiser Bible Study Myths Series #4 / Literalism is crucial for correct Bible interpretation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctqLcDlB0PE

Heiser Bible Study Myths Series #5 / The New Testament is more important than the Old Testament: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ms-onCePQo

Heiser Bible Study Myths Series #6 / Bible study means devotional time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp7XUb8sg9s

Heiser Bible Study Myths Series #7 / The Holy Spirit will give you the correct interpretation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOGAGTMAzlE

Heiser Bible Study Myths Series #8 / Bible study should emphasize memorization: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1f6qck0T-uE

Heiser Bible Study Myths Series #9 / Bible study depends upon a method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33nFojGm_tA

Heiser Bible Study Myths Series #10 / Bible reading is bible study: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOLLaNUo0c8

Hope this brings about some interesting discussions and debate!

Philip

[Nicki]

That sounds good. Having got into apologetics and Bible teaching videos recently I've got a few other ones I want to watch, but I'll try to get into some of those ones soon. I haven't checked the length of them but if they're under half an hour or so that would be good

[Philip]

Nicki: I haven't checked the length of them but if they're under half an hour or so that would be good

Nicki, except for the introductory video (which is 21 minutes), the rest are only 3 minutes or less in length!

[thatkidakayoungguy]

This explains a lot though I havent watched it yet. Though, to some extent they are not myths-HS CAN give one the right interpretation, and the Bible isnt meant to be overcomplicated.
Also that video about literalism strikes something-too often we see people who say earth is flat and held by pillars or that the Earth is literally around 6000 years old, to the point where 'young earth creation science' is a big thing and that if you dont agree then you don't believe in God! I've seen this stuff from perfectly decent and saved people. What gives?

[Philip]

Thatkid: Also that video about literalism strikes something-too often we see people who say earth is flat and held by pillars or that the Earth is literally around 6000 years old, to the point where 'young earth creation science' is a big thing and that if you dont agree then you don't believe in God! I've seen this stuff from perfectly decent and saved people. What gives?

I blame Ken Hamburger - least for a lot of that terrible influence! Think God created across 6 literal days - with three of them without a sun or moon - fine. But don't go around asserting Christians that don't accept that literalism "are compromisers" or "are sowing doubt in God's Word" or "believe Godless science over the Bible" or (my favorite) "they don't believe God's Word" or "they only believe the universe is old because of the influence of Darwin." All of these are lies whenever they are applied to Christians who A) Don't believe in evolution; B) Believe ALL of Scripture was God-given / inspired; C) Believe Scripture to ALL be true as intended / inspired; D) Hold to inerrancy and the importance of it; E) Desire for other people to believe and obey Scripture as it is God's communications to man. And Ham even had the audacity to accuse Norman Geisler of this stuff! Shameful!