139 - Andy Naselli on the Value of Macro vs. Micro Reading in Bible Study

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How to Read a Book - https://amzn.to/3wIYxHI

Andy Naselli - https://andynaselli.com/

No Quick Fix - https://amzn.to/3wyJ7WF

Summary

In this episode, Chase Davis interviews Andy Naselli, a professor of systematic theology and New Testament, about his book 'How to Read a Book.' They discuss the different levels of reading, including surveying, macro reading, and micro reading. They also explore Bible translation and how to approach reading the Bible differently from other books. Naselli emphasizes the importance of prioritizing Bible reading and offers practical suggestions for busy individuals. They also touch on the history of Bible translation and the role of oral culture in the early church. In this conversation, Andy Naselli and Chase Davis discuss the importance of reading and studying books, particularly the Bible. They emphasize the value of memorizing Scripture and meditating on it, as well as the need to prioritize reading books that have stood the test of time. They also discuss the challenge of finding time to read and balance personal and professional responsibilities. The conversation touches on the concept of authorial intent and the importance of understanding what an author intended to communicate. They caution against the approach of 'eating the meat and spitting out the bones' when it comes to reading books, especially on controversial topics like critical race theory. Finally, they discuss the issue of trust and the need to be discerning in choosing who to trust and follow.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Andy Naselli

05:57 Understanding Bible Translation

11:17 The Different Levels of Reading and How They Apply to the Bible

23:25 The Historical Context of Bible Reading in the Early Church

26:10 Memorizing Scripture and Meditating on It

28:19 Finding Time to Read and Balancing Responsibilities

37:12 Understanding Authorial Intent for Accurate Interpretation

44:24 The Limitations of the 'Eat the Meat, Spit Out the Bones' Approach

46:53 The Importance of Discernment and Trust in Choosing Influences