Remembering Bible verses?

[Boxerdog]

What is the best way to remember Bible verses? When I have dialogue with some other Christians I would like to remember verses, what is the best way to go about this?

 

[Verbum]

Hi Boxer,

The only way is to make a list and memorize it. Then review if from time to time.

However, we are warned against verse quoting. Quoting a verse out of context is very often misleading. If you wish to expose the views of the Church on a certain subject, then you should study that subject as expounded in the whole bible, with the help of good bible commentaries as well as the doctrine of the Church, and make a comprehensive presentation.

One does not become an apologist by memorizing verses but by deep and constant study.Thus you will avoid having our religion ridiculed.

Verbum

 

[ddeluna]

No question about it, you’ll need to understand the bigger picture cuz you’ll have to explain it. Most doctrines require a lot more than quoting Scripture.

Having said that, being able to recall Scripture passages on demand is EQUALLY essential.

Also being able to refer to early church history and docs to show what the early church did and believed is essential to a good apologist.

Dave Armstrong’s 1 Minute Apologetics is a great little book. Another I can’t put down is the Essential Catholic Survival Guide put out by CA themselves. Both give the background and bigger picture as well as the Scripture verses. Of course Dave Armstrong’s Biblical Defense of Catholicsm is great too but a bigger book to swallow.

 

[Boxerdog]

I have read probally 15 apologetics books in the last year or so, plus I am able to listen to CA radio almost everyday, the last part I need when involved in various talks is more bible verse memoration. I 100% agree that you need to know what the verse and content means , but I feel that I have gained a lot of insight about this in the last couple of years.

I would like to have the discussion style of a Tim Staples, but I know that I need to expand my memoration of bible verses.

 

[savedsinner]

How many verses does the typical protestant have memorized?

15-20?

When our kids were little, we sent them to awana’s where they memorized verses is songs.

I would choose a certain number of the most important ones for the different catholic doctrines that you could recite from memory if you don’t have a bible handy, but it can be just as important to have a general knowledge of the passages that support the Catholic faith, and be able to find them quickly in the Bible.

There are apologetic bible tabs from catholic answers, and there is also a cheat sheet of verses (here is one of them, but there are better ones which lists just the chapter and verse, you can print those and leave them folded in your bible)

I would have to say though, a lot of time the Catholic teaching is not backed up by just one verse but by several passages taken in context, like the real presence, you would refer to the last supper accounts, to what St. Paul said, and to John chapter 6.

I usually will say, " St. Paul tells us … in 1 Corinthians"
But I leave it there without citing chapter and verse, I will paraphrase what was said, and if they question me, then I will pull out the bible and show them, I can usually find the passage in a some what timely manner.

 

[Boxerdog]

Exactly,

John 6, James on works, etc. I am thinking about making a small list up to cover my bases. I have found that a lot of Protestants do not read the whole bible only certain sections.

Also parts of the bible dealing with alcohol.

 

[Daniel_Marsh]

Hi Boxerdog, learn from the Navigators,

How to Memorize Scripture

The first step in beginning a program of Scripture memory is to realize its importance. Memorizing takes disciplined effort and just plain hard work. We must understand the benefits of Scripture Memory if we are to continue to exert our minds in learning new verses.

A second step is to set a realistic goal. Within this self-study course, we have suggested 2 verses per week. This will allow you plenty of time during the week not only for new memory work, but also to review previous verses you have learned. Studies have shown if you review a new verse every day for two months, and then once per month after that, you will remember it when you need it.

A third step is to formulate a plan. Decide what you will memorize, and when and where. If you fail to plan your memory work, you are planning to fail! I recommend beginning with a pre-printed system, called the Topical Memory System, from the Navigators, or pick meaningful verses and/or passages to help you in your personal life and ministry. You may choose to write out your verses on a sheet of paper, a 3’ x 5’ card, or the small verse cards specially designed for Scripture Memory (available in Christian bookstores or from your Navigator Rep).

When you actually memorize, the following tips will help you be more effective:

1. Read the context around the verse to see what the verse is really teaching.

1. Work on one phrase at a time.

1. Memorize out loud, if possible.

1. Memorize word perfect.

1. Repeat the verse with the reference “before” and “after.” This will help you remember not only the verse but also where it is found.

1. Meditate on what the verse is saying.

                1.Visualize it.

                2.Share it.

                3.Sing it.

                4.Pray it.

                5.Apply it

Finally, count on God’s help as you memorize. He wants you to learn his Word and will give you the wisdom and strength to do so!

stuorg.iastate.edu/navigators/memory_plan.html

 

[demerzel85]

Well the alternative can be praying the Divine Office regularly.

 

[ltravis]

Keep a pocket size bible or NT on you at all times . Whether you are debating or not, you would be well served to keep it with you. Certainly, you may keep it noted and tabbed for easy reference to key subjects. Just because you have to refer to scripture rather then recite from memory doesn’t make the truth any less the truth…

LT

P.S. Remember the old commercials saying “American Express - Don’t leave home without it”? Well I would suggest the bible and a rosary. Don’t leve home without them!

 

[BrianMcFadden]

Memorizing Bible verses can be hard work. Have you seen this app - i.e. making the memorizing process fun. Take a look at the following…

Cheers

Brian

youtube.com/watch?v=aQHS-upHMdE

 

[Gabbanelli911]

Exactly,

John 6, James on works, etc. I am thinking about making a small list up to cover my bases. I have found that a lot of Protestants do not read the whole bible only certain sections.

Also parts of the bible dealing with alcohol.

There are several posts in the forum where John 6 is mentioned for defending the catholic faith. Is this because it talks about the mulitplication of the loaves and of what later become the last supper and the Eucharist?

 

[TimothyH]

Memorizing verses to argue with other people accomplishes nothing.

Read the Bible daily and study Scripture for your own good instead. You will grow closer to God and grow in holiness. Remembering many beautiful parts of the Bible will be a wonderful side effect.

-Tim-

 

[Nelka]

I think it comes from growing up. The Protestants I know that remember a lot were taught certain verses to remember when they were young.

I know a Protestant who is a former JW and he seems to know the lot. I said to him about how much he and the JW’s know of the Bible and he told me that they teach the JW’s certain stuff and ignore other stuff in the Bible. Basically what suits them.

 

[kentuckyliz]

I have a terrible memory for numbers…chapter and verse just don’t stick. Ah well, they are medieval Catholic inventions anyway. :dancing:

As a Catholic, I know the songs. :harp: