To hear the Word, or read the Word

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veryconfused

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Which is better, in your opinion?
The written word, or the spoken word?
 
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veryconfused:
Which is better, in your opinion?
The written word, or the spoken word?
Click to expand...
The spoken word heard in your heart, as long as its in accordance with the written word.
 
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veryconfused:
Which is better, in your opinion?
The written word, or the spoken word?
Click to expand...
Yes 😉

Different strokes for different folks. Some people remember better what they read than what they hear; with others it’s the opposite. Me, I like to follow along in a printed text with what’s being read. That way I get the Word going in two of the five sense-gates at the same time (eye and ear). If there were a way that I could get it going into all five at the same time, I would. But the point is to get it the whatever way works best for the individual.

DaveBj
 
In the early church, as it was also in the Jewish temple and synagogues, scripture was primarily meant to be heard. Indeed, since it was rare for lay people to have a copy of the scriptures, their only exposure to scripture was that which was read out during the holy services. Of course ever since the invention of the printing press, copies of the scriptures have become readily available to all and sundry which has also had the unfortunate effect of divorcing the scriptures from the teaching of the church, since people now have ample opportunity to come up with their own interpretations during private study.

I have recently begun trying a more active approach to reading the scriptures as I primarily did my bible reading in bed shortly before going to sleep, which is not particularly conducive to absorbing what I read as I tend to begin nodding off after a little while. I now try to take the posture taken during church, of reading out loud while standing. This is more conducive to remaining alert and engages more of the brain since you are both articulating the words with your mouth and hearing them with your ears. It makes quite a difference 🙂

John.
 
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veryconfused:
Which is better, in your opinion?
The written word, or the spoken word?
Click to expand...
The Scriptures were originally meant to be heard. They were circulated among the local Churches and read to the congregation, just as they are today. Estimates are that 90% of the people were illiterate. As in any illiterate society, great emphasis was on the ability to retain what was heard. In modern society, that is no longer true. I listen intently to the readings at Mass, prepared in advance by reading them at home.

For us in this century, it’s both. At Mass, listen. At home, read (aloud if you like; it helps retention).

Read and hear the Scriptures and apply the lessons to your own life. Do not read them and invent new doctrines. That’s what Protestants have done, which was a huge mistake. The Faith was once for all handed down by the Apostles to the Church (Jude 3). The Apostles taught what Jesus told them to teach to the Church long ago. That is the source of Catholic doctrine. We can either accept it or reject it; we can’t change it.

Imagine that. A Christian living in the first century has no advantage over me living in the 21st century. We believe exactly the same things – the Faith that comes to us from the lips of the Apostles.

JMJ Jay
 
I am an audio based learner. I love to listen. My mind drifts with written word. Everyone learns and absorbs differently.

Both ways are wonderful gifts.
 
How about both, but separately? Read the verses (I also like to read aloud or at least whisper to myself) before Mass, and then listen during Mass. This way what you hear reinforces what you read and hopefully leads to deeper reflection. A good homily helps too 🙂 .

If you can’t make it to Daily Mass, give a read and listen to the material at EWTN:

ewtn.com/devotionals/inspiration.htm

God Bless,

Robert.
 
If I had to pick, I’d say read. Reading allows me to back up, check if I missed something, make sure I understood it right, then go ahead.

Thankfully, I don’t have to choose. I get both. 👍
 
According to the Church and the Scriptures, both are of equal value. *2 Thes 2: *14Therefore, brethren, stand fast: and hold the traditions, which you have learned, whether by word or by our epistle.
**
 
Hello veryconfused,

I agree with the both vote. I like to read scriptures and I like to hear what others, those highly schooled and those not so schooled, think of the scriptures.

What I really like though, is bible on disk scan capabilities. This allows you to take a verse or phrase to seek out other biblical uses of the same key words.

For example, take the scripture, “Whoever believes in the Son has life eternal”. The temptation of many, and where they go off track, is to simply developing their own definition to the word “believe”. By comparing and defining individual biblical uses of speach with many other similiar biblical uses of speach, one can learn the language of God and come to a clearer understanding of what God is talking about. If you do a full bible scan on the word “believe”, one can gain and understanding of God’s use of the word. To believe in God means to obey God and do what He tells you to do. Believe

To use bible on disk to compare other uses of the same biblical word or biblical phrase can really add a new dimension of understanding to scriptures. Please visit www.ILOVEYOUGOD.com

Peace in Christ,
Steven Merten
 
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