Learning from those who are Teachers, Per SE.

Learning from those who are Teachers, per se!

This may appear to be a theme that is out of place on a spiritual web-site.  However as we move along with the idea of understanding the bible without a good teacher we can become lost when controversial sentences confront our reading.  

Let’s begin by delving into any type of school where the teachers and/or professors do not use sound principles when exposing students to a boring subject, although necessary in absorbing the subject matter within the curriculum. 

As an instructor for 20 years in two trade schools I learned that the administration can at times hire instructors that are not really teachers, per se.  During my tenure at both schools I became the department head in my field of experience.  The one fault displayed by one or more instructors was having the students open the textbook and just read.  Nothing else came out of these classes that the students couldn’t  accomplish themselves.  Where was the emphasis to teach with a living example that would make the class a desirable place to come and learn?

My experience as an electrical technology instructor proved that just reading a book without a sound manner of turning the pages into a hands-on approach to the subject matter would become a turn-off to any student.  My main course was the National Electrical Code and many past instructors told their students to open the code book and look for answers to selected questions.  After 60 years in the electrical industry as an electrician, instructor, and inspector, the need to show future workers in the field was to use a hands-on approach to understanding what they read.   

When our diaconate class was instructed by a priest who understood sacred scripture, especially the Old Testament, he certainly gave us methods on interpreting how scripture was formed and the obvious mistakes unlearned pupils make are missing without a good teacher.  

First, the bible is inerrant, without error.  The priest was stern in telling us, “The bible does not mean what it says- It says what it means.”  That in itself says the whole volume of information.  There are too many ministers, especially evangelistic ministries that pick and choose what seems to fit into their theme for preaching.  Some will even use subtle examples that put Catholicism down.  They are using their own interpretation to make a point but confusing the real meaning of the text they are reading and teaching.  These are teachers, per se!

There was a time in history that some church officials suggested to Catholics to avoid reading the bible since it could confuse them without good instruction.  However, with today’s technology and use of the internet, anyone can find the meaning of the text they are reading.  However, another word of caution, when examining the meaning, be careful to use a Catholic perspective, otherwise you would be using a teacher, per se that may just be anti-Cathoiic in essence.

Learn to put the subject matter in a hands-on perspective by placing yourself in the arena of the period you are studying.  Application is the best teacher when you are there. 

Ralph B. Hathaway