The Habit of Open-Mindedness: Process Series

In our latest video from our Process series, we talk about how important it is to set aside our assumptions about the world when reading the Bible and instead work to understand what the biblical authors were actually trying to communicate. When we cultivate a habit of open-mindedness when studying the Scriptures, there is endless discovery over a lifetime of reading available to all of us.

#BibleProject #BibleVideo #Process

[bibleproject]

BibleProject creates free resources to help you experience the Bible. Everything we make is funded by generous supporters around the world. You can see our entire video library, check out our other resources, and give at bibleproject.com.

[BenjaminTurner]

Either we narrate the words of God into our own image, or we allow the words of God to narrate us into His image. It's scary not knowing everything, but I suppose that's the thrill of it. It allows for the joy of discovery.

[jeremiahgallo]

Growing up, the Bible was presented to me as a moral rule book. Then we grow up and see the inconsistency of our moral standards and habitual sinfulness. One time I was told by a Taoist how we Christians think we're so moral, yet we had the Crusades. Then I realized that that is the point of the Bible: we're all messed up and we need the perfect God to fix our messes the way He initially intended it to. You have no idea how instrumental Bible Project was in solidifying the truth of the Gospel. To that I say thanks. God bless you guys and keep doing what you do.

[danielpsparks]

I feel so blessed to have this resource.

[frankm]

God bless Tim Mackie, Jon Collins, and the rest of the Bible Project team.

[bryceperez]

The depth and solidity of BibleProject's teachings are extraordinary! I'm forever grateful to the resources BibleProject has given us!

[TheLakingc]

Thank you! Boy, those paradigms do get in our way in understanding the Bible and each other!

[jakeedwardlange]

This is so reassuring. I try to keep the same open-mindedness as I had when I was introduced to Christianity, while others seem to believe it’s not necessary or it is dangerous to your faith. But I’ve found the opposite is true.

[invnoynv-ubu]

Great line and observation, "unexamined assumptions actually determine what the Bible can and cannot say to us."

[danhildebassman]

I want to congratulate you on your amazing work:

I am 63; I was born to a Jewish mother and a Catholic father in New York City. I was the 7 year old boy arguing with my Catholic neighbors on the street about the existence of God. You know how it went ... 'How did you get here' ... followed by 'How did God get here'. I never believed in God (the way that believers would define the word) but always understood the importance of religion in our world; I was an agnostic. I have had many scores of great conversations through my life with religious people about religion and God. I've somehow picked up quite a bit of knowledge for a non-believer.

My long time girlfriend, a Seventh Day Adventist, and I have always had wonderful discussions about God. Of course, she wants me to be a believer. Her interest in God is about 'belief' (religion) and mine is about 'knowledge' (history). We respect one another deeply so our different belief systems is actually a 'blessing'.

Recently, we found your project's Old/New Testament video lists and watched them. We were astounded by the wonderful creativity and by the effective way that you tell the biblical stories. My girlfriend's knowledge about the Bible has increased substantially and I am very happy to have now finally reviewed the Bible from an historical perspective.

In a nutshell:

She is grateful for the impact that your videos has had on her; her knowledge has markedly increased. She now has a better understanding of the overall structure and chronology of the books and she values that understanding.

It is not possible for me to be a believer (again, in the way that believers would define the word) but my review of the Old/New Testaments was long overdue. Actually, all of my positions about God from an historical perspective are reinforced by your videos. Here are two (of many) boiled down to one sentence versions:

- You don't have to believe in God to believe in God.

- God does and does not exist; so what is the issue?


Thanks again!

[NorthCascadeshiker]

I can totally relate having grown up in a Christian home and going to church three times a week and any time the doors are open outside that. It's hard to keep an open mind when you feel like you know everything because you learned it as a child. Also having graduated from a Bible College it's hard to remember that there's still so much to learn. I wish that you guys would do a video on the Pharisees and Sadducees I remember hearing about them so much as a child and fearing that I was one or the other or both. It would be interesting to learn with an open mind what those groups of people actually stood for and what they have to say to us today. Thanks for all you do I can't get enough of your videos. God bless!

[juliarussellkautt]

I must take this chance to say how full I am of gratitude. You guys at Bible Project have aided my heart on its journey from seeing condemnation on every Bible page (which kept me from reading it for 4 years) to my eyes being opened to our ABBA’s gracious love oozing off practically every page.

I had avoided sharing the Good News with others because, well condemnation sure didn’t feel like good news. Now, after about a year of soaking myself in your resources (and some great biblical counseling support) I am seeing it as the Good News it is. I’m excited to share it with anyone who will listen.

I can never thank you enough for teaching -me- to examine my paradigms and to be open to a fresh approach to the Scriptures. You are literally helping to change the life of this influencer.

[gabrielevollkammer]

Your videos and lectures get me to fall in love with God, Jesus and the Bible all the more. Bless you

[stutter_studios]

I have Pentecostal, Mormon, Muslim, Baptist, irreligious friends, and I’m Catholic. Having an open mind, being charitable, and trusting God along the way is challenging, but fulfilling. Good video

[stephenmuema]

You guys are awesome, let the Lord be praised.

[parepidemosproductions]

"complicated and screwed up and amazing". I love those adjectives together.

[iamholystic]

I love the mirror analogy. We see ourselves in all of these "less than" humans who fall short of what Yahweh always intended for humans to be - sons in his image & likeness. And once we meet Jesus, we see ourself in Him! The perfected human, precisely how we are all meant to be. This also reminds me of the Mirror Bible translation, which is all about seeing ourselves as Yahweh has always seen us. Totally recommend that translation as a valued addition to your scripture resources! His love for you will blow your mind!!

[boyet]

Amen. Our family and church benefit a lot with your work. Glory to Jesus!

[tiggergolah]

Chuck Missler was an outstanding Bible teacher. He said he was often challenged by colleagues ( his career was in the aviation industry, if I recall ), "Surely you don't take the Bible literally?" His response was, "I take the Bible seriously." Then he would explain why he studied the Bible as a whole, seriously, with an open mind, and that included accepting that the miracles were real, historical events. He said that while the Bible is not intended as a history book, it is historically accurate.

[DaleBoyce]

This is so important! I now pray before every Bible reading. Help me to be unfamiliar with this passage, to hear it again for the first time. Help me to leave my pet doctrines and assumptions outside. Grant wisdom. Show me Your glory. Help me worship.