Keywords

religious education, literacy and comprehension, seminary classroom

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Imagine the following scenario unfolding in a seminary classroom: The assigned scripture block that day is James chapter 1, and the instructor is anxious to facilitate a meaningful discussion focusing on verses 5 and 6. To help his students identify the principle “God generously gives wisdom to those who ask of him in faith,” he writes the following question on the board: “What did James advise his readers to do to find answers to their questions?”[1] After a compelling readiness activity, the teacher invites a young man to read James 1:5–6 aloud while the rest of the class follows along looking for answers to the question on the board. His choice of reader is intentional; the young man is quiet and reserved, and the teacher sees this as a good opportunity for him to be more involved. As soon as the young man begins reading, “If any of you lack wisdom,” the class immediately notices the unnaturally long pauses between each word. Their attention to his reading increases when he substitutes the word “giveth” with “giving.” As he hesitates before the word “liberally,” the teacher encouragingly proffers the correct pronunciation. Moments later, a well-intentioned classmate seated next to the young man does the same thing for the word “upbraideth.” Flustered, he begins to read more rapidly. However, when he miscalls the word “wavereth,” another student interrupts him to correct his mistake. When the young man finishes reading, his eyes remain glued to the page. The teacher thanks him and returns to the question on the board, asking the class to share the answers they’ve identified. When his question is met with ten or twelve seconds of silence, the instructor somewhat desperately encourages students to scan over the verses again. After another difficult period of prolonged silence, a young woman offers the answer, “We have to ask.” Relieved, the teacher thanks the young woman, writes the principle on the board, and the lesson continues.