Past Principal Points

Scripture Memorization

Bible is taught differently in a Christian school than it is in church. The most obvious difference is simply that it is given much more time. This additional time makes it possible to delve into the Word in greater depth. Much more attention can be given to the historical and geographical contexts of a book, for example. Personal application of Scripture is emphasized, but it is always in light of a knowledge of Biblical people, events, and ideas.

In addition to the systematic study of the Bible Christian schools generally include Scripture memory as part of the Bible curriculum. At AKCS we have chosen to follow a school wide program which emphasizes large portions of Scripture memorized as a block as opposed to isolated verses. We have found a number of benefits from this approach. In the younger grades, especially, it helps students develop language fluency. They learn to read from left to right and learn to deal with words which are more complicated than their ordinary reading. While they will not understand it all, they begin to realize that they can read anything once they have mastered the rules of phonics.

While it may seem incredible to expect a grade one student to memorize an entire book of the Bible, it has been our experience that virtually all of them can do it a month at a time, and many of them will be able to recite the entire book in one sitting by the end of the year. In part, this is due to the wonderful memory God has given children. In fact, our youngest students are often better at it than our older ones. The early years are great for rote memory work. (Having said this, we are prepared to make accommodations for primary students when necessary, especially for grade ones who are just learning to read. However, I don't like to lower the standards too much even for these little ones because so many can do it with the right help. I will talk about some effective strategies to make this easier in my next Principal Points.)

Another benefit of our Scripture memory program is that it gives students a concentrated exposure to one particular book or set of passages throughout the year. Students become very familiar with the contents as they repeatedly review it. In every grade teachers explain the meaning of the passage to their students as each new portion is introduced. Appropriate comprehension activities are included as part of Bible class. Clearly there is a wide range of understanding that children gain from these explanations, but limited understanding is not the same as limited value.  All of us are limited in our understanding. Consider the truths contained in the 23rd Psalm. Though most of us learned it at a very young age, we are still coming to understand what it really means. Verses learned while we are young tend to stay with us for life. It is not uncommon, for example, for our students to recite along when Chapel speakers read from portions we have memorized as a school, even though the passage was learned in a previous year.

The process of memorizing Scripture implants it in our hearts so that it is always available for the Holy Spirit to bring to our minds when we need it. Many of us have memorized portions of Scripture which we can’t recite today; however, it is in our hearts and comes to mind regularly as we share with others. The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. (Heb. 4:12) It works within us to change the way we think and therefore how we live. We are commanded (Josh. 1:8) to meditate upon it day and night so that we can be successful in life. Memorizing Scripture is not the same as meditating on it, but it is a necessary first step.

As good as all this may sound, there are very real dangers which exist in a Christian school. First, Bible can be treated solely as academic subject without personal application. Second, students can learn how to “look spiritual” without “being spiritual” because they have learned all the “right” answers. Third, studying the Bible or memorizing Scripture can become a “chore” simply because it is required as a school subject, and it may be neglected when that is no longer the case.

However, these dangers exist for all Christians. Too many believers “talk the talk” but don’t “walk the walk” or get burdened down by the “rules” for Christians such as “Read your Bible, and pray every day, etc.” These are good rules if they are followed as a result of our love for the Lord, but they become legalism if we allow Satan to turn them into routine or drudgery. At AKCS and in our homes we should guide our children into a study of the Word of God which is both serious, disciplined, and systematic but also real, meaningful, and life giving. It is not easy, but we should be satisfied with nothing less.

Brian Hazeltine, B.Ed., M.A.
Principal, Airdrie Koinonia Christian School

Last Modified: 2000-11-08