A mixed-methods study comparing the perceived spiritual benefits of topical and extended Scripture memorization.

摘要

The purpose of this mixed-methods study is to compare the perceived benefits of topical Scripture memorization (TSM) with the perceived benefits of extended Scripture memorization (ESM) to explore if one strategy fosters more perceived spiritual growth than the other. A baseline for the study is established by investigating the historical, psychological, theological, and biblical implications behind Scripture memorization.;Three groups were organized containing volunteers from Grey Stone Baptist Church in Durham, NC. One group engaged in a regimen of TSM, another in ESM, and a control group participated in a simple personal Bible study. All three of the group's material focused on the theme of God's love. The study lasted for six weeks. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed to gather data utilizing a pre-test, treatment, post-test research model. It was hypothesized that ESM would produce more heightened perceived spiritual benefits due to the highly contextualized nature of the strategy.;Statistical and anecdotal findings were used to determine if participants perceived one of the aforementioned strategies as more spiritually beneficial than the other. Statistical and anecdotal evidence show that one particular strategy does not rise above the other. While both strategies seemed to reveal slight benefits in several of the eight areas of spiritual growth, the findings were not statistically significant. Anecdotal evidence was generally in line with these statistical findings. It is suggested that a study lasting longer than six weeks be conducted to get a more accurate grasp on how a person grows spiritually through these strategies.