Two approaches to Bible reading are discussed within the framework of a theory of cognitive modes. The characteristics of the “spectator” and “participant” modes of cognition (Harding, 1937; Britton, 1970) are outlined. Certain aspects of a participant and spectator relationship to the biblical text are discussed, and the spectator mode is proposed as that which is most influential in shaping a biblical world and life view.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
BlockmuhlK.Is there a Christian “life-style”?Christianity Today, 1977, 21, 964–965.
2.
BrittonJ.Language and learning.London: Allen Lane, 1970.
3.
GillJ. H.The possibility of religious knowledge.Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1971.
4.
HardingD. W.The role of the onlooker.Scrutiny, 1937, 6, 247–258.
5.
HardingD. W.Psychological processes in the reading of fiction.British Journal of Aesthetics, 1962, 2, 133–147.
6.
MichelsenA. B.Interpreting the Bible.Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1963.
7.
NeisserU.Cognition and reality.San Francisco: Freeman & Company, 1976.
8.
NewellA., & SimonH. A.Human problem solving.Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 1972.
9.
PolanyiM.Personal knowledge.Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1958.
10.
RobinsonJ. A., & BenninkC. D.Toward a theory of cognitive modes. In preparation.
