Memorizing Bible’s words a forgotten tradition

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 06/04/2002 (8701 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

‘THE Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want.” I was reading my students a novel that made reference to the 23rd Psalm. They were amazed when I repeated the entire Biblical passage aloud to them.

Their surprise at my ability to recite the Old Testament poem got me thinking about why there is so little emphasis in the present day on memorizing religious materials. Recent research and philosophy has decreed that critical questioning and first-hand experience, rather than rote learning, is the key to effective education. While such thinking is pedagogically sound, we may have lost something important if we promote one teaching method to the relative exclusion of the other. Committing to memory the important stories, directives, scriptures, poems, prayers and song lyrics of our faith tradition has a value we should not underestimate.

Years ago, I authored a series of Christian education materials in which Biblical events were shared using a set of colourfully painted figures. These carved pieces were moved about in an attempt to not only tell, but also “act out,” Old and New Testament accounts for youngsters. I tried the method with groups of children, but found it cumbersome to look at a written text while manipulating the wooden characters. My storytelling was far more effective if I memorized what I had to say. What a lasting gift that experience has been to my faith development. It encouraged me to commit to memory the details of dozens of important Biblical narratives, which I now have “on file” in my brain for handy reference. These stories can be related to others in conversation, shared in written and oral presentations, and used as a guide when I am trying to understand current events or personal experiences. I have made a particular point of learning the accounts about the female characters in the Bible. They have often been neglected or ignored in the past. Committing to memory the life experiences and words of the women who are my faith ancestors, has enriched my spiritual life immeasurably.

Prayer with others unifying

In the past, families and religious institutions taught their children common prayers. They were used at meal times, before going to sleep at night and in a public setting where a joint petition to God was deemed appropriate. An emphasis on more personal and unique communications with the Divine is right and good. However, it can also be reassuring and unifying to pray with others while reciting a memorized piece. I remember as a youngster gathering with my extended family for holiday celebrations at my grandparents. There was something heart-warming and affirming about repeating along with my seventeen cousins, the German table graces we had all been taught. When I was a child, if friends or relatives came to my home for an overnight visit, it was meaningful to recite our common evening prayers together before my mother tucked us into bed.

After the events of Sept. 11, there seemed to be a need to address God in a unified way, when various groups gathered for memorial services and vigils. Often in such settings, The Lord’s Prayer was spoken. I noticed, however, as cameras scanned the crowds at these public gatherings, many people no longer knew the Biblical petition by memory. They were unable to follow along with the words.

Many folks have certain Scripture lines memorized and recite them as a sort of mantra in times of crisis. Isaiah 40:31, which instructs us to renew our strength by waiting on God and to mount up with wings as eagles, is one verse I have found helpful to repeat in difficult circumstances. I also use the lyrics of favourite hymns to foster peace of mind in trying times. I can recall many occasions in family, church and community settings, where the fact that all present have known the lyrics to a spiritual song and are able to sing it together, has brought great comfort, calm and hope.

Memorized words of wisdom, rules of behaviour and commandments from our religious tradition can provide us and our children with valuable guidance at decisive moments. They can act as a compass in our daily struggle to make moral and ethical choices.

Often when we talk about memorizing something, we say we are learning it “by heart.” When we commit to memory meaningful stories, prayers, proverbs, poems, songs and verses from our religious heritage, they can become a heartfelt expression of our beliefs, and a source of great encouragement to us on our pilgrimage through life.

MaryLou Driedger studied theology at Canadian Mennonite Bible College and religion at the University of Manitoba. An elementary school teacher and freelance writer, she lives in Steinbach. Her e-mail address is:

dadried@mb.sympatico.ca