The one Bible study I really want to go to is scheduled during a difficult time for me. The rest were ridiculous in their idiotic simplicity. Never had I expected to sit in a room full of people who just parrot what they’re told is “the truth.”
The most disappointing was somehow funny, though. My friend invited me to go, and was very excited. Until she remembered my tendency to question everything and demand more than shallow repetition. I went in with ideas and arguments from the class we are required to take prior to Adult Baptism/Confirmation. They had a hand out for the study. Not a single one of them had put any thought into the material, and they were just soaking it up the same way they would a college course they didn’t really care about.
Yes, this was a Bible study for “young adults” and “college students,” but I really expected more. When I had more of an understanding of sin than “it’s bad and you go to hell,” it resulted in one of the guys saying the exact same sentence over and over in an attempt to refute what I was saying. All because he didn’t understand.
While that is the worst it’s been for content, it’s indicative of all studies I’ve visited. I decided just to delve in without a group, and without the mediocre guidance of a would-be group leader. I’ve learned much more and grown so much stronger since then, because I didn’t have stupid talking points and catchy tag lines in the way of what God was trying to say.
It is sometimes difficult for those who do study the scriptures to follow a certain class program when they have surpassed that and looking for something with more depth. I've often thought maybe some should go onto become teachers themselves rather than an attender.
One woman taught who was in her late 70's in a church I attended....what teaching she gave! She often said there were few there to learn rather they attended her class more for the fellowhip. I think there are many churches today like that. So many have not the interest in their own bible study...let alone one held in a church.
Another church I attended had a study using the William Barclay study bible series of books. We all had to get the full series and make a commitment to the group each was in. The whole church was involved...each taking one of the books of the Bible. There were things we agreed that Barclay wrote and things we disagreed on..but oh my what a study for all it was. I've often believed if the scriptures seem to be dry...or one feels like they are in a desert time....Barclay Bible study books do enhance ones understanding and enlarges ones take on the scriptures...fun too!
Yes, I went to a home bible study led by a disenchanted Pastor who had left the "Organized" church. A friend invited me to critique the guy. I questioned some of the things He was saying because He was without a doubt off in left field. He wasn't happy about that but the others there were challenged to look closer...and they did. That man had the makings of a future cult leader!
I think you are very wise to delve in on your own...asking God to show you ...crossreference and use some bible study commentaries etc. as you go. Halley's Biblehandbook is very good too.
BTW what did your friend say when you piped up with questions? Ha! I give you much credit for asking questions. I think Christ wants us to question and not just accept things that are taught us.