Bible Studies influencing your writing

[righter1]

This is a new phenomenon to me since I haven't been a part of many Bible studies in my life...

My newly-formed small group is doing a study that my church requires on groups/relationships within groups. It's published by Zondervan and has 3 authors--John Ortberg, Laurie Pederson, and Judson Poling.

Anyway, I was working on this weeks study material for my group Thursday night, and I found the strangest thing happening: I realized that some of what the book was saying in week 3's study is exactly what's wrong with my main character in my primary WIP! Wow! How strange is that?

So, I'm curious now: how many of you have had anything like this happen to you? Did you realize it when it happened, or reflected on it later? How have any studies you've done impacted your writing, and do you remember what they were? Did you do them individually, or in a group?

Thanks for any input!

[Walk]

Hi righter, I've gotten several ideas from sermons, like a miracle happening to a present day blind man when he meets Jesus. I think inspiration will happen when you least expect it, that's why I carry something to jot on almost everywhere I go. Being new to writing, I'm trying to learn as I go and that was a lesson I found early on in my experience.

[Rachel E.]

Liberty,

My dad teaches a Bible study on Wed night's in our church. More often than not, we are studying the greek root's of the words in the verses, and such. It's fascinating work. Anyway, as I've grown in God's word, I've been thrilled to see it coming out in my writing. I think it has a strong influence on my writing.

[MGalloway]

So, I'm curious now: how many of you have had anything like this happen to you? Did you realize it when it happened, or reflected on it later? How have any studies you've done impacted your writing, and do you remember what they were? Did you do them individually, or in a group?One word: Jonah.

[GTafuro]

I think the re-telling of many stories in the bible swell the creativity balloon. The stories are so real, tragic, full of folly and power, one can't help but be inspired.

Further, God seems to call on you more when you're closer. Use that talent. Go home, do it now. Do for me and not for you. Righter1, you may be you're getting your shoulder tapped by the Big Guy.

[dramsey]

I am currently writing a blog for children's Bible study on a Bible story site. I love to tell the stories as if we are there with the characters. I find that Bible study does influence my writing a great deal. I find myself listening to my pastor and thinking Gee this is an idea to write about. I feel that this is God's way of directing your thoughts and using you to portray what He needs you to do.

[Cymrugirl]

This kind of path crossing happened for me years ago during an intensive six month study on the tabernacle followed by a class that I had the opportunity to teach on Joseph. You know what they say about teachers - they get to learn the most about whatever it is that's being studied! That's really where the seeds of my current WIP began to germinate, though I didn't know it at the time. But the way certain things fall in place with my studies - to the point that I've written things and gone back later and found out something else about what I've already written than aligns so well - just shock me continually. Makes me feel so out of control - which is good, right? ;)

I kind of feel like the executor of a will. The goods are there, but execution is largely dependant on my persistence to do it right. Pretty scary sometimes.

[Tamera]

When studying the cities of refuge, I got the idea of a story about a man running to a city of refuge after accidently killing someone.

I also wrote a flash fiction piece about an unwed mother returning home to her parents that was based on the prodigal son.

After studying about the Tabernacle of Moses, I wrote children's church cirriculum call Kid Entering the Presence of God that was a teaching on the Tabernacle of Moses.

I'm sure there are other time where studying the Bible has influenced my writing, but, at present, I'm not aware of it.

[Cymrugirl]

After studying about the Tabernacle of Moses, I wrote children's church cirriculum call Kid Entering the Presence of God that was a teaching on the Tabernacle of Moses.
That is awesome, Tamera!! My husband and I taught classes on the Tabernacle to young people but could never find curriculum. It's so sad to me that more isn't available on the subject! The students that went through the class had so much more of a handle on the Scriptures afterward because of it. It was fun watching them get really excited in church when the pastor would read something Jesus said or an apostle wrote and they would pick up on the temple references themselves. The Word would always just sort of explode with meaning for them after that - and they would get particularly excited that they had gleaned something from a passage that the pastor hadn't even mentioned. Which is cool.

I fear the modern education system in general doesn't give kids enough credit for what their minds are capable of understanding.

Is your curriculum available for purchase?

[Tamera]

I agree. People don't give kids enough credit.

My cirriculum is available here.

http://www.pathwaybookstore.com/default.aspx?SID=f4bae4fb-ba71-44c3-b5c9-6018d5b0ba28&I=0871483831

[lynnmosher]

Hijacking for a moment...Tamera, that is great. I love studying the tabernacle. I haven't looked, but have you listed that in CW's bookstore? Okay...after answer, back on track.

[Divinator]

Well Righter1,

Thats a definite yes for me. Biblical studies, sermons, and participating in biblical discussions affects my writings too. But something else I now have adjusted to: when I tackle a subject matter and plan where I think I should go, many times I end up elsewhere which is where I really should be. Maybe I am not a good planner. Anyway I have no regrets with this adventure. But yes, studies takes me places too.

Can I say something righter1? I sometimes teach the meateaters and I learn more from the humble, simple, honest believers who sits without presumption and sometimes with selfdoubt. Let the Holy Spirit use whom It may.