Discovery - the Inductive Approach

There are two main approaches to Bible study.  One is inductive. The other is deductive. Discovery groups work with an inductive approach.  Many of us are being invigorated in our delight in scripture as we apply an inductive learning process.  The reading process outlined here supports self-discovery and promotes life application within a learning community. 

 The Deductive approach

A deductive study approach tends to use questions that have specific answers designed to elicit a predetermined understanding of the text.  This is not wrong. It may however limit application, constrain engagement and involvement with the text.  In some instances the deductive approach begins with generalizations, conclusions or doctrines and moves to support these by using scripture.  In other words, it begins with a prior understanding and then attempts to guide the reader to this predetermined belief.  A deductive process is focused and therefore narrow by nature and is concerned with testing or proving hypotheses.  A deductive study tends to employ closed questions that narrow and limit the impact of the text in the lives of those gathered. 

This is not to say that there is no place for the deductive approach.  At its most basic level, deductive Bible study is simply instruction in Biblical doctrine.  As long as doctrine is formed by correctly handling scripture, it is of benefit.  Of course, in deductive Bible study the student places a lot of trust in his teacher to guide them through the text.  It is therefore vital that we teach believers to be like the Bereans, who tested what they heard against the Scriptures (Acts 17:11).  This is also the strongest defense against heresy.  Scripture teaches this practice, continually warning us to guard against fables, babbling and contradictions that are falsely called knowledge (1 Timothy 1:3-4; 6:3-5; 6:20-21; 2 Timothy 2:17-18; 4:3-4).  The only way to truly test what Scripture says is to allow it to speak on its own terms – this leads us toward an inductive approach.

The Discovery Group (Inductive) Approach

An inductive approach attempts to be objective and impartial.  Having said this, it is acknowledged that all cultures and individuals come to scripture with preconceptions and our own reading presuppositions.  An inductive approach requires that we first examine the particulars of the Scriptures and then make conclusions based on those particulars. It begins with the plain text of scripture, and encourages participants to read the passage carefully and draw conclusions directly from what the text itself says.  Inductive reasoning, by its very nature, is more open-ended and exploratory.  It uses questions asked by a facilitator in order to elicit thought and learning. It is a highly effective learning method, especially in a group process.  Facilitators of an inductive study group are trained to ask questions, not provide answers.  People experience the scriptures through the group learning and the priming questions that initiate the dialogue.  Participants ask questions which help them understand what is going on, what is being said, and how particulars relate to the rest of the passage.  Inductive Bible study at a basic level is simply careful reflection on the meaning of the Biblical text. Inductive Study produces students of Scripture rather than students of doctrine.

A simple inductive study involves three steps:

1)      Observation of the scripture (what does it say?)

2)      Interpretation of the scripture (what does it mean?)

3)      Application of the scripture (what will I do in response?)

The purpose of inductive Bible Study is not to build doctrine (although over time people do begin to form doctrinal understandings based on the scriptures they have read).  Rather, it is textual in nature, demanding careful examination of the Biblical texts in order to know what they mean and how we should apply them to our lives.  The primary purpose of the inductive approach is to lead readers into a knowledge and understanding of scripture that moves them towards practical application (2 Timothy 3:15-17).  As the meeting progresses, the facilitator guides the group through an organic experience of the scriptures leading to personal ownership and application of Biblical truth.  This enables the group to understand the wisdom of God and the love of God for all people.

A common objection to the simple inductive process is that people will become so focused on the details of the text, that they overlook the larger picture.  It is true that a person or group looking at one text or passage can interpret that passage incorrectly.  In our post-modern age of personal insight and personal application that is a valid concern.  However, the objection ignores the fact that over time, the group will self-correct as the discovery of Biblical truth continues. It is important to keep reading! Any imbalance is corrected over time through encounter with the entire body of Scripture.  Further, the process facilitates group learning and correction within each discovery session. As new scriptures are introduced, the group learns a vital principle of interpretation – that scripture interprets scripture.  Without fail, they adjust and grow in their understanding of scripture at a deeper level than the deductive approach would ever have produced.

 Inductive rules

A simple set of rules have helped us to keep the Discovery groups faithful to the inductive process.  These rules guide the group discussion. 

Rules for a Discovery Group:

When re-telling the story, stick to what is in the passage. Don’t add or change the passage or include interpretation in your telling

1)      The passage preaches, not any person.  Stick with the passage of scripture in front of the group – avoid “hyperlinking” to other passages!

2)      No individual may impose his or her “insight” on others – stick with the plain and simplest meaning of the passage in front of the group.

Limit talk about sermons or commentaries

3)     Any individual may challenge any other individual in the group with one simple question, “Where does it say what you are saying in this passage of scripture?”

The facilitator is to remind the group of the rules and encourage all members to contribute. It may be necessary to help people find their way around the Bible and to explain the meaning of some words at the start of the study. The facilitator is to avoid telling, rather asking a question or pointing to a verse which may hold clues rather than drawing on other sources of information. If teaching is required, this is best provided in bite-sized pieces to allow digestion and interaction. The facilitator is not to be worried by silences. Seekers and new believers are often reading to get a sense of the story. Don’t fill silences with your answers. The facilitator must call people back when getting off track, “Which part of the text sparked that idea?” or “Thanks for that idea but can we hold that thought as we need to stick to the Bible for this time”.

The rules are not fool-proof.  We still have people resorting to deductive reasoning.  But the rules have helped us to stay reasonably faithful to the process.  In order to work, every member of the group must “own” the rules.  Every member of the group becomes a guardian of the process.  And yes, people with a Western church background are by far the most difficult to manage in this process!

 Summary

The Discovery process is a powerful method for leading people to become wise and responsive followers of Christ.  But in order to work, it needs to stay with an inductive approach to scripture.  Curriculum designers must stay engaged through a dynamic process of testing and self-correction. Outside leaders must carefully train the inductive method.  Facilitators must ensure that the approach to scripture remains inductive.  Any member of the group that enters into deductive reasoning can potentially destroy the process.  When every person in the process becomes a guardian of the inductive process, it never leads to heresy, but rather releases the life-transforming power of the gospel.