This research is based on the C.B.E.’s Bible Engagement as the Key to Spiritual Growth: A Research Synthesis study. To download a copy of the full study, please click here.
In a world where distractions seem endless, the pursuit of spiritual growth can often feel like an uphill battle.
Yet, one of the most profound and accessible tools for deepening our relationship with God is right at our fingertips: the Bible. Dr. Arnold Cole, a renowned researcher in the field of Christian spiritual formation, has spent years studying the impact of Bible engagement on spiritual growth. His findings offer a powerful call to action for anyone seeking to grow in their faith.
In his research synthesis, Bible Engagement as the Key to Spiritual Growth, Cole uncovers the critical role that regular, meaningful engagement with Scripture plays in fostering spiritual maturity.
Some of his findings are truly remarkable:
– If a person engages the Bible four or more times a week, their odds of giving in to temptations such as drinking to excess, viewing pornography, lashing out in anger, gossiping, and lying significantly decrease.
– Receiving, reflecting on, and responding to God’s Word four or more times a week decreases a person’s odds of struggling with issues such as feeling bitter, thinking destructively about self or others, having difficulty forgiving others, and feeling discouraged.
–Engaging scripture produces a more proactive faith among Christians. Controlling for age, gender, church attendance, and prayer practices, the individual engaged in the Bible has significantly higher odds of giving financially, memorizing scripture, and sharing their faith with others.
–People’s perceptions of their own spiritual growth are also impacted by how often they hear from God through the Bible. Those who engage scripture most days of the week are less likely to feel spiritually stagnant and to feel that they can’t please God.
Let’s take a closer look at his insights and the profound impact Bible engagement can have on our spiritual lives –
1. The Power of Consistent Bible Engagement
One of the central themes of Dr. Cole’s research is that consistent Bible engagement is directly correlated with spiritual growth. According to his studies, individuals who regularly engage with the Bible—whether through daily reading, study, or memorization—tend to exhibit stronger spiritual disciplines, deeper prayer lives, and a more intimate relationship with God.
Cole’s findings indicate that Bible engagement is more than just a religious activity; it is a transformative practice that shapes the heart and mind. When people immerse themselves in the Word of God, they experience not only increased knowledge but also profound personal change. This transformation comes from the Holy Spirit, who works through Scripture to mold us into the likeness of Christ.
2. Bible Engagement vs. Bible Exposure
It’s important to note that Bible engagement differs significantly from mere Bible exposure. Dr. Cole makes the distinction clear in his research: simply reading or hearing the Bible is not the same as truly engaging with it. Engagement involves active interaction with Scripture—reflecting on its meaning, applying it to our lives, and seeking God’s voice through it.
For instance, someone might read a chapter of the Bible each day, but if they’re not meditating on the text, asking questions, or seeking personal application, they may not experience the life-changing power of God’s Word. In contrast, a person who engages deeply with Scripture, allowing it to shape their thoughts and actions, will experience the transformative power that leads to genuine spiritual growth.
3. Bible Engagement and Spiritual Disciplines
Dr. Cole’s research also highlights the relationship between Bible engagement and the cultivation of other spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, worship, and service. The more we engage with Scripture, the more it nourishes other aspects of our faith. A robust Bible-reading habit often leads to a richer prayer life, as Scripture provides the language and foundation for communication with God.
Moreover, Cole emphasizes that Bible engagement is crucial for developing a Christlike character. The Scriptures, when studied and applied, expose areas of our lives that need transformation and encourage us to live in accordance with God’s will. As we become more familiar with God’s Word, we are better equipped to serve others, love sacrificially, and live out the values of the Kingdom of God.
4. The Role of Bible Engagement in Overcoming Spiritual Dryness
Another powerful insight from Dr. Cole’s research is that Bible engagement plays a crucial role in overcoming spiritual dryness or stagnation. For many believers, periods of spiritual dryness can be discouraging, but Scripture provides the refreshment and renewal needed to break through. Just as we need food and water to sustain our physical bodies, we need the Word of God to nourish our spiritual lives.
Conclusion: A Call to Greater Bible Engagement
Dr. Arnold Cole’s research on Bible engagement offers a compelling argument for the central role that Scripture plays in the spiritual growth of every believer. His findings suggest that Bible engagement is not optional for the Christian life—it is essential. Through regular, intentional engagement with God’s Word, Catholics can be transformed, equipped for service, and strengthened in their faith.