Twenty-five years ago, intensive Bible study required many physical books, and finding exact information required tedious searching. Today, an astounding number of relevant books and articles on every subject are available to everyone on the Internet, indexed and ready for instant access.
Before the Internet, most people were unable study the Bible in depth and had to rely heavily on others to tell them what particular passages say and mean.
Back then, most Bible studies were fill-in-the-blanks type written by authors within various theological belief systems who would focus on certain passages to steer readers to pre-determined conclusions, with the primary purpose of affirming what the group already believed.
Now the Internet can put an entire free Bible library into pocket and purse, laptop and desktop, with dozens of side-by-side English translations and cross-references plus interlinear translations from Hebrew-to-English and Greek-to-English.
Today, with assistance from the Internet, people can read with their own eyes and think with their own minds. This builds deep understanding and solid faith.
In the past, Bible studies were built and promoted primarily upon the credentials and reputation of the author of the study, and the study would frequently quote celebrity theologians, pastors and writers for confirmation.
This site – Thinkers Bible Studies – is a new kind of Bible study for the modern age. This site makes no mention of contemporary names or acclaimed writings. The only authority on this site is the Bible, and only the Bible is quoted.
The purpose of this site is simply to lay out all relevant Bible verses on each topic in order to make the study complete in scope and easy to understand.
To the extent that opinions are wanted from other sources, the Internet has plenty to offer.
Ultimately, each person should develop an informed personal belief about each major issue of Christian faith, based on actual study of scripture, not constrained by tradition, and guided by the Holy Spirit. That kind of study will provide the answers and confidence needed for conversations with doubters and unbelievers.
