Learning

Learning

August 25, 2023

There are several main types of learning:

1. Rote, that is, memorizing what you have been told word for word.
2. School of Hard Knocks, that is learning the hard way whether it is universally true or not.
3. Life as a Conversation. that is universally experiential — something like the so-called Circle of Life.
4. Visual associations/touch.
5. Research using sources of factual academic excellence.
6. (This space is reserved for adding your own concept.)

As for learning by rote, generally a solid foundation for such dynamics as Math but a very shaky foundation for philosophy, religion, lifestyles, mindsets, or, where I focus most of my attention: God, Jesus, and the Bible.

Here’s one thing to consider regarding the Bible: At the time of Jesus and His disciples, no one had two or three Bibles on their shelves — unread dust collectors. They are not only neglected and unreferenced, they are there as some sort of magical amulet — like an idol that God hates.1

And why does God hate idolatry? Because idols have nothing to give. They are deaf and dumb, blind and useless, while God has ears to hear, wisdom to share, and is able to give us insight and make our lives complete,2 and He wants to restore personal relationships with all of Humanity.

Bibles don’t do anyone any good unless they are taken off the shelf, opened, and read.

The problem with learning by rote, that is, regurgitating whatever one has been forced to eat and been forced to accept — that is, if you want to graduate or if you want to be declared good boys and girls… It is a merit system. You have to believe what you are told.

Are you worthy? It is a perpetual question reinforcing a guilty conscience without any merciful relief. A relationship with God is not like that. In fact, there is no earning your way into God’s good graces.3 It’s a free gift.

We cannot see God. So we are tempted to make up our own gods, religions, and philosophies — like agnosticism and atheism or whateverism. But to the sincerely curious, a person can seek out and find God in the privacy of a place of their own choosing.4

Jesus said, “…Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28–30, BSB.

References:

1 “Do not tremble or fear. Have I not told you and declared it long ago? ‘You are My witnesses! Is there any God but Me? There is no other Rock; I know not one.’ All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing?…” Isaiah 44:8–10, Berean Standard Bible.

2 “I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” — John 10:9–11, ibid.

3 “…in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.…” — Ephesians 2:7–9, ibid.

4 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” — Matthew 7:7–11, ibid.

So keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking until the door is opened for you.

“Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” — Hebrews 11:6