Naturally, when it comes to the Christmas story, Mary receives most of the attention. A virgin teenage mother gives birth to the Christ child—what a headline! Often Joseph appears as a tag-along character, with donkeys, shepherds, and wise guys. But Joseph’s role in the story, and his unique ancestry, is monumental.

Why is “listening versus reading versus studying” even controversial?

It has to do with how we’re trained to interact with the Bible.

“Memory verse” drills in Sunday school teaches children (and adults) that we must read the Bible slowly. Painstakingly. Like multiplication tables.

We treat the Bible differently than any other text. And let’s face it, the fruit of this “special” treatment is that believers engage with their Bible less and less. Scripture is indeed different than any other text, but this should inspire us to engage with it on every level.

Somehow we grow up thinking that scripture can’t be consumed more casually—like a newspaper or an online article. It’s almost like we’re conditioned to need a commentary and concordance in hand… and special glasses in order to dig in to God’s Word.

Or special headphones…

The Bible text is alive. So why do we settle for being once-removed from the source? Why aren’t we meeting God through His Word?

You may be wondering, How in the world can I get my teens to read the Bible this summer? Here are some ideas I’ll be considering with my own family, and friends who want to participate.

I know what you might be thinking. Reading the entire Bible in two months sounds crazy! But it’s for real. People are reading—and loving it! At the end of this article I offer a personal challenge and invitation, but let’s answer the question: Why should we even consider this idea?

Here are 9 reasons to re-think a Bible power-read:

Thinking about trying to read the entire Bible in just one year? Here’s a verse of advice: Don’t do it!

Surprised? Here are 4 reasons not to start a “one year Bible reading plan,” And a mind-blowing alternative.

When you hear about Bible engagement, it’s usually deep-dive Bible study, scripture memory, or some other intense Bible focus. And then there’s the ever-popular 365-day journey.

Yeah, that’s gonna be fun. For three - hundred - sixty - five - days. Why even start? You’re gonna hit the wall before Jericho.

Photo credit: Unsplash/Sharon McCutcheon

My wife and I have four children, with our oldest in college and youngest in elementary school. Helping them develop their own walk with God is on our minds—a lot! So are questions about why so many young people are walking away from faith, and why parents often have a distant relationship with God.

I’m called to guide my own family, and help other believers walk with God. I’ve seen all kinds of programs, books, and solutions offered. All sound wonderful, but seem to fall short.

And there’s plenty of explanations about why young people are drifting from faith – it’s culture… it’s media… it’s parenting styles… it’s ineffective youth ministry.

I kept coming back to an answer that was so obvious… I almost missed it. The Bible.

It’s no secret biblical literacy is on decline. Every major researcher on faith trends seems to be reporting it.

But why?

The Bible is our only unchanging lifeline to our faith. Its words are the truest, and most transferable expression of God.

Only this book levels the playing field for anyone to approach God. In many ways, the words are the closest we can get to our Creator, and the only way faith transfers from one generation to the next.

Bible related products, apps, and topical books are not the answer. We have access to bazillions. Cartoons won’t build our faith, movies won’t renew our minds, and seminars won’t feed our hearts.

The Bible text is alive. So why do we settle for being once-removed from the source? Why aren’t we meeting God through His word?

Too many Christians either haven’t been engaging with the Bible, or are engaging with it in ways that don’t deepen their walk with God. As a result, the Bible doesn’t have a place in normal everyday conversations.

Here are 8 reasons we don’t read the Bible. (And I have an antidote for this at the end of the post!)

Image courtesy: ©Thinkstock/artisteer