Bible Study and Multiple Intelligences

By Frances Forde Plude

As we survey and construct our spiritual landscape we do so as communicative human beings. However, wide variations in styles of intelligence means we each interact with reality in unique ways. Thus, our differing human capacities impact our bible study.

Howard Gardner, a Harvard psychologist, first introduced the subject of individual learning styles, or multiple intelligences (MI), in his book Frames of Mind. We know of the language and math skills required for most standardized tests. However, Gardner suggests other ways of knowing: musical, kinesthetic, spatial, interpersonal and intrapersonal. He later added: naturalistic, spiritual, and existential. In these later books Gardner also discusses the implications of multiple intelligences for leaders and for our educational systems. Here Suzanne applies the theory to bible study.

By Suzanne Nelson 

Do Catholics know very much about the bible? Some would say “No.” And yet, Catholics may know more about the bible than meets the eye. The functions of Catholic life engage the whole person, utilizing many different intelligences. Thus, we may know more about the bible than we think we do.

Even a brief study of Multiple Intelligence theory can give parish ministers a whole toolbox of approaches to bible-based faith formation. Listed below are a few ways various intelligence types might prefer to approach the bible. Is your parish faith formation engaging all types of learners? How many of these bible-related activities take place in your parish?

Verbal/Linguistic

  • lectoring or training lectors

  • expanding understanding of key themes by looking up their Greek or Hebrew word origins

  • researching and then giving, or listening to, a talk or homily on the biblical passage

  • journaling on the passage of the day

  • retelling a bible story from memory to a small group

Logical/Mathematical

  • outlining a whole Gospel in a flow chart

  • studying the word patterns in the Psalms

  • researching in a concordance the number of times a certain word is used and how

  • studying the symbolic meaning of numbers in the Bible

  • taking part in If…Then discussions. For example: If Jesus cursed the fig tree then, what might he do today?

Visual/Special 

  • painting or drawing your favorite scene from the passage discussed

  • creating or listening to Guided Imagery. For example: you are one of the apostles with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemani. As you tell the story, keep the main parts of story as they are but add your own reactions as the story unfolds.

  • collect, discuss and enjoy stained glass window depictions of a passage (In addition to your own church windows, check the library or the internet for relevant pictures).

  • projecting pictures illustrating the Gospels of the day via computer on the church monitors

  • using maps during a bible study to locate where the historical events took place

Body/Kinesthetic

  • interpreting a bible passage through dance

  • learning to do one of the folk dances of biblical times

  • participating in a Passion Play

  • acting out a bible story in mime, for example during a retreat

  • enjoying incense as you honor the book of the Gospels

Musical/Rhythmic

  • singing songs based on bible stories and/or listening to them on tape or at sacred concerts

  • participating in a choir by singing or playing an instrument

  • readings interpreted with sign language

  • clapping or chanting a mantra 

Inter-personal

  • organizing or leading a group bible study

  • inviting an inactive or unchurched person to share in your bible study

  • suggesting a passage from the bible to a friend that is appropriate to her/his situation

  • organizing a group to carry out their response to bible study, for example a trip to the local food pantry or nursing home or prison

  • joining an internet email group to give and receive feedback on discussions of a text 

Intra-active

  • doing centering prayer based on the Lectionary readings

  • pausing for a moment of silence after the readings during Mass

  • putting reflection questions on the week’s readings in the bulletin

  • subscribing to a bible study magazine like Share the Word or reading books about the bible available the parish bookstore

  • listening for one ‘word’ from the Gospel which impressed you in some special way and then keeping it in mind (and heart) throughout the day

These are some of the wide variations available in approaching bible study. Some approaches will appeal to some people and not to others. This shows that Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory also impacts our communication with God.