Faith Venture

Why? Did you ever notice that when you are studying something and a question is raised, you or someone will answer fairly quickly–probably with the “correct” answer? But a skilled group leader will continue probing until the answers become much more meaningful?

In manufacturing, we have a way of thinking called “Lean.” One of the techniques we use is called “5 Whys.” If you start asking that question, after 2 or 3 you’ll begin getting at the root cause–the real reason.

In a group, the thing to watch out for is that often the brightest person gives that quick, correct response. That’s what they were taught in school. Remember and regurgitate. I had immense difficulty in school–especially with chemistry and math–until I discovered the remember and regurgitate formula. When I discovered math was simply manipulating symbols according to rules, it became easy. But I always asked, “Why?” Or, “How do you know that?” And that got me into trouble.

Asking five whys is a great way to study the Bible and other spiritual writing. If I ask, “What’s the most important thing about Jesus?”, you could say, “He came back to life after dying.” You would be correct. Collect your “A” and go home.

But, you could take that correct answer and ask “Why?” Then ask it again. Pretty soon you will reach the deep meaning that the Resurrection has in your life.

“Why” can be the best friend you have in study. It will lead you toward understanding. It’s not so important how much you know, as it is how deep you go.

This entry was posted on March 28, 2012 at 6:56 am and is filed under Study. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.