Then later that week, I dove back into a book I've been trying to finish for over a year: Moby Dick. Have you read it? Wow, it's in English, but sometimes I'm really not sure it is English.
"Ere quitting, for the nonce, the Sperm Whale's head, I would have you, as a sensible physiologist, simply—particularly remark its front aspect, in all its compacted collectedness. I would have you investigate it now with the sole view of forming to yourself some unexaggerated, intelligent estimate of whatever battering-ram power may be lodged there. Here is a vital point; for you must either satisfactorily settle this matter with yourself, or for ever remain an infidel as to one of the most appalling, but not the less true events, perhaps anywhere to be found in all recorded history."
I must admit that I have a degree in English and writing, but have never read Moby Dick, so I decided to tackle it. It was while I was struggling through sentences like these, that I realized it must be how kids feel trying to understand the language of the scriptures. It is supposed to be English, but it somehow doesn't seem like English.
Another good example of the frustrations of scripture reading comes from the silly movie, "Monty Python's Quest for the Holy Grail." There is one scene where they need advice from what I assume is supposed to be a form of the scriptures. When it is read to them, it is overly repetitive and frustrating. Yup, that can be the scriptures, too.
So, what can we do as parents? How do we help our kids over the hump of dislike, misunderstanding, and confusion as we try to cultivate a love of the scriptures?
1) Understand their frustration. Learning the language of the scriptures is very much like learning a foreign language. Read something like Moby Dick or Three Musketeers to understand your child's perspective a little better.
2) Study in small chunks. Don't overwhelm your kids. Even if they are older, studying in small chunks will help them to feel like they are accomplishing something. This will also help them not dread study time, they know they can do it.
3) Stop and discuss. Stop to explain strange words or phrases. Make sure they feel comfortable asking questions. Always end your study session with a summary and possibly discuss what can be learned from what you read that day.
4) Review new words learned. It's fun to just throw some of the words you learn during your study time into regular conversation. Ask if they have written an "epistle" to grandma lately. Tell them we don't appreciate "wrath" when a someone makes a mistake. Ask if having to clean their room feels like an "affliction."
5) Find the right study tools for your family. See what's out there to help your family succeed. My book Small and Simple Keys of Protection is written to help you succeed. You study the Book of Mormon in small chunks and always end with a discussion. It's simple and easy.
What study tips have worked in your family?
