3.1 • Introduction and Motivation
|
Memorizing Bible Verses Etc.
|
|
A Tutorial by Kevin Jay North, 3 January 1998
|
Introduction
Most of the other
documents on these Web pages relate to memorizing things
by creating pictures in your mind. This is because for most people vision is
the strongest, most vivid of the senses. However, sometimes memorizing by
sound is more effective -- it all depends on what it is you
are trying to memorize. Facts, names, numbers and such are best memorized
via pictures, but if you are trying to memorize a chapter of the Bible (or
other book) word for word, it would take forever to form a picture in
your mind for every single word and then try to link it all together.
Instead, sound is better.
In this document I'll teach you techniques for memorizing things by sound
which I've mainly learned from my own experience. Also, since with Bible
verses it's often important to remember the reference, I'll suggest one
(pictorial) technique for remembering references.
Motivation
I will focus mainly on the
Bible in this document, but the
techniques described here certainly are not limited to the Bible, nor do you
need to be a Christian to be able to take advantage of them. But why take
the time to memorize stuff word-for-word? After all, you're not going to be
asked in a game of Trivial Pursuit to quote something exactly, and you don't
want to memorize something just to impress your friends. Well, I suppose the
answer may not be the same for all people, but for me, it is wonderful to
have wise and truthful words available to me at any time,
wherever I'm at. As an example, let's consider a couple of quotations:
"The mind is its own place, and in itself
can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven." -- Milton
"Most folks are about as happy as they make up
their minds to be." -- Abraham Lincoln
These quotes can be of great personal help to me if I'm depressed or upset
about something. The quotes essentially state the truth that, to a large
extent, happiness is a choice -- your own choice. I believe
this truth, but when I am mad or depressed and full of emotion, my emotions
seem to take me over and suddenly my mind is casting doubt on that truth. I
feel trapped in misery! But I can fight back these emotions by reminding
myself of strong evidence for whatever it is that I'm doubting.
And what is better evidence than exact quotations from famous people who
have been through the tough times before or the timeless truthful verses of
the Bible? When I start thinking the exact words, I re-establish my
certainty of the truth I was believing in, and I can pull myself out of a
situation. This doesn't mean that I instantly feel better, but if I simply
know that what I believe in is still true -- and it's just my emotions
messing with my mind -- this gives me a sense of peace and confidence to
move on.
(Click on "Next" below to continue the tutorial...)
Document last modified
27 May 00. (C) 1998-2000
Kevin Jay North; see also full
copyright notice & disclaimers..
| 
