Bible in 90 Days FAQ: Can I listen instead of read?

I get a lot of questions and comments from readers who plan to participate in the Blogging Through the Bible in 90 Days program, but intend to listen for part or all of their Bible-reading.

And, typically, my answer is this:

I certainly don’t want to discourage you from listening to the Bible, but this specific program is intended to encourage and support those who intend to read every word of the Bible.

I do understand that everyone is at different stages and places in life, so this program isn’t right for everybody at every time. If it isn’t right for you right now, I can appreciate and understand that. But I cannot put you in an accountability group with others who are reading. Your experience might discourage others who are committed to this very tough challenge of reading every word.

And your comments at check ins about listening rather than reading might also discourage others who are reading.

The reading typically takes about an hour a day, depending on your reading speed. Many people do this in place of their regular devotion time for the three months. And some break the reading up into 2 to 4 reading times throughout the day.  If you are up for the challenge, we would love to have you join us.

Yes, there are many audio Bibles out there and they offer their own advantages. The Bible in 90 Days ministry site even offers an audio recording to fit each day. Those recordings, however, were designed to be used by those who are also reading at the same time they are listening.

In the past two sessions there have been a few readers who were actually listeners. From this point on, though, participants must actually be reading the words and not just listening.

I realize this may sound harsh, but I am here to help those who are committed to reading the entire Bible accomplish that task. It’s not something that cannot be done without discipline and my job is, at times, to be your drill sergeant… but I’ll also be praying for you every step of the way.


Comments

6 responses to “Bible in 90 Days FAQ: Can I listen instead of read?”

  1. So, if we were to read along while listening, would that count as reading? I have a recording of Revelation that I really enjoy, and I just bought Isaiah from The Bible Experience to listen to. These are two books that I have difficulty with and reading along with an audio version helps.

    Please let me know if this would count as reading, or if I should go it alone for this project! (No big deal if I cannot read and listen. I’ll do that and listen another time!)

    Leah

    [FYI: The Revelation 2-CD set by Revelation Media (recited by Karen Heimbuch)
    http://prostores2.carrierzone.com/servlet/revelationmedia/Detail?no=2 I am not connected with this project in any way; I do not get any benefit from their sales. ]

  2. I think that listening is what you make it. I have the ability to totally zone out while I read and not absorb anything at all, but I could “check off the box” that I read that day. I can also approach listening with a prayerful attitude and ask God to help me hear what he wants today. So, while I understand that this blog is a reading challenge, please be supportive of your sisters and brothers that are choosing to listen, and realize that concentrated listening takes discipline and organization and is definitely not “the easy way out.”

  3. I tend to multi-task when I listen to something, so it wouldn’t do me much good and certainly wouldn’t accomplish the point of the challenge for me!

  4. If you are choosing to listen for all or part of your Bible in 90 Days experience, please join me for support and encouragement. I can also supply you with daily podcasts that closely match the Bible in 90 Days reading schedule. Come on over to:
    http://listeningtothebiblein90days.wordpress.com/

  5. Last time, I tried listening a couple chapters. It was not enough! I did like to take some harder portions to listen WHILE reading. That helped me digest, but took a little longer. I would have to say that you will get much more by reading!

  6. Amy, I just read and blogged about an interesting article that extols the many benefits of reading. FYI- http://miscellaneousmusings-x.blogspot.com/2010/12/science-confirms-it-theres-power-in.html

    Btw- I’m in again for this round. Can’t wait!

    Celee

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