A comparative Scripture-reading analysis of Latter-day Saint experts and novices

Abstract

This study employs an expert--novice research design to examine how five Latter-day Saint scholars and five Latter-day Saint youths read Scripture. Qualitative analyses of semi-structured interviews and verbal protocols point to six practices participants used: theorizing scriptural possibilities, connecting to Scripture, applying Scripture, managing Scripture-reading uncertainties, using self-contained scriptural resources, and situating Scripture in historical contexts. Use of these practices demonstrates the different ways experts and novices read Scripture and where and how their differences are manifest. Findings build a fuller explanation of the nature of Scripture-reading practice and raise questions for religious education research and practice across Christian traditions.