As Christ-followers, we place importance on reading the Bible. The Bible is not a rulebook, but a supernatural love letter to the church and to each of us. We often try to read it without wrestling with it, but wrestling with it is a moral imperative. But we can benefit from reading from a wide variety of sources, even reading writings from other faiths as we search for wisdom.

One way to learn is to listen to the experiences of other people. Listen to people of other faiths describe their beliefs and their understanding of God. Listen to the arguments of the opposing side from your own political views and consider them carefully. Listen to those who teach you and critically evaluate what they say.

Contemplation is very similar to meditation, but it involves meditation upon specific words, usually Biblical passages. Doing a quick Internet search on “lectio divina” will give you plenty of information about how to try this practice of spiritual reading and contemplation.

The Bible was written to communities of people, and they interpreted it within their communities. To try and interpret the Bible on your own is to miss the riches that come from discussion. Once you’ve developed the skill of listening, you will be able to develop the skill of discussion: not simply trying to make a point or win the argument, but to come together with other people in the search for wisdom.