Is Bible Quiz Competition Scriptural?
[Editor\note] Editor's note: More than two decades ago, we came in contact with an article that provided reasons why, according to that writer, Bible competitions were unscriptural. Below are portions of my response published in Spiritual Perspectives on August 1, 1999. A few additions were also added.
Recently we received a publication highly critical of "Bible Bowls." We would not take issue with him but for his rather strong statements, which included the following:
However, I do see a great many problems with the Bible Bowl concept. Enough problems for me to say it is wrong and for me to be concerned with its long-standing effect upon the church. I firmly believe that Bible Bowls are not Biblical and will ultimately do great disservice to the church.
One's initial reaction to statements like these is, "Yeah, that's right. Let's make sure that we keep our members ignorant. Who knows how much harm might befall the church if they learn the Scriptures?"
Of course, such was not the writer's point, but it nevertheless seems a shame that, with all of the evil in the world, anyone feels it necessary to attack something productive of great good. One is reminded of the adage, "No good deed ever goes unpunished." In the church, that may be modified to, "No good work ever goes uncriticized." Whether it is the promotion of a lectureship, an evangelistic campaign, or producing a publication, some just have to wonder why it is necessary in the first place.
Our procedure will be to look at the seven criticisms offered against the Bible Bowl, after which we will present their positive benefits. The first criticism the author gives is "that the Bible Bowl concept is not found in the New Testament" (14). This is a rather frivolous complaint considering that the songbook concept is not in the New Testament ot in the New Testament\.). It and isnt include in the New Testament \(such as the one in which this critical article appeared). Most of us tend to think that those things which promote edification are Biblical.
The second "problem" calls attention to a danger to avoid, but it is not a reason to eliminate Bible Bowls.
The Bible Bowl gives the wrong idea of why we are to study God's Word. They study to receive the praise of men. They study to beat the other team or win a ribbon. They study to compete. This is a far cry from studying to show oneself approved UNTO GOD (2 Timothy 2:15). When it takes prizes or awards to get young people to study, what is the church going to have to do to keep them studying?
Any good program can receive a wrong emphasis, but an alleged abuse does not prove the activity itself is wrong. The critic assumes that students compete to receive the praise of men, but how does he know that they do not participate in order to learn and become more knowledgeable—and have fun while doing so? But what is wrong with praise? Will not the Lord say to us, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant"? Will a few words of encouragement ruin us all? Should we withhold words of praise from a song leader or a preacher for fear that they may only do those things for the praise of men? Compliments might even provoke improvement. Surely it's a worthwhile risk.
And what is wrong with competition? Did not Paul use references to those who run in a race? Are we not to be as athletes? Should we not all want to win the prize? Paul mentioned the crown that he expected, and he said one would be granted to all them also that loved the Lord's appearing (2 Tim. 4:8). Should we be fearful about using as motivation a reward when God holds out eternal life to us as motivation? How many Christians would put their lives on the line without the assurance of the reward to follow? Jesus even endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him (Heb. 12:2). This criticism possesses no merit except to warn us that we should not become more interested in the reward than the purpose for its being offered.
The third "problem" seems to be a continuation of the second. The author fears that "we are going too far in our praise of those who win a prize" (14), and then he mentions a congregation who hung its championship banner on the pulpit. In a case like that, someone was a bit exuberant, but mishandling the prizes can be corrected, and the competition can continue. The next criticism requires an extensive answer:
The Bible Bowl cheapens God's Word. It does this by placing the study of God's Word on the same level as studying for a science test or the level of a football game, where one also competes for an award.
Pardon the sarcasm: Oh, by all means we should keep our children from learning the Bible as well as they might learn science! How many preachers have mentioned that they wish the young people would be as devoted to the Scriptures as they are to their secular homework? How many times has the irony been noted and lamented that parents will make certain that their children do their public-school homework but neglect to check and see if they have done their Bible class assignments? We unashamedly admit that we wish Christian youth would pour as much energy into studying the Scriptures as in preparing for a test at school or playing football. If we put forth effort and sacrifice time in order to learn the Scriptures, does that actually cheapen the Bible?
In addition, the author assumes that all Bible Bowls follow the pattern of the one he is familiar with. What he experienced is not typical. The next complaint is:
If we want our young people to understand the greatness of the Bible, then we are going to have to keep it above the level of a spelling bee or any other competition for prizes. A young person will not treasure forever that which is pictured for him as being just some book for fun and games. What concerns me is what these young people will think of the Bible as they grow older and what condition the church will be in when they become the preachers and elders.
What is the purpose of a spelling bee? Sure, a prize is going to be given to the winner, but its goal is to improve students' ability to spell. What is wrong with the goal of improving our young people's knowledge of the Bible? We study and learn things that are important. Concerning "fun and games," how many bulletins print quizzes and puzzles? Should we quit publishing them, too—because someone might actually enjoy learning? Has this brother looked at what is taught in Bible classes for young students? Next he will insist on getting rid of all that material, also. We had better eliminate Vacation Bible School, also, because children seem to enjoy that, too. Christian camps must also go; families have way too much fun there. What will the condition of the church be like when those campers grow up and become elders and preachers?
His next objection may anger some: "I firmly believe that the Bible Bowl is an admission that parents are not doing their job. It is another ploy to get the church to do what the parents should be doing."
Should we do away with Bible classes, also? This brother may not know that entire families participate in these events. It is not a matter of "getting the church to do" something in place of the parents; it is one way of helping parents to fulfill their responsibilities.
The sixth objection asserts that the church is following the way of the world in giving out prizes. Jesus did say that the children of the world are wiser than the children of light (Luke 16:8). Sometimes those in the world have good ideas. Should we not use them? Shall we abandon all inventions that have come to us through the hands of sinners? How far are we willing to take this kind of thinking? As young people mature, they find other reasons for doing things besides being treated to refreshments or other "materialistic" rewards.
Finally, he thinks he has not seen any positive results from Bible Bowls. "Where is the greater Bible knowledge? Where is the greater love for God? For Christ? … Where is the greater respect for God's Word?" These things are, for the most part, not measurable. The same questions could be asked about lectureships, Bible camps, and even worship assemblies. Some people are no better off after a sermon than they were before. Should we quit preaching?
The seven arguments set forth in this article are somewhat repetitive and unconvincing. As a further response, consider the value of Bible Quiz Competition.
The Word of God is honored. We know what we are studying and why. The Bible is the inspired Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17). We are not studying the literary works of some great man; we are not studying for the pursuit of trivia. We are devoting ourselves to God's revelation to mankind.
Fellowship is promoted. We know what the assignment is for each month; everyone reads the text and tries to anticipate what questions might be asked. This kind of preparation provides an excellent opportunity to draw out the meaning of the text and to ask and answer various questions relating to it. Occasionally, students learn definitions and concepts along the way. Although the teams are in competition against one another, they are also there for one another. It is also a privilege to become acquainted with brethren from other congregations in the area. The refreshments we have each month affords some leisure time for visiting with one another. Even though we are in competition with these brethren, also, our desire is for them to do as well as they can. Bible Quiz competition (at least, in our experience) is a very positive event. Even those who don't win a first place still win by learning.
Learning is enhanced. As a result of our efforts, we gain more knowledge and insight into the Word and understand more quickly references to spiritual matters that are made in classes and in sermons. Instead of getting bits and pieces of the Bible, as in a topical sermon, or jumping from Old to New Testaments, as so much "Bible" class literature does, we study a book (or in the course of the year, several books) of the Bible intensely and thoroughly. The reinforcement is helpful.
Relationships are strengthened. Just as those who work in evangelistic campaigns develop a special relationship with each other, so do those who study together. We become veterans of the Genesis campaign (or whatever book we examine). We often share light-hearted moments, which are interspersed with our serious studying.
We become better equipped for evangelism. Because we have the Scriptures on our minds, verses, ideas, and concepts flow more readily when we are discussing spiritual matters with others. The fact is that, when Scriptures are internalized, expressing them becomes much easier.
Some participants choose to memorize certain verses from which a fill-in-the-blank might come, which is also a way of internalizing the Word.
Actually, even if no prizes are given out, each individual or team departs the competition knowing that they have done well and progressed spiritually.