Contemplative Scripture Retreats

Manuscript Bible Study is more than a “method” of reading Scripture. It is a way of approaching Scripture introduced by Paul Byer in the 1960s that is integral to today's Contemplative Scripture Retreats. An architect by trade, Paul was naturally drawn to seeing structure. The gospel was no different. 

Paul recognized his need to see the whole of the story laid out before him like any architect who understands a building by its blueprint for the flow of the message to make sense. But in turning the pages of a Bible, he lost sight of the story arc. With two Bibles in hand, he cut the pages, spreading them out on the table until, at last, the whole story spread over the table.

 

Still, it was full of distractions. Shedding verses, headings, and chapter markings, he typed each book back into the flow as it would have been in its original form, its manuscript.  He could now see the uninterrupted layers and nuances pointing to the character and nature of the Lord and the relationship with humanity found within the text. This way of seeing Scripture was soon shared with college students through InterVarsity and is still used today.       

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MBS pays attention to the details, recognizing both that small words matter and often what is not said is just as important as what is said. Because studies are facilitated, not taught, self-discovery is key. It honors careful observations, recognizing that our own cultures and stories influence what we hear and see. We give each other the gift of space and listening to one another's observations and gain a fuller understanding of the text. This is why we study both individually and communally within MBS. It forms a rhythmic pattern of listening to the Word being planted in us and in each other.

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It has a simple invitation: Come and See.