The WatchWord Bible and Human Reasoning

The WatchWord Bible and Human Reasoning

TBC: The Watchword Bible DVD is marketed with the notion that users will “be amazed at how easy and compelling it is to read God's Word with The WatchWORD Bible. Its innovative video format makes reading scripture effortless”

It may be seen as “effortless” because the video presents the text of the Bible (Contemporary English Version – CEV) on screen along with narration. No reading is really required--one may simply listen.

The potential buyer is told, “Beautiful video scenes engage and hold your attention. Large easy-to-read Bible text comes on and off the screen in perfect harmony with the narration. Music and sound effects help capture your heart. The Bible couldn't be easier to read.” One wonders how video scenes that “engage and hold” our attention are not more distracting than useful. The writer of Psalm:119:11Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
See All... tells us, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

It is the Word itself that should capture and hold our heart. Sound effects and music may simply be distracting. The believer today is faced with a multitude of contradictions concerning how we draw close to the Lord. On the one hand the contemplative movement teaches believers to empty their minds and banish all thought to hear the voice of God.

In stark contrast to this advice, the inspired writer of Scripture tells us in Psalm:1:1-2 [1] Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. [2] But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
See All..., “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” The Lord desires that we fill our minds with substance.

The WatchWord Bible differs from the silence of the contemplative approach, which, as taught and practiced today in the West originates from practices and beliefs of Hinduism and Buddhism, leaving one open to occult influences. The WatchWord Bible replaces silence with images, sound effects, music, and the voice of someone else. In both cases the Word takes a backseat to human experience and much that might be gained is lost.

Finally, to move away from the admonition of Scripture also moves us away from the promise. Psalm:1:3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
See All... goes on to promise that the one who meditates day and night in the Word (not on silence or background noise), “…shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

“It is well to meditate upon the things of God, because we thus get the real nutriment out of them. A man who hears many sermons, is not necessarily well-instructed in the faith. We may read so many religious books, that we overload our brains, and they may be unable to work under the weight of the great mass of paper and of printer's ink. The man who reads but one book, and that book his Bible, and then meditates much upon it, will be a better scholar in Christ's school than he who merely reads hundreds of books, and meditates not at all” (C.H. Spurgeon, “Meditating on the Scriptures”).