Existential Method

o This method is about using the six human senses to gain a feel and visual experience of the
words and phrases
o It was used by Bultmann basing it on Heidegger’s philosophical concept; other theologians
include Bonhoeffer and Barth.
o Dr. R. C. Sproul limits its use to simply in the reading aspect and not its philosophy. The
principle here is that every word represents a form and a substance (a concrete idea,
object, or action); a word is not merely a bunch of letters squeezed together without any
object that embodies it.
o This method is good to practice, especially by the English-as-a-second-language speakers,
when vocally reading the English translation Bible (See also: Mental Training).
o This is also known as the Ignatian method; used by St. Ignatius, and he called it “spiritual
exercises.” However, his method extends beyond the six human senses.
o Others may call this method as reading with passion.
 It would help your reading to slow down and be able to capture or imagine in the mind
what is being portrayed. This is not about being able to read fast and only capture
snippets of what is being portrayed.
 One has learned this method when he/she is able to break down a sentence/paragraph
into its portrayed images; proficiency comes with speed of grasping the images.

o Help For 5th Graders:

 A good place to start for a child to personally learn about anything is in

reading about them for himself/herself. Regarding about the Bible, reading in
a certain way the words and phrases of the texts of Scriptures would bring
out human feelings that may help connect human experiences of the past with
personal experiences in the present.