How To Memorize Scripture for Life: From One Verse to Entire Books. Andrew M. Davis. 2024. [January] 72 pages. [Source: Review copy]
First sentence: Welcome to the rich and challenging journey of Scripture memorization! You are about to embark on a searching and rewarding exercise of spiritual and mental labor: the memorizing of whole chapters and books of the Bible. This effort will challenge you greatly—not simply because memorizing is hard work (it is) but also because the verses themselves will search your soul with the light of God’s perfect truth.
I thought it would be a great idea to read another [a second] book on Scripture memorization. [Plus this one is a review copy.] I ended up comparing this one to Memorizing Scripture: The Basics, Blessings, and Benefits of Meditating on God's Word by Glenna Marshall. Was it intentional? unintentional? A bit of both if I'm honest.
I will start with the pros. Davis is nothing if not practical. Also emphatic. He says while it is okay to memorize [random, topical] verses, it is absolutely the best to memorize whole chapters, whole books of the Bible. His reasoning is that this affords the greatest benefit. It helps you a) meditate on the Word, b) apply and obey the Word, c) encourage and support other believers with the Word of God, d) evangelize to unbelievers. Back to his practical nature, his approach doesn't seem to vary all that much. Pick a book (with the Spirit). Pick a deadline (with the Spirit). Tackle one new verse a day using his very specific method. Review previous verses. [Lather. Rinse.] Repeat. [I jest.] His method is to a) read aloud a new verse, say Ephesians 1:1, ten times. Then repeat the verse [Ephesians 1:1 in our example] ten times without looking. The next day repeat [without looking, I believe] Ephesians 1:1 ten times. Then read aloud Ephesians 1:2 ten times. Then repeat Ephesians 1:2 ten times without looking. The next day, recite Ephesians 1:1 and Ephesians 1:2 ten times apiece without looking. Read aloud Ephesians 1:3 ten times. Then repeat Ephesians 1:3 ten times without looking.
More pros are that he a) admits that it is hard, difficult, challenging, time-consuming. He's honest about the effort and level of commitment. He also does not back down [nor should he????] that Scripture itself commands believers to memorize it.
Are there cons? Yes, in my opinion [for what it's worth.] He doesn't really allow for diverse learning differences, styles, techniques. It's like this is the way I've done it, copy me exactly. The practicality ends rather quickly if his method doesn't work well for you. Other authors offer MORE tips and tricks. Like writing the verse you are memorizing, like listening to the verse you are memorizing, like writing out first letters for each word, putting up cards around the house, recommending various apps, etc. He also doesn't have great "bedside manner" in my opinion. He is more a brisk, just do it as opposed to someone who is a natural at encouragement and inspiration.
I also found that the title was slightly misleading. His goal is not to memorize "for life" in the interpretation that these are verses/chapters/books that you will retain for life. Instead, I believe, his "life" means for the spiritual benefit and improvement of life. He actively talks about how each book you memorize should be "forgotten" or "wiped clean" so that you can start a new project.
He does try to impress upon readers the benefits of Scripture memorization. However, Glenna Marshall's book was more encouraging and even more practical.
