William Woodson, former Bible teacher at Freed-Hardeman University and David Lipscomb University, former Bible and Greek teacher of mine, Head of the Bible Department and Lectureship Director at FHU, and I recently attended an Accordance Bible Software seminar in Louisville, KY. Below is a statement from brother Woodson about his views and struggles with computer technology and Bible study.

Whom It May Concern: Greetings.

I am happy to make comments about preachers and the use of adequate computer programs for the study of Scripture. I regret I did not begin such studies years ago--I got my first computer in the early 1990s. It seemed then to be a kind of fad, a submission to gadgets, etc. Was I ever wrong.

I had no training, but out of awareness I was teaching students who were more and more competent in the use of computers, and a desire to be at least aware of something of what they were more and more able to do, I finally bought an old, used computer with the agreement the "hacker" who sold it to me would help me get started and become better with it. Like: this is how you turn this thing on! With his help and with a manual, I began. It was learn to do this, do it again and again; then do that; then another. I gradually learned.

The method was literally hunt and peck to do this. Learn it well, then learn to do that and do it well. I got to where I could write Syllabi, tests and test answer sheets. Then, I got to writing letters--of all things. Then, with gradual improvement, I started writing articles, then two good-sized books. Basically, I saw the computer as a good typewriter and word processor.

I asked about the way to use LOGOS software, and learned a little about it. It opened a rather new world for me. Simple word searches, a quotation from this or that reference book; but the thing started being of more and more help. What I needed was increasing instruction in how to use the computer to do more and more things.

Then, I got in touch with Tom Childers. I still recall the interest, competence, and skill with which he taught me this, this, this, etc., about what could be done. I got better computers, added email, and Internet.

Now, it was making much more sense, I just did not know how to do much with the tool I had. Well, much patient instruction later, doing and undoing, getting frustrated, hitting snags, etc., solving them or getting help to fix this, do that, etc. I now wish I had started years before I did, had good instruction from competent teachers with knowledge of the use of computer programs about Bible study, etc.

To put it bluntly: I almost think it was unwise to not get the instruction I needed long before I got the help I needed. Not everybody who has acquired the knowledge and know-how of Bible study resources and procedures with computers is willing to teach these skills to others! I know about the put--downs beginners get from those with much knowledge but who either are not willing or not competent to show others, or do not have the time, to help those getting started.

The fact is, such knowledge and skill are becoming more and more necessary. The old expression: "the sharper knives are in the best butcher shops" is too painfully true. Tasks I used to do with a concordance, with turning page after page, looking with fingers on pages to find a particular use of lexical aid on this word in this passage, are now done in seconds. Competition between producers of both computers and Bible study aids has brought better products and decreased cost. In addition to the books I have used and loved so long in Bible study, these increasingly up to date computer tools are available and benefit those who know how to use them.

I do not think the computer, with the best of Bible study programs, will prevent warped and erroneous conclusions from being reached in doctrine and practice in church life. The computer skills of Islamic terrorists are used to kill and destroy; false doctrine is still taught by computer specialists. The men who went before us--Freed, Hardeman, Hall, Roland, Dixon, Van Dyke, Woods, Nichols, Camp, Wallace, the names are legion--left a heritage gained by the patient and careful study of the English text of the Bible. They searched line and word by line and word, tested possible conclusions, and proved doctrinal teaching reached and defended under controversial circumstances. We cherish those conclusions, not just because they and many others did the work, but it was and is true.

There is still valuable discipline and learning to be gained by the methods they used; I for one do not propose to give up my now dog-eared lexicons and grammars, debates and special studies. I see no need to.

That said, much of the manual labor of checking and writing on paper various lists of nouns and verbs, and a pen, with the finger on the passages in, say, Hatch and Redpath's or Moulton and Milligan's concordances, can now be done in just a few minutes, if one knows how.

Here is where the dedicated and capable teacher comes in. I know, because Tom Childers has given me hours of his time and expertise and I flatter myself that I have used his help to make almost giant steps since we began working together.

I still recall the curriculum constraint of a good university program of study. I also know changes can and have been made over the years in the presence of new needs, skill, and objectives. The trade-offs are like devils in the small print.

But this I know: Tom Childers is technically more than qualified to teach students the requisites computer skills in the use of Bible study programs. He has done it, and done it well, with me. He is a very good teacher.

Careful thought should be given, with requisite time and discussion by and among all concerned personnel, to consider adding electives in computer based Bible study training in all our colleges and universities that propose to train preachers for proficient and continued growth and usefulness to the churches of Christ. I have come to this conclusion after years of thought. I cherish and do not begrudge the years spent without such training. But, I now see the benefit of having the best of the old and the new ways of instructing young men in Bible study techniques.

For whatever it is worth, I commend Tom Childers and the proposal to your consideration.

Best wishes in these matters to you in all the good work you do in training preachers as well as all other students.

William Woodson--an old once was but not done yet!