Young Methodists show off bible knowledge in Seattle
Jun 26, 2012, 9:26 PM | Updated: Jun 27, 2012, 1:15 pm
These students are among hundreds of young Free Methodists who arrived at Seattle Pacific University this week to compete in the National Bible Quiz. (PHOTO: Brandi Kruse/KIRO Radio)
Ryan Pappa, 12, was determined to memorize a chapter from the bible every day. The soon-to-be seventh-grader from Rochester, N.Y., can recite verse after verse of Hebrews, Peter 1 and Peter 2.
He rattles off his favorite on command: 2 Peter 1:5-7.
“Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.”
“I like that one,” said Pappa, who attends Pearce Memorial Church in North Chili, N.Y.
Pappa is among hundreds of Free Methodists who arrived at Seattle Pacific University this week to compete in the National Bible Quiz, a competition which has been around since 1953. Students from sixth to twelfth grade are tested on their ability to memorize and recite verses through a series of questions.
“It’s a ministry tool that we use to get students engaged in the word of God,” said Eric Young, denominational director of Free Methodist Bible Quizzing. “Ultimately we don’t want them to have it memorized just in their mind, but we want it to move to their heart.”
This year’s competition includes 88 teams from 44 churches in 15 states. Contestants are quizzed on different books of the bible each year. While last year was the Gospel of John, this time around students had to learn Hebrews, Peter 1 and 2.
“Probably 25 to 30 percent of all the students that are here can quote Hebrews and first and second Peter word for word from beginning to end,” Young said. “The way that the kids quote that scripture is unbelievable.”
Throughout the year, contestants compete in local and regional tournaments in addition to holding practice each week.
“We study a lot and we all have our different ways that we do it because we learn differently,” said Julianne Harris, 16, of Lapeer, Mich. “I try to memorize it and my sister really helps because she’ll listen to me to make sure I’m getting it right.”
Contestants will compete in a round robin competition through Wednesday, with a 16-team double-elimination tournament to begin Thursday.
Winners will receive a traveling trophy and, according to Young, the knowledge of a “job well done.”
