I’ve long struggled with memorizing scripture (amongst many other things) and came accross this today.

  1. A study from the University of Michigan says that going outside and spending a few moments with nature – you know, that thing we’re supposed to take care of (Gen 2:15) – can improve your focus, memory, and attention.
  2. At the same time, scientists also say that city life can dull our thinking. “After spending a few minutes on a crowded city street, the brain is less able to hold things in memory, and suffers from reduced self-control.” This study also suggests that nature can improve the brain’s ability to think.
  3. Earlier last year, Nicholas Carr asked the question, “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” which suggested that our brains are adapting to searching rather than knowing. We can know process lots of little pieces of information, but not large blocks. (The Bible is a large block).

From Don’t Eat the Fruit

It was a bit of a shot to me since I love spending time online, and I am also a city person through and through (not that I don’t mind spending time every now and then in the country). Good stuff!

A couple years ago I also came across this short message by John Piper on how he memorizes scripture (a system of reading it, writing it, re-saying it, and carrying it with you) that I’ve found really helpful.