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Transformed by Truth: Why and How to Study the Bible for Yourself as a Teen
Studying God's Word as a teenager changed my life . . . And it can change yours, too. The Bible is more than just an ancient religious document. It’s a book filled with the actual words of the living God, meant to be read often and studied deeply that we might experience its life-changing power. If you’re a teen who’s tired of low expectations and weightless platitudes, this book will help you dig into the Bible and make the time you spend reading count for eternity. Katherine Forster walks you through three simple practices that changed how she reads Scripture―observation, interpretation, and application― so you too can begin to understand what God has said in his word and discover how God’s truth can literally transform you from the inside out.
208 pages, Paperback
Published August 6, 2019
42 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Forster
1 book6 followersKatherine Forster is a teenager who serves as lead writer and managing editor for TheRebelution.com, an online platform that reaches hundreds of thousands of Christian teens, parents, and youth workers. She is a spotlight member of the Young Writers Workshop and a National Bible Bee champion. She writes on the importance of serious Bible study for teens.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 26, 2022
*4.5 stars
I read this along with my Bible for early morning devotions. It took me a few months to finish, but I'm so glad my mom got it for me! This book contains great advice, encouragement, and wisdom. (I did a lot of underlining for this one!) The engaging questions at the end of the chapters was also a really cool feature!
Overall, a very helpful book, but I wouldn't say it's life-changing or anything.
Would recommend!
I read this along with my Bible for early morning devotions. It took me a few months to finish, but I'm so glad my mom got it for me! This book contains great advice, encouragement, and wisdom. (I did a lot of underlining for this one!) The engaging questions at the end of the chapters was also a really cool feature!
Overall, a very helpful book, but I wouldn't say it's life-changing or anything.
Would recommend!
August 29, 2019
As we behold God's glory in Scripture, we will be transformed into his image at a heart level, which will result in visible obedience to his commands.
A study for teens and I would dare say teens parents, grandparents or Christian to better understand how transformation works. So many of us and when I say us I mean me, try to change on our own efforts instead of letting the word transform us. It takes time and many times we want a quick fix. This text is real as it challenges and keeps your eyes focused on the character of God. It becomes a way of failure when we make the bible about us and it is important to see how easily this can happen. We get discouraged and we give up and walk away from the faith. When we become the center of the focus, transformation doesn't happen. It can't. Because then we are dealing with feelings of fear, anxiety, and pride.
The study is done in two parts. The question of why? There are many questions that teenagers are asking and as young kids the first question they ask is why. The why's are important as they lay the foundation of faith and purpose. The 2nd part is how. We all need instruction, guidance and tools for transformation. We need community for application.
I think this study would be great for a family devotion as a family to discover biblical truths that will last for eternity Highly recommend
A Special Thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
A study for teens and I would dare say teens parents, grandparents or Christian to better understand how transformation works. So many of us and when I say us I mean me, try to change on our own efforts instead of letting the word transform us. It takes time and many times we want a quick fix. This text is real as it challenges and keeps your eyes focused on the character of God. It becomes a way of failure when we make the bible about us and it is important to see how easily this can happen. We get discouraged and we give up and walk away from the faith. When we become the center of the focus, transformation doesn't happen. It can't. Because then we are dealing with feelings of fear, anxiety, and pride.
The study is done in two parts. The question of why? There are many questions that teenagers are asking and as young kids the first question they ask is why. The why's are important as they lay the foundation of faith and purpose. The 2nd part is how. We all need instruction, guidance and tools for transformation. We need community for application.
I think this study would be great for a family devotion as a family to discover biblical truths that will last for eternity Highly recommend
A Special Thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
August 5, 2019
This is a really special book on so many levels.
If there were such a thing as a Bible study coach, this book (and its author) could qualify. Bible study is a part solitary, part group activity--to really know the Bible (and the God of the Bible), there should be healthy exposure to both experiences.
The author is well-read (she's experienced with the topic and inserts quotes from other authors into applicable spaces), but she remains a relatable voice for her generation without trying to be "above" it.
I came away with many favorite sections and quotes. One of them is this:
"Bible study isn't just about gaining a bunch of knowledge. It's not about becoming a better Christian so God will love you more.....It's not about being smarter so we can feel better about ourselves. In fact, if all we ever do is collect information about God without letting it touch our hearts and move us to love and wonder, we've completely missed it." (pg. 81)
Katherine does an excellent job of pointing the reader to a place of dependence versus independence. For personal Bible study to be "successful", there needs to be humility in the heart and much prayer that takes place prior to, during, and after time spent in the Scriptures. She encourages and rallies without shaming--in other words, hers is a voice of hope to try something that for so many is a formidable challenge. She's transparent about the process...some aspects of Bible study are more systematic, others less so. It seems to be a bit of an "art", but what's really happening is the work of the Holy Spirit through the heart of the student.
The author wrote and published this book while still a teenager (and publishing is a multi-year process and requires huge amounts of focus and discipline even while living a normal life). The focus of the book is to teenagers, but adults will benefit from it as well (and really should read it if they want to understand what their teens are trying to do!).
This book would be great for guys or girls. It would work well in a group setting with an empathetic and energetic facilitator.
Highly recommended!
If there were such a thing as a Bible study coach, this book (and its author) could qualify. Bible study is a part solitary, part group activity--to really know the Bible (and the God of the Bible), there should be healthy exposure to both experiences.
The author is well-read (she's experienced with the topic and inserts quotes from other authors into applicable spaces), but she remains a relatable voice for her generation without trying to be "above" it.
I came away with many favorite sections and quotes. One of them is this:
"Bible study isn't just about gaining a bunch of knowledge. It's not about becoming a better Christian so God will love you more.....It's not about being smarter so we can feel better about ourselves. In fact, if all we ever do is collect information about God without letting it touch our hearts and move us to love and wonder, we've completely missed it." (pg. 81)
Katherine does an excellent job of pointing the reader to a place of dependence versus independence. For personal Bible study to be "successful", there needs to be humility in the heart and much prayer that takes place prior to, during, and after time spent in the Scriptures. She encourages and rallies without shaming--in other words, hers is a voice of hope to try something that for so many is a formidable challenge. She's transparent about the process...some aspects of Bible study are more systematic, others less so. It seems to be a bit of an "art", but what's really happening is the work of the Holy Spirit through the heart of the student.
The author wrote and published this book while still a teenager (and publishing is a multi-year process and requires huge amounts of focus and discipline even while living a normal life). The focus of the book is to teenagers, but adults will benefit from it as well (and really should read it if they want to understand what their teens are trying to do!).
This book would be great for guys or girls. It would work well in a group setting with an empathetic and energetic facilitator.
Highly recommended!
June 30, 2023
Teen author and Bible Bee contestant Katherine Forster shares with fellow Christian teens why they should consider doing inductive Bible studies of Scripture and how they can go about doing that themselves.
A good introductory guide for teens on inductive Bible study. Forster does a great job of explaining why not just reading the Bible but really studying it deeply is important for any Christian. I took several university courses on or that required serious inductive Bible study methods and she covered most of the basics that the introductory course at the university level would (with just a few things left out that take you a bit deeper). Recommended to Christian teens who are asking why they should read their Bible or wondering how to get a richer Bible study when reading the Bible.
A good introductory guide for teens on inductive Bible study. Forster does a great job of explaining why not just reading the Bible but really studying it deeply is important for any Christian. I took several university courses on or that required serious inductive Bible study methods and she covered most of the basics that the introductory course at the university level would (with just a few things left out that take you a bit deeper). Recommended to Christian teens who are asking why they should read their Bible or wondering how to get a richer Bible study when reading the Bible.
July 24, 2019
This is a great tool for teens that want to study the Bible, but do not know where or how to get started. Though I am an adult, I found this book useful and will definitely recommend it to my teenage cousins (and those who will soon become teens).
April 9, 2021
A solid book overall.
I appreciated part one, exploring the why behind Bible study, more than I did part two, which was more a toolbox of resources and methods for studying. Ms. Forster hit on some key, often forgotten points of why we should throw our all into really knowing and understanding Scripture; it was refreshing to be reminded of the ultimate purpose of studying - to know God and be transformed and sanctified by his Word. The second half of the book was very practical, but it didn't hold the same weight as the first part in my mind. The were some good tips brought out, but the last three or so chapters seemed more a set of instructions, warnings, and advice from the author, not as refined or impactfully laid out (though I appreciate her emphasis on Scripture interpreting Scripture).
From a teen author to her peers, however, this is pretty sound book that provides a good starting point for youth who desire to dig deeper into the Word. It's a breath of fresh air to read, especially with the recently increasing trend away from the inerrancy and foundation of Scripture. If you do choose to pick up this book, I think you'll be encouraged, at the very least, by the work God is doing in and through Ms. Forster and among today's Christian youth. I certainly was.
I appreciated part one, exploring the why behind Bible study, more than I did part two, which was more a toolbox of resources and methods for studying. Ms. Forster hit on some key, often forgotten points of why we should throw our all into really knowing and understanding Scripture; it was refreshing to be reminded of the ultimate purpose of studying - to know God and be transformed and sanctified by his Word. The second half of the book was very practical, but it didn't hold the same weight as the first part in my mind. The were some good tips brought out, but the last three or so chapters seemed more a set of instructions, warnings, and advice from the author, not as refined or impactfully laid out (though I appreciate her emphasis on Scripture interpreting Scripture).
From a teen author to her peers, however, this is pretty sound book that provides a good starting point for youth who desire to dig deeper into the Word. It's a breath of fresh air to read, especially with the recently increasing trend away from the inerrancy and foundation of Scripture. If you do choose to pick up this book, I think you'll be encouraged, at the very least, by the work God is doing in and through Ms. Forster and among today's Christian youth. I certainly was.
October 11, 2019
This book was a great help! Katherine Forster is a great writer. Her methods to bible study and memorization are simple and efficient. I can't wait to put her bible study method to use. Recommended for anyone, especially teenagers, who are struggling in Bible study. This book will help you a lot.
April 14, 2023
Fantastic resource for any teen (or kid, or adult) who wants to get into Bible study for the first time. I can't recommend this enough.
July 8, 2020
More than a decade ago, my husband and I had the privilege of walking alongside a small group of bright students through 3 1/2 years of their high school journey. The Tuesday Night Tangent Society members are all grown up now. Some are married. One just completed his M.Div. and was ordained a deacon in the Anglican Communion.
We studied Ephesians, the Beatitudes, the life of David, and 1 John. We divided the group by gender for some of the discipleship and prayer. If I had it to do over again, the element I would most like to add is training in Bible study methods. We did try to incorporate those principles in our lessons, to teach by example, but those concepts are so important that they deserve undivided attention. Time spent learning how to study the Scriptures will pay dividends the rest of one's life.
"The goal of Bible reading and study is worship. Not finding more rules to follow. Not finding reasons to feel good about ourselves. The goal is to see God in all his glory and to enjoy him" (p. 150).
Katherine Forster's 2019 release Transformed by Truth (Crossway) is the book I wish we'd had for that group. Forster, a National Bible Bee Champion, writes as a teen for teens, to inspire and instruct them to read and study their Bibles for themselves as a means of knowing and loving God more. That factor sets this book apart from other guides to inductive Bible study like Jen Wilkin's Women of the Word, Kay Arthur's How to Study Your Bible, and Howard Hendricks's Living by the Book. The principles she communicates are essentially the same as the ones in those books. The writing style, examples, and tone here lend themselves better to a high school or even early college audience. I had considered working through this with 11 year-old and 13 year-old family members this summer, but I think it would be just a smidge over their heads (and therefore frustrating).
For nearly half the book, Forster lays a foundation: why teen years are not too young to establish a personal Bible study practice, the relational and transformational goal of Bible study, the "big picture" of the Bible as one unified narrative, and the gist of inductive Bible study method. Then she dives deeply into observation, interpretation, and application with ample examples, tips, suggested free online resources, and questions that guide the reader in personal practice of the principles. (Those would work great in a small group setting.) Throughout, she emphasizes the need to saturate Bible study with prayer.
She does a good job of continually bringing the reader back to the goal of knowing and loving God, even through some academic and seemingly rote exercises:
"Remember—the Bible is all about God. The ultimate end of our study should be to see him and delight in who he is. Making lists doesn't seem very worshipful or spiritual; it seems academic. But as you write down everything the text says about God, you'll see more clearly who he is. Aspects of his character that you never noticed may pop out to you. In writing everything down, you'll get a chance to slow down and meditate on God's character and works" (p. 127).
The end notes and appendix listing recommended resources provide plenty of leads for further learning and do credit to the author's reading and study of her topic. As befits a Bible Bee champion, she also includes an appendix on memorization tips.
In summary, Forster has provided a well-written, accessible guide for teens and those who love them on how to love God more through studying His Word well. (As an added benefit, the same close-reading skills taught here and cultivated in inductive Bible study will improve reading of other material in all aspects of life.) I highly recommend Transformed by Truth to parents, youth leaders, and self-motivated teens. Adult readers will benefit too, even though the examples will not suit them as well. I only wish the target audience were a few years younger, but boys grow quickly, and they will soon catch up to this book.
November 30, 2019
First sentence: When I was eight, the Bible was boring.
What sets Transformed by Truth apart from other books about how to read and study the Bible is the fact that it's written specifically for a teen audience. The author's intent is to get (more) TEENS to actually read and actually study the Bible for themselves. This comes at a time when many professing adults do not actually-actually read or study the Bible. At least if stats are accurate. (Have you ever wondered who is being surveyed?)
The contents of this one could easily be applicable to teens and adults alike. True some of the narrative is recounting the author's experiences as a teen (and she comes across as a young or younger author) and focuses on a few things that would only apply to teens (living with parents, going to school most of the year, studying for tests, deciding electives and hobbies, choosing colleges, deciding career and life goals). But the mechanics of HOW to read the Bible are the same no matter if you're fifteen or fifty-five.
The first five chapters focus on the WHY of Bible reading and Bible study. These chapters are inspiring and encouraging. Often filled with quotes from some of my favorite theologians (aka John Piper, J.I. Packer, John Calvin, etc.)
The last five chapters focus on the HOW of Bible study. The study method recommended throughout this one is the INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY method. And this method can be intimidating--very intimidating--for many adults.
I love the idea of loving this one. I do. I love, love, love reading the Bible. I do. I always have. Or almost always, always. I became a Christian at age 8. I found the Bible far from boring. Of course, I wasn't trying to read it cover-to-cover. I wasn't aiming to read and understand every verse of every chapter of every book. There were sections of the Bible that I read often, very often. There were sections of the Bible I didn't even pretend to attempt before going to college. (I was about seventeen or eighteen before I read the WHOLE Bible.) I did often find myself feeling alone and out of sorts with others because I did read my Bible and actually enjoy it. (Not that I had a great grasp of all points of theology; I didn't. I cringe when I think back on some of my theology.)
I love the QUESTIONS section which ends each chapter. I think these are well done and take the book to the next level.
Does Forster expect too much of her readers?! Or do we expect too little from ourselves and others?!
What sets Transformed by Truth apart from other books about how to read and study the Bible is the fact that it's written specifically for a teen audience. The author's intent is to get (more) TEENS to actually read and actually study the Bible for themselves. This comes at a time when many professing adults do not actually-actually read or study the Bible. At least if stats are accurate. (Have you ever wondered who is being surveyed?)
The contents of this one could easily be applicable to teens and adults alike. True some of the narrative is recounting the author's experiences as a teen (and she comes across as a young or younger author) and focuses on a few things that would only apply to teens (living with parents, going to school most of the year, studying for tests, deciding electives and hobbies, choosing colleges, deciding career and life goals). But the mechanics of HOW to read the Bible are the same no matter if you're fifteen or fifty-five.
The first five chapters focus on the WHY of Bible reading and Bible study. These chapters are inspiring and encouraging. Often filled with quotes from some of my favorite theologians (aka John Piper, J.I. Packer, John Calvin, etc.)
The last five chapters focus on the HOW of Bible study. The study method recommended throughout this one is the INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY method. And this method can be intimidating--very intimidating--for many adults.
I love the idea of loving this one. I do. I love, love, love reading the Bible. I do. I always have. Or almost always, always. I became a Christian at age 8. I found the Bible far from boring. Of course, I wasn't trying to read it cover-to-cover. I wasn't aiming to read and understand every verse of every chapter of every book. There were sections of the Bible that I read often, very often. There were sections of the Bible I didn't even pretend to attempt before going to college. (I was about seventeen or eighteen before I read the WHOLE Bible.) I did often find myself feeling alone and out of sorts with others because I did read my Bible and actually enjoy it. (Not that I had a great grasp of all points of theology; I didn't. I cringe when I think back on some of my theology.)
I love the QUESTIONS section which ends each chapter. I think these are well done and take the book to the next level.
Does Forster expect too much of her readers?! Or do we expect too little from ourselves and others?!
July 20, 2019
Katherine Forster, 2013 winner of the National Bible Bee Competition, encourages teens to study the Bible for themselves in her new book, Transformed by Truth: Why and How to Study the Bible for Yourself as a Teen. As a Bible Bee competitor, Forster had memorized countless Bible verses and passages, but they didn't mean much until one day God brought the truths in her heart alive and gave her a greater love for Him. From that day, she became even more enamored with God's Word and it's power in her life. Conversational and not at all preachy, Forster simply tells readers about her own experiences, shows them truths in God's Word, and teaches them how to dig into God's Word themselves and mine it for truth.
In Transformed by Truth, Forster also managers to help teens understand the metanarrivative of the Bible -- the big story that runs throughout all 66 books. Additionally, she helps readers understand how to observe, interpret, and apply God's Word, and she gives teens a list of recommended resources and tools to help them in their studies. On top of that, readers will find some extra tips and helps for memorizing Scriptures--great tips from a person who has memorized chapters upon chapters of the Bible!
All in all, Forster has managed to put together a great resource for teens that encourages them in spiritual growth and spurs them on to study the Bible for themselves and commit it to memory. Transformed by Truth is certainly a guide I'll be buying for teens in my life.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
In Transformed by Truth, Forster also managers to help teens understand the metanarrivative of the Bible -- the big story that runs throughout all 66 books. Additionally, she helps readers understand how to observe, interpret, and apply God's Word, and she gives teens a list of recommended resources and tools to help them in their studies. On top of that, readers will find some extra tips and helps for memorizing Scriptures--great tips from a person who has memorized chapters upon chapters of the Bible!
All in all, Forster has managed to put together a great resource for teens that encourages them in spiritual growth and spurs them on to study the Bible for themselves and commit it to memory. Transformed by Truth is certainly a guide I'll be buying for teens in my life.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
August 15, 2021
First of all, this book is intended for teens. I bought it for my daughter with the intent to read through it and discuss it together. With that said, I found this to be helpful for anyone trying to get rolling on studying the Bible.
There are a lot of resources available (books, articles, etc) intended to help people with Bible study. I found this one to be very accessible (again, written with teens in mind) without compromising “meat”. Katherine Forster does a great job of communicating the importance and value of developing this spiritual discipline early. She also emphasizes the importance of understanding context and of not trying to read ourselves into every passage (not that we can’t learn something from all of Scripture, but it’s not about us).
Each chapter also ends with questions for reflection and/or a framework to study based on the topic of that chapter (using the inductive study method)She uses 3 John to practically walk readers through the process, and I’m looking forward to going through that with my daughter.
If you have a teen or pre-teen, I recommend giving this a look and going through it with him/her.
There are a lot of resources available (books, articles, etc) intended to help people with Bible study. I found this one to be very accessible (again, written with teens in mind) without compromising “meat”. Katherine Forster does a great job of communicating the importance and value of developing this spiritual discipline early. She also emphasizes the importance of understanding context and of not trying to read ourselves into every passage (not that we can’t learn something from all of Scripture, but it’s not about us).
Each chapter also ends with questions for reflection and/or a framework to study based on the topic of that chapter (using the inductive study method)She uses 3 John to practically walk readers through the process, and I’m looking forward to going through that with my daughter.
If you have a teen or pre-teen, I recommend giving this a look and going through it with him/her.
July 30, 2023
This is the book our high school leadership team (juniors & seniors) are reading this summer to prepare for the school year.
It was a great introduction to the importance in WHY and HOW we should study our Bibles. So often teens are told to "read their Bible," but this book edifyingly accomplished both!
It's easy to read and has great examples and questions to ensure that the reader is indeed TRANSFORMED BY TRUTH.
It was a great introduction to the importance in WHY and HOW we should study our Bibles. So often teens are told to "read their Bible," but this book edifyingly accomplished both!
It's easy to read and has great examples and questions to ensure that the reader is indeed TRANSFORMED BY TRUTH.
January 1, 2022
Read in preparation for a high school Sunday school class . Decent intro to bible study for teens. Accomplishes the goal of giving some basic tools for bible study, but is not the most compelling in arguing for developing a habit of study. It’s seems best suited for a student who is already convinced of the importance of study and willing to carve out the time, and is looking for guidance.
December 23, 2021
Great book that I read with my teenage daughters. Katherine is a great example of someone who learned a lot about the Bible as a teen. This book is mentioned by the Harris brothers in their book, "Do Hard Things", I think.
February 9, 2021
Transformed by Truth took me a while to read but it was so worth it. Once I've had time to think about it, I'll post a longer review. :)
October 12, 2019
I was a beta reader for this book, but this was the first time reading it now that it's published. I so enjoyed it! My favorite sections were in Part 1, but Part 2 was really good as well with all the practical help it offers. One of the best parts about this book is how Katherine gets to the "heart" of Bible study--she reminds us that we're studying to know God, not just to gain academic knowledge. This is a good book for those beginning Bible study or those who just want a refreshed perspective on their spiritual journey!
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