Multiple “Signs” of Intelligence in the Bible

Read about Howard Gardner’s eight “signs” of intelligence (and at wikipedia).

Consider the first seven intelligences for this activity:

  1. Spatial – picture smart
  2. Bodily-Kinesthetic – body smart
  3. Musical – music smart
  4. Linguistic – word smart
  5. Logical-mathematical – number smart
  6. Interpersonal – people smart
  7. Intrapersonal – self smart

Assignment 1: For each set: give a brief summary of each scripture passage and answer the questions. What sign(s) of intelligence is(are) evident?

Set A
Luke 10:38-42
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=407244614

What does Mary do?

John 11:5-6
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=407244774

What is Jesus’ attitude toward Mary, Martha, and Lazarus?

John 11:20-22
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=407244796

What is Martha’s faith based on? Logic? A Convincing argument? Her relationship with Jesus.

Set B
Exodus 4:10-17
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=407323973

What is Aaron’s role?

Acts 8:26-38
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=407324001

Who are the two people in this story?
Why does one of them choose to be baptized?

Set C
2 Chronicles 5:11-14
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=407324024

What happens right before God’s presence fills the temple?

1 Samuel 16:23
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=407324060

Who calms Saul and how?

Set D
John 1:3-9
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=407324088

How is Jesus described in this passage?

Mark 13:24-27
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=407324116

How does Jesus speak about the second coming?

Ezekiel 1:4-28
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=407324150

Ezekial uses (music/logic/images/human relationships) to help understand God.

Set E
Exodus 18:13-27
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=407324224

What is Moses’ problem?
Who helps him solve it in a logical step-by-step way?

John 11:16
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=407324256

Who has a very matter-of-fact attitude?
What does he say?

John 20:24-29
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=407324276

Whose need for proof does Jesus understand and accept?

Set F
Luke 5:4-11
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=407324307

When does Peter first begin to understand Jesus?

Matthew 14:24-33
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=407324331

What does Peter do when he sees Jesus?

Matthew 17:1-8
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=407324355

What does Peter suggest in this passage?

John 13:3-10
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=407324377

What does Jesus do? how does Peter respond?
Based on these passages, which of the intelligences does Peter often use to understand and respond to Jesus?

Set G
Romans 7:14-23
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=407324401

Who does Paul talk about as he tries to explain law and grace?

1 Corinthians 2:1-5
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=407324425

What does Paul say helped reveal the power and the Spirit?

2 Corinthians 12:7-10
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=407324452

Paul understands that in his ________ the _____ that God has given him is visible.

Which of the intelligences is Paul using in these passages to help people understand God.

 

Assignment 2: Complete the following tasks:

  • 2 examples of the importance and/or value of musical intelligence
  • 3 people who are word smart
  • 2 people who use logical intelligence
  • 2 people whose understanding of Jesus is rooted in the intelligence of relationships
  • 1 person who is self smart
  • 3 passages that rely on spatial intelligence
  • 1 person who uses physical intelligence to understand Jesus.