The recommended progression for information gathering is from indirect to direct sources.

• A. Sometimes
• B. Not Sure
• C. False
• D. True

Answer: (D)

Starting with indirect sources builds a solid foundation before you encounter the original material. Indirect sources, such as commentaries, reviews, summaries, and overviews, show how others have understood a topic, what questions are common, and what interpretations are widely accepted. This helps you grasp the broader context, standard theories, and potential pitfalls without getting lost in the details of the original text.

In ministry study and practice, this orientation is especially helpful. When you first consult secondary materials, you learn how scholars, teachers, and church tradition interpret a passage or concept, which informs the questions you should ask and the aspects you should examine more closely. Then you move to direct sources—the primary materials themselves, such as the biblical text in its historical context, original letters, or primary historical documents. Reading these firsthand lets you verify claims, notice nuances, and form a grounded, personal understanding that isn’t swayed solely by someone else’s interpretation.

This sequence reduces the risk of misreading or parroting a secondary author’s conclusions and helps you arrive at a well-supported understanding. While there are situations that require immediate engagement with primary sources, the recommended approach is to start with indirect sources and then proceed to direct ones. Therefore the statement is true.