Are Eastern Catholics and Orthodox against Bible studies?

[TheAdvocate]

I’m asking this question because I have encountered some Easterners who have claimed that Bible studies lead people to interpret scripture in any way they want, leading them to error.

And truly, Bible studies themselves really were inspired by the Protestants, at least in the sense of study groups.

 

[Casilda]

I have studied under both and it is reading books of the Bible with help understanding passages based on what the early Church Fathers wrote. So it is as the Church interprets scripture.

 

[thequietsinger]

I’m asking this question because I have encountered some Easterners who have claimed that Bible studies lead people to interpret scripture in any way they want, leading them to error.

And truly, Bible studies themselves really were inspired by the Protestants, at least in the sense of study groups.

We had Bible study every class during Sunday school, and once or twice during the week, as well. For the Orthodox, we don’t interpret scripture the way we want it to be, we study it, and relate to what the teachings of the (Orthodox) Church are in accordance with the session’s topic. I’m not saying this is how it is/was for everyone, this is just how I experienced it.

 

[TimothyH]

I’m asking this question because I have encountered some Easterners who have claimed that Bible studies lead people to interpret scripture in any way they want, leading them to error.

And truly, Bible studies themselves really were inspired by the Protestants, at least in the sense of study groups.

Studying scripture was started by the Jews in the Synagogues long before Christ. The early Desert Fathers were masters of the Scriptures, as are the monks to this day.

Protestants got nothing on them.

-Tim-

 

[Butaperson]

I feel like discouraging people to read and study the Bible is counter-productive. This is an argument that is actually often used against Catholics, by Protestants (that Catholics ‘aren’t allowed’ to read the Bible) and does lead people astray.

Instead Bible studies should be absolutely encouraged. After all, if Scripture is properly explained and the Church properly understood, it is really quite clear that the Catholic Church is the truth. The real problems show up when people try to interpret the Bible all alone, especially if they are already living under the influence of Protestantism. In the proper context, Bible studies are extremely helpful to the faithful.

 

[TheAdvocate]

Studying scripture was started by the Jews in the Synagogues long before Christ. The early Desert Fathers were masters of the Scriptures, as are the monks to this day.

Protestants got nothing on them.

-Tim-

That’s why I wrote “at least in the sense of group studies.” In other words, in the common way in which they are done today: a group of people open their Bible, a leader invites them to turn to certain passages, and he or she leads them in discussion.

 

[TimothyH]

That’s why I wrote “at least in the sense of group studies.” In other words, in the common way in which they are done today: a group of people open their Bible, a leader invites them to turn to certain passages, and he or she leads them in discussion.

Is this much different from the way scribes instructed the people in OT times?

-Tim-

 

[SyroMalankara]

Is this much different from the way scribes instructed the people in OT times?

-Tim-

Scribes were experts on the Law. Pharisees were a sect with strict adherence to a brotherhood and the law, as well as ritual. What are the background of many of these leaders, other than good intention?

 

[Aramis]

I’m asking this question because I have encountered some Easterners who have claimed that Bible studies lead people to interpret scripture in any way they want, leading them to error.

And truly, Bible studies themselves really were inspired by the Protestants, at least in the sense of study groups.

The church encourages people to read the bible. What it discourages is authoritative proclimations by laity of what it means.

This is especially important in that lots of the material in scripture requires a strong context to understand. Without that context, one often interprets their way to any of a dozen heresies.

 

[Nine_Two]

I’d say we’re against Protestant style, “read the bible and tell me what you think” bible studies.

We aren’t against Bible studies as a teaching tool, to learn Christs message. We encourage people to read the bible for themselves, what we don’t encourage is interpreting it how you want.

 

[malphono]

The church encourages people to read the bible. What it discourages is authoritative proclimations by laity of what it means.

This is especially important in that lots of the material in scripture requires a strong context to understand. Without that context, one often interprets their way to any of a dozen heresies.

I’d say we’re against Protestant style, “read the bible and tell me what you think” bible studies.

We aren’t against Bible studies as a teaching tool, to learn Christs message. We encourage people to read the bible for themselves, what we don’t encourage is interpreting it how you want.

Seems to me you’re both saying pretty much the same thing, and I actually agree.

I’ll simply add that context is very important. The idea of "self-interpretation " (which is 99.999% done of the time out-of-context) reminds me of an old adage: “even the Devil quotes Scripture.”

 

[TheAdvocate]

Seems to me you’re both saying pretty much the same thing, and I actually agree.

I’ll simply add that context is very important. The idea of "self-interpretation " (which is 99.999% done of the time out-of-context) reminds me of an old adage: “even the Devil quotes Scripture.”

True, but as long as there is a leader who is knowledgeable about Scripture and orthodox Church teaching, everything should be okay.