Bible interpretation by what authority?

[Loboto-Me]

I’m wondering, how do the priests know what to take literally, or as analogy when they teach us the gospel? How does the Church teach all our priests what to say so that it “matches” with what is true and not what the priest’s interpretation? Is there a special book that the Catholic Church has that interprets for our leaders? The bible is confusing as it is at times, let alone the Old Testament where some of it really seems contradictory to the New.

I hope you can understand my question, I know I’m being pretty vague aren’t I?

 

[Loboto-Me]

Nobody knows?

 

[Robert_in_SD]

Priests are trained in Catholic seminaries and take an oath of obedience to the Church and her bishops. It is the responsibility of each bishop to ensure that the priests in his diocese are correctly preaching and teaching the Faith.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Loboto-Me:

I’m wondering, how do the priests know what to take literally, or as analogy when they teach us the gospel? How does the Church teach all our priests what to say so that it “matches” with what is true and not what the priest’s interpretation? Is there a special book that the Catholic Church has that interprets for our leaders? The bible is confusing as it is at times, let alone the Old Testament where some of it really seems contradictory to the New.

I hope you can understand my question, I know I’m being pretty vague aren’t I?

In my opinion the best way to interpret Scripture “in the Church” is by looking at Her teachings in light of the Scripture and following the consensus of the Early Fathers and Doctors of the Church.

 

[scylla]

Once priests are trained in the seminaries, generally they have a basic understanding about the interpretation of the Church on the Bible. Everything fits together and makes a whole, if they have a question they can consult with each other, the Bishop and so on.

If they have a question about interpretation, they don’t have to come up with their own, it is already there understood. If someone asks should they baptize their kids, do you really think a priest has to go to the Bible and ponder the question?

Most of the questions are outlined in the Cathecism, history of the Church and understood through teaching of the Magisterium and show in context of Church belief.

Since the Bible is based on the Church, not the Church based on the Bible, it makes more sense to think of it as a whole body.
Not just priests alone with their Bibles looking for how to explain it, they have the Body of Christ right there as an explanation.

All the times I have found where I thought the Bible contradicted or didn’t make sense to me, I have found that the Church has already researched it and has a good logical background to explain and resolve my misunderstanding.

 

[Loboto-Me]

Thank you all so much! You don’t know how I appreciate the wisdom that you all have! It seems I can come here with the most menial little questions or the most difficult apologetics (from other message boards) and always someone is here and ready with their words of wisdom.

Bless you!