Bible Study - BSF International

[genealogist]

BSF is not so great for mainline Protestants either. My wife’s Presbyterian(USA) congregation has many women who go to BSF. Several of them do not like the preaching at their congregation and one left for a while because the sermons were not Biblical enough. The church she went to had sermons that were more like the BSF presentations.

The purpose of worship is to glorify God. Too many people want to be stimulated at all times. I would look for a Catholic Bible Study or do a private one with EWTN type materials.

 

[beafedor]

I have attended a BSF class for a year. We were studying the Book of Genesis. I was having a hard time with their lectures such as: “In Scripture, God consistently shows us that the Arab are the enemy and as long as the USA will fight them and support Israel, God will Bless America”. Plus some students were complaining about “those Catholics” in their family who are not saved and so forth.
Not to mention the fact that they view the Church as being a mere building, they acknowledge only 66 books in their Bibles and they don’t acknowledge the 7 Sacraments.

So after a year, I gave up and join a Catholic Bible Study for women and it has been awesome! I’ve learned so much and made loyal friends.

My non denominational/Baptist friend who introduced me to BSF is still attending and she is complaining about the different views that they have of Baptism as being necessary or not necessary for your salvation. Even among them non denom/Protestants they don’t seem to agree on basic dogmas.

 

[jcb4105]

Sounds like you are a little thin skinned. Lots of complaints. I am catholic 51 years now and while growing up in the church rarely did we ever experience teaching of the bible. BSF offers and centers the study around the word of God and the love of Jesus Christ. That I know from the heart. As far as little side comments from arrogant christians at BSF goes, well I plainly tune them out or let them know they are wrong to go down that path. Some times I am nice and other times I am not. Remember, it is all about Jesus Christ and BSF consistantly gets that done. Have a good one in Christs name, amen.

 

[tweetymom]

I am a cradle Catholic, but not taught much growing up, but that is another story. When I was 35 I began to feel a tug in my heart sbout God.A dear friend who had prayed for me for years invited me to BSF, and it was the greatest move I have ever made. I went thru all the classes including Revelations. Also became a leader after 3 years. Never did I hear or teach anything contrary against the CC or anyother for that matter. We had all religions coming to class and enjoyed ever minute of it.

Thru BSF I made a strong committment to our Lord and it is still there and it made me realize that I need to return to the Church of my childhood. My first husband became a born again Christian thru our granddaughter who always shared all the stories and songs from her 5 years in BSF.

So all I can do is give glowing reports on BSF and wish that everyone could experience., the joy my family received from God thru BSF.

God Bless all and a person can always find fault with things if you look hard enough.

 

[mdcpensive1]

Sounds like you are a little thin skinned. Lots of complaints. I am catholic 51 years now and while growing up in the church rarely did we ever experience teaching of the bible. BSF offers and centers the study around the word of God and the love of Jesus Christ. That I know from the heart. As far as little side comments from arrogant christians at BSF goes, well I plainly tune them out or let them know they are wrong to go down that path. Some times I am nice and other times I am not. Remember, it is all about Jesus Christ and BSF consistantly gets that done. Have a good one in Christs name, amen.

If when you were growing up during your 51 years you would on Sunday hear one reading from the OT, one epistle, one gospel and one reading from the pslams. That is much more than a lot of protestant churches do today. If BSF does more than just read the bible then they are giving a teaching to you based on something. The SOMETHING is what concerns all who who have the desire to know Christ and what He says He needs from us and what it is about salvation.

Christ started a visible Church and gave it His authority to teach in His name. He made His Church the sacrament of salvation and the source of all Graces. He gave His Church the deposit of faith to be carried on through the apostles to all of us. This is what makes His Church apostilic which no other church can claim with truth. I don’t think BSF teaches this doctrine or even wants people to know about it.

The bible is a complex work that is understood on many levels. No group can teach it’s meaning without being with the mind of the Church that Christ started. Tweetymom says she went through the Book of Revelation and I bet they never talked about the Heavenly Liturgy relates to the Mass or about the Lady with the stars around her head relating to the Blessed Mother, the Arc of the Coventant. This would be too Catholic. I would like to be suprised on this though.

I am not writing to say that BSF is bad or wrong for someone but only to warn that the message they are getting is a partial one. As Christians we should be getting the full message Christ intended for us. Why only receive a partial message of faith when we could get ALL the truth which is not just from scripture. They can teach the bible in ways that is good according to THEIR understanding and help christians in the faith. I just want all of Jesus and not a watered down version.

Some Christians may not have the resources in their vicinity so maybe BSF is their only option. I would not complain about that. I for one would pick the teachings the apostles passed down for my choice if I had that choice.

mdcpensive1

 

[jcb4105]

Tweetymom. Amen to that. Christ is the Way. The Truth. And the Light. If we could all follow the footsteps of a 5 year old.

 

[aziz_showery]

I was invited to join a Bible Study this fall through BSF International. I went to the informational meeting this morning at a local Lutheran church. Being Catholic I felt like a fish out of water. They talked about how it is was a non denominational study and how it is a study of what the bible says to you as an individual. The whole thing didn’t sit well with me. Can anyone tell me their thoughts?

If you are interested in knowing God’s Word and how it can bring you to a personal relationship with Jesus, then go without any hesitation. However, if you all ready have your mind made up that it isn’t for you,then wait until the Holy Spirit guides you.

 

[mdcpensive1]

If you are interested in knowing God’s Word and how it can bring you to a personal relationship with Jesus, then go without any hesitation. However, if you all ready have your mind made up that it isn’t for you,then wait until the Holy Spirit guides you.

If the bible can bring one to a personal relationship with God, then how did the early Church do it without the bible? Or how did the Jews do it since they were the chosen people? Is it the bible or God’s Grace that does it? Can you explain what you meant?

mdcpensive1

 

[jcb4105]

Aaaa Moses. Both. And if you need question Gods word, well good luck on figuring out your own path.

 

[Xavierlives]

If the bible can bring one to a personal relationship with God, then how did the early Church do it without the bible? Or how did the Jews do it since they were the chosen people? Is it the bible or God’s Grace that does it? Can you explain what you meant?

mdcpensive1

I’m not sure what you mean. Are you saying, how did the people from 30 AD to 400 AD survive without the canonized, collected works?

 

[jazzno]

If the bible can bring one to a personal relationship with God, then how did the early Church do it without the bible? Or how did the Jews do it since they were the chosen people? Is it the bible or God’s Grace that does it? Can you explain what you meant?

mdcpensive1

From all your postings it is obvious that BSF is not for you. You had a bad personal experience, and you are simply closed to it. You are looking for intellectual arguments to satisfy you, but God’s Spirit doesn’t always work that way.

Please do not steer others away from the study of God’s word through scripture. When you do this, you have to ask yourself, “Am I serving God or His enemy?”

BSF is not the end all, be all, but it is the most intensive study that I have found where I am consumed by God’s Spirit. I have done Clavin’s Matthew and Great Adventure. These are more bible lectures than studies.

Someone suggested EWTN because his wife didn’t like BSF (again, an unfortunate second hand argument). Tell me specifics about what EWTN offers, the names of studies, where I can find them, specifics about how their studies lead me to a personal relationship with God. Do you have personal experience with these EWTN studies?

I have tried CBS, and enjoy it. Again, non-denominational, but certainly not as intensive and thorough in verse by verse study of, say, John 4. I have participated in Little Rock, and many others. BSF still stands out above all the others.

As Aziz said, wait for the Spirit to move you. But in the meantime please do not place roadblocks for others before God. I wish you God-speed in your own journey.

 

[mdcpensive1]

I’m not sure what you mean. Are you saying, how did the people from 30 AD to 400 AD survive without the canonized, collected works?

That is only a small part of the question. It involves a much longer time period in the question that I posed to aziz showery. It would be from the Mosaic coventant up to the beginning of the New covenant. There is a time period that scripture was not defined as in a cannon, but certain scrolls and letters I know were read. My question is more about how we come to know God in a personal relationship. Aziz showery has said it is from the bible at least for him/her. I am wondering if the question is about the bible being a means or a method if I am making any sense of what I am trying to say.

Jazzno, you are correct and I have stated that BSF is not for me, unless that was all I could have. I am sorry that you think my question is about intellectual arguments but my question is valid in that everyone has to think about the personal relationship they have with Jesus and where it comes from. That was my point. If some may say it comes from the BSF study that is OK, but I am asking for (name removed by moderator)ut about why they think this is the most important or only way from all the other sources of Grace. Please feel free to respond and again I hope I am clarifying something that needed clarification.

mdcpensive1

 

[Xavierlives]

If you are interested in knowing God’s Word and how it can bring you to a personal relationship with Jesus, then go without any hesitation. However, if you all ready have your mind made up that it isn’t for you,then wait until the Holy Spirit guides you.

If the bible can bring one to a personal relationship with God, then how did the early Church do it without the bible? Or how did the Jews do it since they were the chosen people? Is it the bible or God’s Grace that does it? Can you explain what you meant?

mdcpensive1

I’m not sure what you mean. Are you saying, how did the people from 30 AD to 400 AD survive without the canonized, collected works?

That is only a small part of the question. It involves a much longer time period in the question that I posed to aziz showery. It would be from the Mosaic coventant up to the beginning of the New covenant. There is a time period that scripture was not defined as in a cannon, but certain scrolls and letters I know were read. My question is more about how we come to know God in a personal relationship. Aziz showery has said it is from the bible at least for him/her. I am wondering if the question is about the bible being a means or a method if I am making any sense of what I am trying to say.

Jazzno, you are correct and I have stated that BSF is not for me, unless that was all I could have. I am sorry that you think my question is about intellectual arguments but my question is valid in that everyone has to think about the personal relationship they have with Jesus and where it comes from. That was my point. If some may say it comes from the BSF study that is OK, but I am asking for (name removed by moderator)ut about why they think this is the most important or only way from all the other sources of Grace. Please feel free to respond and again I hope I am clarifying something that needed clarification.

mdcpensive1

Here is what I am seeing. You are trying to chase people away from discussing BSF and you do so by asking questions that are obviously intended for another thread.

 

[tweetymom]

That is only a small part of the question. It involves a much longer time period in the question that I posed to aziz showery. It would be from the Mosaic coventant up to the beginning of the New covenant. There is a time period that scripture was not defined as in a cannon, but certain scrolls and letters I know were read. My question is more about how we come to know God in a personal relationship. Aziz showery has said it is from the bible at least for him/her. I am wondering if the question is about the bible being a means or a method if I am making any sense of what I am trying to say.

Jazzno, you are correct and I have stated that BSF is not for me, unless that was all I could have. I am sorry that you think my question is about intellectual arguments but my question is valid in that everyone has to think about the personal relationship they have with Jesus and where it comes from. That was my point. If some may say it comes from the BSF study that is OK, but I am asking for (name removed by moderator)ut about why they think this is the most important or only way from all the other sources of Grace. Please feel free to respond and again I hope I am clarifying something that needed clarification.

mdcpensive1

M aybe for others it isn’t important for them(BSF). All I can talk about is my personal experience. It was vvery important for me and my salvation and personal relationship with Jesus. And I don’t know personally any other way for me. If any do then be my guest and go there. All I know what BSF did for me.

 

[rocketrob]

I think everyone’s kind of piling onto mdcpensive1 here…not that he or she can’t handle it. The original post, from a Catholic considering BSF, was to ask for thoughts from other Catholics regarding attendance in this program. mdcpensive1 is providing those thoughts.

The bottom line is if you are being fed as a Catholic at BSF, great. However, the fact is that non-Catholic (perhaps even anti-Catholic) doctrine is presented on a regular basis…almost each and every week. This has been discussed and well established in prior posts on this thread.

Therefore, as a Catholic, you will have to be ever vigilant about this if you choose to attend BSF.

rocketrob

 

[tweetymom]

I think everyone’s kind of piling onto mdcpensive1 here…not that he or she can’t handle it. The original post, from a Catholic considering BSF, was to ask for thoughts from other Catholics regarding attendance in this program. mdcpensive1 is providing those thoughts.

The bottom line is if you are being fed as a Catholic at BSF, great. However, the fact is that non-Catholic (perhaps even anti-Catholic) doctrine is presented on a regular basis…almost each and every week. This has been discussed and well established in prior posts on this thread.

Therefore, as a Catholic, you will have to be ever vigilant about this if you choose to attend BSF.

rocketrob

Sorry if my post have in anyway piling into anyones thoughts. I have just tried to say what BSF meant to me! Sorry that seems to be offensive to anyone. As for me it was a very important part of my life for which I thank God for:thumbsup:

 

[kage_ar]

A Catholic has one place at a Non Catholic group Bible Study - that would be as a trained Apologist to stand up and defend the Church. If you ain’t one, don’t go to BSF.

Some here who sing the praises of BSF also post on threads stating opinions that are very contrary to the teaching of the Church. That is the best evidience you need that BSF will weaken your Catholic Faith.

 

[tweetymom]

A Catholic has one place at a Non Catholic group Bible Study - that would be as a trained Apologist to stand up and defend the Church. If you ain’t one, don’t go to BSF.

Some here who sing the praises of BSF also post on threads stating opinions that are very contrary to the teaching of the Church. That is the best evidience you need that BSF will weaken your Catholic Faith.

Good for them and me

 

[tweetymom]

And if you are afraid of someone not agreeing with you and post something you don’t like then I guess it is your right to disagree. I for one am not fearful of man only God!!! So I try and live my life accordingly to Him. Hope you do too.

 

[Xavierlives]

I think everyone’s kind of piling onto mdcpensive1 here…not that he or she can’t handle it. The original post, from a Catholic considering BSF, was to ask for thoughts from other Catholics regarding attendance in this program. mdcpensive1 is providing those thoughts.

The bottom line is if you are being fed as a Catholic at BSF, great. However, the fact is that non-Catholic (perhaps even anti-Catholic) doctrine is presented on a regular basis…almost each and every week. This has been discussed and well established in prior posts on this thread.

Therefore, as a Catholic, you will have to be ever vigilant about this if you choose to attend BSF.

rocketrob

Please don’t get me wrong. I’m not trying to be the defender of the thread or anything, but twice, there has been someone talking on topic and mdcpensive1 brought them to a grinding halt. Granted, I don’t think this thread is more than a one or two post of the give-your-opinion type, but I also don’t think people should be manhandled while they give their opinion.

Let people say what they think and don’t be afraid if some Catholics like BSF.