Bible Study - BSF International

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Dear mdcpensive

I cannot agree with you more.

Other Christian communities, tend to share much of “Personal experiences and encounters with the Lord” which makes it interisting to read; but if you start going in-depth, we can find some “shallow” teachings.

Roman Catholic authors e.g. S.J.'s have hore footnotes and notations than the main commentary and sometimes can be tiresome to read their works.

With many Non-Catholic Christians returning to the Roman Catholic Church, the Holy Spirit has sent to us a wealth of new approaches without compromising to the Doctrinal teaching of the Church. The newer generation of RC are offered great opportunities for Bible Studies within the RCC before moving out to “dialogue”.
 
bird18ie said:
. Perhaps I stated it incorrectly before – instead of saying non-denomination I should have said interdenominational
but we leave our dogma at the door and concentrate on the Word.
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My problem with BSF was that BSF did NOT leave Protestant, Evangelican doctrine out of the questions, lectures and commentary. They had questions such as “How can sola fides be applied today?” And the Teaching Leader stated such things as “All have sinned. There is no one righteous. Even Mary. Only Jesus was without sin.” And BSF’s “Steps to Assurance” are consistent with OSAS theology, although I think they recognize apostasy as a way to lose one’s salvation.
 
EHRAM said:
My problem with BSF was that BSF did NOT leave Protestant, Evangelican doctrine out of the questions, lectures and commentary. They had questions such as “How can sola fides be applied today?” And the Teaching Leader stated such things as “All have sinned. There is no one righteous. Even Mary. Only Jesus was without sin.” And BSF’s “Steps to Assurance” are consistent with OSAS theology, although I think they recognize apostasy as a way to lose one’s salvation.
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EHRAM has said it well…you will not find many (if any) Catholic viewpoints presented on any major doctrinal issues…like for instance the Eucharist, and the Catholic interpreation of John Chapter 6 in the year long study on John’s Gospel. If the study were truly interdenominational, the Catholic interpretation of this chapter could not possibly be ignored.

Also, there is also the basic fact that Catholics are not allowed to be small group leaders, let alone teaching lecturers.

And there is the fact that the Magisterium of the Church is the final authority on interpreting scripture. So, it is a mistake to study scripture without the Catholic Catechism by your side…something very much discouraged in BSF. Catholics are so fortunate to have this gift to keep us from personally mis-interpreting scripture and heading down the wrong path.

I myself am a Catholic convert of about 9 years, and I too looked long and hard at the Catholic faith before converting. I attended BSF for about 3 years before finding a Catholic study (the Jeff Cavins Timeline Series). BSF was useful in that it helped get me into a routine of studying the Word of God on a weekly basis. However, you will not be able to attend more than a few weeks before encountering some teaching that is in opposition to the Catholic understanding…and these are not trivial differences. So, I found it to become a frustrating and inefficient way of studying Sacred Scripture because I was continually filtering the content on issues that I had already spent a year or more investigating during my conversion experience.

Therefore, my recommendation is to find a Catholic study…and maybe invite some Protestant friends to come along and experience the correct way of interpreting Scripture. 🙂

rocketrob
 
LEEMY said:
The BSF International aim to help believers to build a vibrant personal relationship with our Father God. Whether you are a Catholic, a Christian, a non-believer, or any religion background, they only emphasis on giving the class members to build a daily reading Bible habit. The questions on the homework are to help us to learn more about our Father God and stimulate our thinking on how to apply God’s teaching in our daily life. Your sincere heart to learn about God’s teaching is most important, don’t worry about the demonination issue. Isn’t God is above all things? Why not focus on God’s teaching than on any other thing that has no value to our faith! For those have never taken the BSF classes before, it is best to find out the answer for yourself than taking other people’s experience as your fate?
God Bless you all !
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My Wife and I have both been attending BSF for over six years. We are in our last year of the seven year cycle. My wife is a cradle catholic and is considering going thru the cycle again. I personnally have had enough. I am a convert from Presbyterianism (Yes, I am related to that Calvin), and I have found blatant bias in BSF at least once a month. My favorite quote came from the Romans Study where Wetherell Johnson took a quote from the text and said it was as if God was anticipating the Reformation. We also had a discussion of why Catholics weren’t allowed to take leadership roles in BSF and one of our more learned members said it was because Catholics didn’t believe in the Trinity – I told him that we invented the Trinity and crossed myself. He still didn’t understand. Honestly, however, I think that the group I belong to do make an effort to discourage bias, but it is still there and absolutely obvious from the base camp in San Antonio.
 
rtcalvin said:
My Wife and I have both been attending BSF for over six years. We are in our last year of the seven year cycle. My wife is a cradle catholic and is considering going thru the cycle again. I personnally have had enough. I am a convert from Presbyterianism (Yes, I am related to that Calvin), and I have found blatant bias in BSF at least once a month. My favorite quote came from the Romans Study where Wetherell Johnson took a quote from the text and said it was as if God was anticipating the Reformation. We also had a discussion of why Catholics weren’t allowed to take leadership roles in BSF and one of our more learned members said it was because Catholics didn’t believe in the Trinity – I told him that we invented the Trinity and crossed myself. He still didn’t understand. Honestly, however, I think that the group I belong to do make an effort to discourage bias, but it is still there and absolutely obvious from the base camp in San Antonio.
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I had left the Catholic Church many, many years ago for lack of faith. During that time, I had finally come to believe in the existence of God, but was still away from the Catholic Church. Twelve years ago, I began attending the BSF study of the Gospel of John. I was very arrogant toward the studies and leery of being brainwashed by the questions in the materials. But God was good and reclaimed me even through my arrogance! Three months into the study of John, I asked Jesus to be my personal savior. (Even now, it still makes me cry.)

I had still not returned to the Catholic Church, however, and it took another twelve years and some excellent readings (“Father Smith Instructs Jackson” by Archbishop John Francis Noll) and a lot of questions of my priest before I was ready to return.

I recommend BSF as an excellent way to learn about God and his Word to us. I’m not sure I ever noticed an anti-Catholic bias, but I was surprised when my priest insisted the only true interpretation comes from the Catholic Magisterium. I have accepted this, but must say that BSF has helped me to know the Bible better than most of the Catholics I come in contact with at the Church. It is amazing to me how few of my fellow Catholics study the Bible.

I am now teaching a sixth grade catechism class (PSR) at our Church and find my BSF studies have been very valuable. I am able to speak quite freely about the teachings in the Bible and I notice that when I do, my students become very quiet, listening intently. I was surprised at this and have decided to resume my BSF studies this fall in order to increase my knowledge. (They have added two new sections of study that were not available when I first went through BSF. This fall, they will begin the study of Moses.)

I am doing other studies at the Paul VI Institute this summer because I have an insatiable desire to know as much about our Lord and our Church as possible.

Like I said, I recommend the BSF studies. Just this weekend, I recommended to my sister, who is just now returning to the Catholic Church, that she sign up for BSF in the fall. I explained that all of the groups across the country and throughout the world are studying the same material at the same time. I explained that after doing the readings and answering the questions, small groups meet to discuss the material for about forty-five minutes, then it is covered by a large group leader who gives a lecture on the material. I feel that God has graced me through the process with great insights that I could not have received on my own.

As I mentioned, I did not notice a particular anti-Catholic bias while I attended. There have not been any specific teachings that I have had to unlearn since returning to the Church, except that the authority to interpret scripture belongs to the teaching Magisterium of the Church. And, finally, if Catholics are discouraged from participating in the BSF process, it creates a void – a Catholic void – in the small groups. As the small group discusses the material, the particular viewpoint of the Catholics is not heard.

This is not to imply that there is preaching of dogma in the small groups, but each person is asked to share their response to specific questions about the material they have read. Also, I have not found issue with the large group lecture material, but I have great faith that anyone attending BSF will be able to discern material that is blatantly anti-Catholic and ignore it appropriately.

One other thing, through my BSF studies of the Bible, I am “on-fire” about God! I want to talk with everyone I meet about him. I want to share in any way I can, to share God’s love, to share with them his wisdom, to freely give what He has so generously given to me. It is difficult to express in words the intensity of my desire to share God with others. I will gladly be a fool for God, if it will help bring others to Him. I desperately long for a closer relationship with Him. I have witnessed BSF having similar effects on the other participants.

Well, that’s what I have to share. I hope it is useful to you.
 
lbrandt123,
If you can find a Jeff Cavin’s Great Adventure study series near you, you may find that even more fulfilling. Then you could be studying the bible from a truly Catholic perspective along with cross referencing the Catechism. It has a similar format to BSF, and its an awesome experience.

jeffcavins.com/jc/

jeffcavins.com/jc/?page_id=440

Sincerely,
rocketrob
 
SahmomMN said:
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?

:confused: :confused:
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I got an invitation from another Catholic; it didn’t sit well with me either, I never went. I’d rather go to a Bible study that is Catholic. Non denom is not Catholic.
 
I have been in BSF for several years. I have found them to be faithful in teaching the Bible and the Bible only. They are not going to teach Catholic traditions that are not in Scripture. Every year I have Catholic women in my small group and do not feel like they have been discriminated against in any way. Remember denominations are man-made labels, they are not of God.
 
Elizabeth_Bean said:
I have been in BSF for several years. I have found them to be faithful in teaching the Bible and the Bible only. They are not going to teach Catholic traditions that are not in Scripture. Every year I have Catholic women in my small group and do not feel like they have been discriminated against in any way. Remember denominations are man-made labels, they are not of God.
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Hello Elizabeth, it is good to read your post.

I just wanted to take the time to say hello and thank God that we have faith to share. It is a special gift that we must take seriously. I have friends who have gone through BSF and I can only speak through their experience and those of others who have posted in this thread.

I participate in bible classes and I understand the degree that people can be led in their understanding of scripture. Many times it is not overt but just a matter of how some people have been taught about scripture that causes the many various interpretations.

Many different churches teach a wide variety of interpretations. Has that ever bothered you. It has me. Some believe that Baptism is important, some don’t. Some believe baptism is valid only in their church. Some believe in total predestination. Others think charitable works are nothing. Some believe in a rapture. These various beliefs come from individuals each on their own interpreting scripture as they see it.

The question to ask is what is the authority on which something is said to be a valid interpretation? Is there any authority to place our beliefs that we know will be correct with the true revelation of Christ and the Holy Spirit?

In my study of scripture, I don’t want something that may be 80-90% correct. I would be afraid that the 10% would lead me into error. Christ is the source of truth and that is what I want. One person said that he doesn’t want to stand before Christ and say he was sorry for preaching what was not the full truth. I am with him in his desire.

You are correct in that many denominations are man-made organizations, with the exception of one that is Christ’s Church that Christ builds as per scripture is founded upon Peter and his successors.
 
The number and types of Bible Studies are constantly mushrooming around the world with “newer programs”.

The basic need, I find is
  • Christian men and women yearning for FELLOWSHIP & SUPPORT.
We, as Catholics must realize that
  • we must first know the Scriptures, its doctrines and understanding as taught faithfully through the centuries. (The Teachings are found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church).
  • Them, it would be find to study the Bible with the other Christian Communities (leading); such that we will be able to share our beliefs when it differ from them.
For this FELLOWSHIP & SUPPORT,
  • We need good, prayful Learders.
  • We have numerous resources. (One program that I can suggest is)
  • Go through Jeff Cavin’s Great Adventure in the Bible. (To get the Bible Story) . 8 week program, then 24 Lectures on DVD.
  • Then with specific study of the books, Jeff also have them as well as THE IGNATIUS STUDY BIBLE ( Which includes additional explanation of Scripture as well as Application).
    This is suitable when the Study Group is “Bonded” and TRUSTS one another in "sharing their lives - Jows, pains and sorrows).Otherwise, “gossipsf” will surely break-up and destroy the group.🙂
 
The Navarre Bible series is excellent also. Just wanted to say that and want you to know I don’t own stock in the company. 😉 It is more fun to take a course with friends. The fellowship and discussion is fun and educational. That I agree with.

Jeff Cavins has an excellent series as has been said. I have some of his stuff. Another one is the bible series (plural) on salvationhistory.com. There are studies from introductory to advanced there.

Bible study is the story of the history of our salvation process. The saints are our ancestors and their story is our story. God from the beginning has been giving us hints about Himself and of what He wants from us. Since non-Catholic bible studies don’t necessarily use the revelation that has been guaranteed to be truthful by Christ through His Church, one must always be careful about what one hears.

This is not to say that the truth is distorted on purpose, but one can only pass on what one knows and the protestant traditions have many different ones in all kinds of stripes and flavors.

To their benefit, though, all religions contain truth, some more than others. We just have to be careful to interpret with the mind of Christ’s Church.

mdcpensive1
 
Beachcomber said:
I went through all 5 or 6 years of BSF. They did not talk about the Church in a negative way; at least, the BSF group I went to didn’t. If they slammed anyone, it was the LDS church, and I was surprised at their venom.

So, unless one is really rock solid in one’s Catholic faith, my opinion is, avoid BSF. For me, I took what I could and left the rest. It helped me learn techniques of Bible study and got me acquainted with books of Scripture that I ordinarily wouldn’t have been reading (for ex., the Minor Prophets).

One thing I did notice was that, while the answers to the study questions are supposed to be your own answer, how you saw the question, there were in reality ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ answers. If you gave a ‘wrong’ answer (which I did on occasion), they made you feel embarrassed. That certainly wasn’t a Christ-like thing to do.
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I am kind of confused you state that you went for 5-6 years if it was so bad then why did you stay for so long? You state it helped you learn techniques of Bible study and got me acquainted with books of Scripture that I ordinarily wouldn’t have been reading (for ex., the Minor Prophets). Isn’t that something that everyone could benefit from? I am currently in a BSF class and have openly stated to all “Leaders” and never once had anyone give me any grief or try to “convert” me. Everyone is there for the same reason to learn. Yes there are books that they do not go over, but that is to keep with the non denominational part. It’s not like you can’t go somewhere else later. Point is to read the Bible, often times it is hard to find Catholic classes in your city ect. I can tell you first hand I looked around and was having difficulty finding Catholic study groups that would fit my schedule. Finding a Catholic study Bible is horrid. Internet and stores still have not been able to find one. Is it or is it not reading Gods word is the simple answer. I disagree with some of my study bible notes, they’re reformed and protestant notes. Simply put it may not be Catholic BSF,but it’s still a healthy Bible Study,and no it’s not perfect.
 
Hello everyone:

I am open to sll forms of Bible Studies BUT with a few guidelines.
We cal always learn something for others… However,
  • Know what the Roman Catholic Church REALLY teaches.
  • Be open to “Points of view” and interpretations; but always check back
    • to the Catechism of the Catholic Church
  • Reliable resources include EWTN and Catholic Radio Apologists
  • Remember that a Non-Catholic source usually develops after the later centuries
    and hence, when in doubt research through (incl the internet) for teachings of
    the Early Church Fathers.
  • Remember also the Catholic Church has numerable resources for understanding
    the Sacred Writings.
Catechism of the Catholic Church
A The Books of the Bible CCC 120
B Sacred Scriptures CCC 101-114
C The Unity of the Old & the New Testaments CCC 128-130
D Bible Interpretation-The Senses of Sacred Scripture CCC 115-119

UNDERSTANDING WHAT THE BIBLE MEAN “
What is the Text telling us” – The **Literal sense **(using various disciplines)
The **3 “Spiritual” senses **
(a) Allegorical sense – How does this relate to Jesus Christ (Faith)
(b) Moral sense – How does this text fit my own spiritual growth. (Charity)
(c) Anagogical sense – How does this text relate to the Future (Hope)

Liturgy of the Word in the Mass. Pay attention to the Old Testament reading and the Gospel. Very frequently you will discover that they are connected by what the Church calls the “allegorical sense” of Scripture. That is, you will discover that an image of Christ or His Church is hidden in the Old Testament reading and illuminated in the New

Key Church Documents relating to the study of Sacred Scriptures.
(mentioned by Pope Benedict XVI in his book "Jesus of Nazareth"
A Divino Afflante Spiritu (On Promoting Biblical Studies) 30th September 1940
B Dei Verbum (Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation) 18th November 1965.
C The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church 23rd April 1993.
D The Jewish People and their Sacred Scriptures and the Christian Bible Vatican 2001
(avaliable through the internet)

Some of my favvourite references inlude
Understanding the Scriptures - Dr Scot Hahn
RSV Ignatius study Bible - in collaboration with Dr Scot Hahn
The Navarre Bible series
Jesus of Nazareth - Pope Benedict XVI
Books by Dr Margaret Nutting Ralph
The Adventure Bible Timeline - Jeff Cavins
and not forgetting EWTN - teachings on Multimedia & Catholic Radio.

God Bless
Richare
 
I am a “cradle Catholic”, attended 13 years of Catholic schools, one year with the Jesuits. I studied early Greek philosophy, Aristotilian thought, and Thomas Aquinas. In short, I am blessed with a strong foundation in my Catholic faith. I have attended BSF for 10 years, just finishing the Life of Moses. I have had to drive 3 hours to attend class. With BSF I studied Genesis, John, Acts, Israel and the Minor Prophets and Matthew. What a wonderful, wonderful program! Yes, even tho they claim to be non-denom, I hear undercurrents of the protestant thoughts (such as “by faith alone”, which Luther himself added to the bible and Christ Himself warned against. I have never been asked to take on a leadership role, but I really don’t care. I love being a participant.

BSF has helped me understand Christianity and appreciate Catholicism more than I ever have in the past. I am blessed with a deep love for the Father, Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit than ever before. In all the studies we see how humans have broken God’s covenant, but through questions I am force to examine my own shortcomings. The application of the skillfully plan lessons has made me humble before my Creator.

Yes, as a parent, I would listen carefully to what is being taught. But believe me, kids will learn a lot worse at schools and from their peers. My sons were “raised” Catholic, and I kiddingly refer to one of my sons as “right of the Pope.” I only wish BSF would have been an option for my children growing up.

BSF is bible based. It is a wonderful opportunity for family discussion about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and Catholic beliefs.
 
jas2625 said:
I am a “cradle Catholic”, attended 13 years of Catholic schools, one year with the Jesuits. I studied early Greek philosophy, Aristotilian thought, and Thomas Aquinas. In short, I am blessed with a strong foundation in my Catholic faith. I have attended BSF for 10 years, just finishing the Life of Moses. I have had to drive 3 hours to attend class. With BSF I studied Genesis, John, Acts, Israel and the Minor Prophets and Matthew. What a wonderful, wonderful program! Yes, even tho they claim to be non-denom, I hear undercurrents of the protestant thoughts (such as “by faith alone”, which Luther himself added to the bible and Christ Himself warned against. I have never been asked to take on a leadership role, but I really don’t care. I love being a participant.
BSF has helped me understand Christianity and appreciate Catholicism more than I ever have in the past. I am blessed with a deep love for the Father, Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit than ever before. In all the studies we see how humans have broken God’s covenant, but through questions I am force to examine my own shortcomings. The application of the skillfully plan lessons has made me humble before my Creator.
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You must be one of the lucky ones. There exists much anti-catholicism in BSF, but maybe not so much in the one you are in. Tell us if they let you be a leader being in it so long???

mdcpensive1
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I have attended BSF for 10 years and love it! BSF lead me back to the Catholic Church.

What is really astonishing is this.

On several occasions during BSF discussion I have heard venomous attacks on the Catholic Church, but they always came from former Catholics. These women were in pain, obviously, and looking for God’s love. They didn’t necessarily find it in the Church, but did find it in the fellowship study of BSF.

So what can we, as Catholics, do to provide this fellowship with a bible study? I have attended Catholic women’s groups, but too often the discussions become sidetracked with personal agendas and destroy prayer time.

Clavin’s Great Adventure is wonderful. But BSF is a deeply personal relationship with God. Clavin’s is a bible lecture. BSF is a study with personal application, and it does not go against the Magistrarium in interpreting scripture. It asks you to find God’s Voice personalized for you. Imagine that! The Creator of the universe, His Son and His Spirit speaking directly and personally to you!
 
mdcpensive1 said:
You must be one of the lucky ones. There exists much anti-catholicism in BSF, but maybe not so much in the one you are in. Tell us if they let you be a leader being in it so long???

mdcpensive1
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Leadership is not my issue. If God calls me to lead, I hope I hear His voice.

I have let my discussion leaders know that I am very sensitive to attacks on Catholicism, and that if it is allowed I will speak out and this will put everyone in a very uncomfortable position and destroy our prayer time. Leaders have given clear directions at the very beginning of the year to all participants to avoid the temptation to comment or criticize another church or religion—which I appreciate. Because I will speak out. I would feel cowardly not to.
 
jas2625 said:
I am a “cradle Catholic”, attended 13 years of Catholic schools, one year with the Jesuits. I studied early Greek philosophy, Aristotilian thought, and Thomas Aquinas. In short, I am blessed with a strong foundation in my Catholic faith. I have attended BSF for 10 years, just finishing the Life of Moses. I have had to drive 3 hours to attend class. With BSF I studied Genesis, John, Acts, Israel and the Minor Prophets and Matthew. What a wonderful, wonderful program! Yes, even tho they claim to be non-denom, I hear undercurrents of the protestant thoughts (such as “by faith alone”, which Luther himself added to the bible and Christ Himself warned against. I have never been asked to take on a leadership role, but I really don’t care. I love being a participant.

BSF has helped me understand Christianity and appreciate Catholicism more than I ever have in the past. I am blessed with a deep love for the Father, Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit than ever before. In all the studies we see how humans have broken God’s covenant, but through questions I am force to examine my own shortcomings. The application of the skillfully plan lessons has made me humble before my Creator.

Yes, as a parent, I would listen carefully to what is being taught. But believe me, kids will learn a lot worse at schools and from their peers. My sons were “raised” Catholic, and I kiddingly refer to one of my sons as “right of the Pope.” I only wish BSF would have been an option for my children growing up.

BSF is bible based. It is a wonderful opportunity for family discussion about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and Catholic beliefs.
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FYI not sure about all but the one I go to has classes for children… Also have take home lessons .
 
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