Bible Study - BSF International

[Corki]

I am glad you know of these Bible studies and hope you go. BSF is not junk but if you think it is for you great. I have never had an experience like BSF. My daughter-in- law and I went together and it brought us closer together. God Bless you on youe journey with Christ.

She didn’t calll BSF junk. She said “junk food”. Non-Catholic Bible studies, other than purely academic ones, are filling but not fullfilling. I am sure that many people find them enjoyable and experiential.

BTW, have you read Dei Verbum? It is one of the documents from Vatican II. It is an excellent explanation of how Scripture and the study of Scripture should be integrated into Catholic life. You won’t find that in BSF or any similar study.

 

[zach_dunn]

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 !

If you really wanted Catholics to go to this I would suggest not making a dichotomy between Catholics and Christians, they are one and the same.

 

[Corki]

A short list of good Catholic Bible Studies

The Great Adventure
Women of Grace
The Ignatius Study Bible (each book has a self contained Study)
The Journey Through Scripture from the St Paul Center
Catholic Home Study Service
Little Rock Scripture Study
Catholic Scripture Study Intl
Crossroads Initiative
Agape Bible Study
Catholic Bible Study dot org

Those are just the ones I know off the top of my head.

Why go for junk food when the Church has given a banquet?

In addtion to these, there is the:

Courageous Series (for women)
the Navarre Bible studies
Boys to Men (for men)
Come and See (for families)
Hearts Aflame
Singing in the Reign (psalms)
The Lamb’s Supper; the Bible and the Mass (St. Paul Center)
Threshold Bible Studies (uses Lectio Divina combined with Bible study)
St. Charles Boremeo Bible studies (lectionary based and FREE)
Disciples on the Journey (Lent)

To continue this food analogy: If a Catholic attends a good non-Catholic Bible study, ideally, it should make him/her hungry for the full meal. It can be an appetizer but it skips too many food groups to be complete. No non-Catholic Bible study is going to include Mary, the Sacraments, the Mass, Sacred Tradition, etc. If it does not draw you into more authentic Bible Study, then it is indeed junk food and not a first course. Just like filling up with candy and cookies ruins your appetite for a healthy dinner, relying on non-Catholic bible studies can actually draw you away from Catholic study of Scripture.

 

[mdcpensive1]

Jazzno wrote:

mdcpensive1 says: “BSF can be good for some but not fulfilling. This is like the Old Covenant that only pointed to the realities that were to come that was Jesus Christ in the New Covenant. It was good but not the best.”

Let me ask you this: Have you ever sat at a death vigil for your son after a logging accident? Have you ever witnessed a grandchild dying of cancer and wondered, why Almighty God, so young? Have you ever watched a young family become destitute because the husband chose cocaine over them? How about a father who abandoned his family simply because he had to “find” himself? Have you ever had someone ask you to pray for a son who will do prison time for a drunken driving homicide? Have you ever had a family member be abused by the one we trust the most, our priest?

Jazzno, you are confusing me when you write stuff that has nothing to do with what I said. I don’t see how accidents or other or evil acts has anything to do with what I have written about BSF.

I don’t think anyone here is denying the validity of your faith or your relationship with Jesus, I certainly am not. I am not denying the value of BSF to you and I and others are urging you to use caution in what you are doing so that you and maybe others you may recommend BSF to will not be misled in their faith. They do not teach all that is revealed by the Holy Spirit is all I am saying and maybe SOME BSF groups but not necessarily your group you presently belong to, distort the truth about Christ’s Church.

My main concern about any bible study is whether they teach what is in conformity with the CCC which is a summary of the beliefs of CHRIST’S Church - not a non-denom church.
You have to remember that a non-denom church or study exists only because they do not accept all that Christ has revealed. This is important. I understand that many non-Catholics have a wonderful understanding of scripture *as they see it *and a vibrant faith life. I am not questioning this. I just want to say again that Christ gave us a Church to lead us to Him and BOTH that Church and Christ Himself say the Eucharist is the most important aspect. It brings Christ to us most intimately, it provides Grace and supernatural life that many BSF’ers don’t understand although you do.

I wish you well on your spiritual journey to UNITY with Christ. Christ’s Church is about unity because He desires us to be one as the Father is with Him. We are to have the unity of being in the Body of Christ which is His Church. With so many resources posted here in this thread recently I don’t see how I could ever recommend anyone to go down a road that does not lead to understanding Christ’s revelation as He gave and continually gives to His Church.

mdcpensive1

 

[bernadette1982]

I am a Catholic currently participating in a BSF group. I agree with most of the above postings: if you are not very well grounded in your catholic faith, you will want to avoid BSF. While I enjoy BSF, there are definitely issues for Catholics to be concerned about. For instance, we are currently studying the Gospel of John, and there are obvious “gaps” in the curriclum from a catholic perspective. How can one read the story of the wedding at Cana and not discuss Mary’s important role? How can one read about Jesus Christ as Bread of Life without mentioning the eucharist?

If you are there to connect with other Christians in your community then this is a good group. My BSF group happens to have quite a few Catholics attending. However, NONE are discussion group leaders as far as I know. Our participation has helped by at least injecting some much needed TRUTH from time to time. Again, tread carefully here. If you are looking for a study to grow in your catholic faith, there are many other better choices. But there is value in connecting with other Christians on the basis of what we have in common, in the hope of having opportunities to share a more full understanding.

It is God’s desire for his Church to be one. Connecting with our separated brothers and sisters is a worthwhile endeavor, and can help to dispell anti-Catholic notions and the bigotry that exists. Peace!

 

[mdcpensive1]

I am a Catholic currently participating in a BSF group. I agree with most of the above postings: if you are not very well grounded in your catholic faith, you will want to avoid BSF. While I enjoy BSF, there are definitely issues for Catholics to be concerned about. For instance, we are currently studying the Gospel of John, and there are obvious “gaps” in the curriclum from a catholic perspective. How can one read the story of the wedding at Cana and not discuss Mary’s important role? How can one read about Jesus Christ as Bread of Life without mentioning the eucharist?

If you are there to connect with other Christians in your community then this is a good group. My BSF group happens to have quite a few Catholics attending. However, NONE are discussion group leaders as far as I know. Our participation has helped by at least injecting some much needed TRUTH from time to time. Again, tread carefully here. If you are looking for a study to grow in your catholic faith, there are many other better choices. But there is value in connecting with other Christians on the basis of what we have in common, in the hope of having opportunities to share a more full understanding.

It is God’s desire for his Church to be one. Connecting with our separated brothers and sisters is a worthwhile endeavor, and can help to dispell anti-Catholic notions and the bigotry that exists. Peace!

You bring some interesting points to the discussion and I have thought about them as maybe a way of evangelizing non-Catholics. I had a friend that thought this same thing and he was always shut out when he tried to bring the “truth” into the discussion. I applaud you for what you are doing and hope the best for you in the future.

One small point to bring up now for others who are reading this post is that scripture does not interpret scripture. Otherwise scripture would tell us what is included in scripture which it doesn’t. Also, to properly understand scripture one has to use Tradition which is the understanding of Divine Revelation passed down through the apostles from Christ (which is the source of scripture) and continues through their successors. If scripture interpretation does not use Tradition then many different interpretations can exist like the number of churches of protestant origins. Only Tradition can tell what is heresy and can defend against heresy. Otherwise it is just one’s opinion vs another’s.

I feel that the non-Catholics are doing the best they can and I only wish they would be in union with Christ’s Church in my lifetime. They have so much to offer.

mdcpensive1

 

[coracobb]

You bring some interesting points to the discussion and I have thought about them as maybe a way of evangelizing non-Catholics. I had a friend that thought this same thing and he was always shut out when he tried to bring the “truth” into the discussion. I applaud you for what you are doing and hope the best for you in the future.

One small point to bring up now for others who are reading this post is that scripture does not interpret scripture. Otherwise scripture would tell us what is included in scripture which it doesn’t. Also, to properly understand scripture one has to use Tradition which is the understanding of Divine Revelation passed down through the apostles from Christ (which is the source of scripture) and continues through their successors. If scripture interpretation does not use Tradition then many different interpretations can exist like the number of churches of protestant origins. Only Tradition can tell what is heresy and can defend against heresy. Otherwise it is just one’s opinion vs another’s.

I feel that the non-Catholics are doing the best they can and I only wish they would be in union with Christ’s Church in my lifetime. They have so much to offer.

mdcpensive1

Bernadette1982 and Mdcpensive1,

I really enjoyed both your comments. I agree wholeheartedly that what ever we can do to bring the two groups together is well worth the effort. I posted earlier advising only those who are very grounded in the Catholic faith not to attend those meetings, but agree that Protestants have much to offer. I am attending a study on the covenential history of the Bible by Scott Hann ( and other sources) that has made a tremendous difference for me. As a new convert to Catholisism I come away each time we meet with a much deeper understanding.

I said all the above to say this, that from my perspective as a prior Protestant I am just now beginning to see how much more understanding I can gain from the Catholic faith. One of our lessons particularly touched me and brought tears to my eyes thinking of all that I and other Protestants have missed. All the parts that are skipped over and the skillful way Mary has been pushed into the background. Mdcpensive1, you are absolutely correct in what you say about non-Catholics doing the best they can. I know that there are strong Christians in both groups and I also wish we could all come together in the near future. I also have to say that my journey has been met with negativity from both groups as well as acceptance. It will take a time and hard work to accomplish that union. At any rate some day all of us will be together praising God eternally in the same manner. Isn’t that a comforting thought.

God Bless You Both

Cora

 

[mdcpensive1]

Bernadette1982 and Mdcpensive1,

I really enjoyed both your comments. I agree wholeheartedly that what ever we can do to bring the two groups together is well worth the effort. I posted earlier advising only those who are very grounded in the Catholic faith not to attend those meetings, but agree that Protestants have much to offer. I am attending a study on the covenential history of the Bible by Scott Hann ( and other sources) that has made a tremendous difference for me. As a new convert to Catholisism I come away each time we meet with a much deeper understanding.

I said all the above to say this, that from my perspective as a prior Protestant I am just now beginning to see how much more understanding I can gain from the Catholic faith. One of our lessons particularly touched me and brought tears to my eyes thinking of all that I and other Protestants have missed. All the parts that are skipped over and the skillful way Mary has been pushed into the background. Mdcpensive1, you are absolutely correct in what you say about non-Catholics doing the best they can. I know that there are strong Christians in both groups and I also wish we could all come together in the near future. I also have to say that my journey has been met with negativity from both groups as well as acceptance. It will take a time and hard work to accomplish that union. At any rate some day all of us will be together praising God eternally in the same manner. Isn’t that a comforting thought.

God Bless You Both

Cora

I want to thank you for your kind words to me but the thanks must be to God who gave me a brain as a gift to post comments on this forum. I hope I am using my knowledge for the benefit of all and as God wishes in His will. I too have read much from Scott Hahn because he has much knowledge of the faith and the ability to teach it. He has done a lot of the grunt work in searching for the truth of our revealed faith and that is a reason why he joined the Church we are both in. I will pray that your journey of faith will be most fruitful and benefitial. If I can be of any help please let me know for I am a brother in Christ with you as a family member.

mdcpensive1

 

[coracobb]

I want to thank you for your kind words to me but the thanks must be to God who gave me a brain as a gift to post comments on this forum. I hope I am using my knowledge for the benefit of all and as God wishes in His will. I too have read much from Scott Hahn because he has much knowledge of the faith and the ability to teach it. He has done a lot of the grunt work in searching for the truth of our revealed faith and that is a reason why he joined the Church we are both in. I will pray that your journey of faith will be most fruitful and benefitial. If I can be of any help please let me know for I am a brother in Christ with you as a family member.

mdcpensive1

Thanks to you and God bless and keep you.

Cora

 

[YourBrotherinCh]

The comments posted are incredible. I have been in BSF for a long time and have heard your complaints from Catholic men. The complaints really come from what is in the Bible is in contradiction to Roman Catholocism. If this is offensive, you can question the Bible or you can question your religion. The choice is yours, but please do not call BSF members bigots.God has brought many people to learn about God and to believe in His Son through the studies. What can be so bad about that. As a Christian, your enemy is satan not BSF.
There is a big world out there that needs to know more about our Savior, why can’t you concentrate on that rather than pick on an organization that is bringing God’s Word to the world.
I really feel that Christians should rally togehter to change this world. Do you realize that if all the Christians made a unified effort, we could wipe out poverty, hunger, some diseases
and suppress a lot of the evil in the world by the Holy Spirit who resides within every believer.
I like to consider all Catholics brothers and sisters in Christ, why don’t we try to make that work?

 

[TexCatholic4JMJ]

The comments posted are incredible. I have been in BSF for a long time and have heard your complaints from Catholic men. The complaints really come from what is in the Bible is in contradiction to Roman Catholocism. If this is offensive, you can question the Bible or you can question your religion. ?..

Don’t want to be disrespectful, but we do have a right to point out the flaws in a program
that is based on protestant versions of the bible which have many man-made changes.

 

[mdcpensive1]

The comments posted are incredible.

When you start to water down the teachings of the Church to make all teachings pallatable to all groups you tend to shrink the teachings of Christ and His revelation. That is not right. That is what I think to some extent BSF does. Christ did establish one Church and gave it his protection. Others have started their own with their own beliefs. Some of these are of the truth and others are off the mark, allowing people to miss some of the graces that Christ wants us to have. People of faith have the special gift Christ gave to us as believers. This is wondeful and special. But there is so much more that could be learned and understood if it were taught from the perspective of the fullness of truth.
mdcpensive1

 

[grandmama_moo]

I have been through Isaiah, Acts, Hebrews and 1 and 2 Thessalonians with BSF. There are Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Non-denominational women in my group. The leader tells us up front that we cannot bring any books other than the Bible and that we can use what ever version we want. For uniformity, they use the NIV. They tell you that you cannot talk about your church or your religion. We are there to see what God says to us in the Bible and to share how our God changes our lives by reading his Bible. Saint Paul’s sweetness as he is trying to get the church started is remarkable. I am beginning to almost feel like I know him, and Saint Timothy, and Saint Luke, and especially the Beautiful Sacred Heart of Jesus. This has been a blessing. These women, (and we have a medical doctor and several retired nurses, and young mothers with babies on the floor, and such,) all care for each other and for God, not what particular religion we are. We all care about God and we learn how He has saved us and loved us eternally. I love it. And I love every woman there. There is nothing frightening. The leader always encourages us to listen to and learn from our own priest or pastor.

 

[mdcpensive1]

I have been through Isaiah, Acts, Hebrews and 1 and 2 Thessalonians with BSF. There are Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Non-denominational women in my group. The leader tells us up front that we cannot bring any books other than the Bible and that we can use what ever version we want. For uniformity, they use the NIV. They tell you that you cannot talk about your church or your religion. We are there to see what God says to us in the Bible and to share how our God changes our lives by reading his Bible. Saint Paul’s sweetness as he is trying to get the church started is remarkable. I am beginning to almost feel like I know him, and Saint Timothy, and Saint Luke, and especially the Beautiful Sacred Heart of Jesus. This has been a blessing. These women, (and we have a medical doctor and several retired nurses, and young mothers with babies on the floor, and such,) all care for each other and for God, not what particular religion we are. We all care about God and we learn how He has saved us and loved us eternally. I love it. And I love every woman there. There is nothing frightening. The leader always encourages us to listen to and learn from our own priest or pastor.

I am glad you are getting something from this bible study. I just find it a personal problem that they don’t allow the organization that put the bible together to give it’s context. It is something like do you want to know the whole Christ or just part of Him.

However, just like you, I would enjoy the company and discussion of those who have faith and can tell of their experiences. That is part of faith building.

mdcpensive1