Bible study classes

[mmc80]

Is it necessary to attend Bible study classes? Because I just started reading the Bible and I understand whats being said but I don’t understand why or why things were done way back then. I’ve started reading from page one and am now on Gn 27. I don’t want to get the wrong idea or opinion of the Bible. So far I have been quite baffled by what I have read.

Thanks and God bless,

Jackie

 

[davidv]

If you haven’t already done so, I’d strongly recommend reading articles 101 through 119 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church here usccb.org/catechism/text/pt1sect1chpt2.htm.

A bible study can be very helpful in idendifying the conditions that are described by the catechism. Do a search on these forums - there have been discussions of different bible studies.

 

[NotWorthy]

Download this from Scott Hahn and Jeff Cavins if you’d like to learn more.

Also this from Fr. Mitch Pacwa.

 

[Fidelis]

Is it necessary to attend Bible study classes? Because I just started reading the Bible and I understand whats being said but I don’t understand why or why things were done way back then. I’ve started reading from page one and am now on Gn 27. I don’t want to get the wrong idea or opinion of the Bible. So far I have been quite baffled by what I have read.

Thanks and God bless,

Jackie

When reading the Scriptures for understanding (as opposed to as a devotional exercise, which is also important), it is extremely helpful to have at hand good solid Catholic commentary and study aids. Two of the best are the* Navarre Bible Commentaries* and the Ignatius Study Bible series.

For a taste of what the Navarre is like, go here:

groups.google.com/group/dailyword?msg=subscribe

For information on these and other Scripture resources for Catholics, please visit my humble website, linked below.

 

[mmc80]

Thank for the references. I have attempted to read a few books on the catechism of the catholic church and on understanding scripture. However, I gave up after the first couple of chapters because I did not understand a lot of the words that were used. I am not the most well educated person and have only begun started becoming closer in my faith. There are two Catholic book stores here in the city I live in, but when I overlook books written by well known Catholic authors I feel really dumb . Any books on understanding early scripture for “not so well educated” people like me?

Thanks!

 

[davidv]

Thank for the references. I have attempted to read a few books on the catechism of the catholic church and on understanding scripture. However, I gave up after the first couple of chapters because I did not understand a lot of the words that were used. I am not the most well educated person and have only begun started becoming closer in my faith. There are two Catholic book stores here in the city I live in, but when I overlook books written by well known Catholic authors I feel really dumb . Any books on understanding early scripture for “not so well educated” people like me?

Thanks!

Then I would recommend something in the devotional end of things. Like One Bread One Body available at presentationministries.com/home/home.asp or The Word Among Us availabel here wau.org/ These give you the day by day reading for Mass and include a short reflection on those readings.

 

[mercygate]

Thank for the references. I have attempted to read a few books on the catechism of the catholic church and on understanding scripture. However, I gave up after the first couple of chapters because I did not understand a lot of the words that were used. I am not the most well educated person and have only begun started becoming closer in my faith. There are two Catholic book stores here in the city I live in, but when I overlook books written by well known Catholic authors I feel really dumb . Any books on understanding early scripture for “not so well educated” people like me?

Thanks!

Everybody’s “dumb”. When you don’t understand a word, look it up! Then, pretty soon, you won’t be so “dumb.”

What books have you read?

 

[epostle]

The simplest form of Bible study is found in the scriptural rosary, where all the major events of the New Testament are prayed.

The Rosary grew during the Middle Ages in the soil of a strong liturgical and biblical devotion to Jesus and Mary. More specifically, it grew out of the mode in which Christian folk knew the Bible’s mysteries before the printing press, i.e., through the daily experience of celebrating the liturgy in the monasteries around which they lived.

The relationship of the Rosary to the Bible and the liturgy is completely organic and natural. Indeed, we often fail to realize that Mary’s call to conversation through the praying of the Rosary leads us back to and prepares us for a fruitful participation in the one sacrifice of her Son on the Cross, renewed daily in the Eucharist, and by which all graces were won once and for all time. The sacrifice of Christ made present again in the mystery of the Mass is the source of salvation for all sinners, of all ages. Just as Mary stood by the Cross of Christ in life, so she cares to bind us to it now from heaven with the golden chain of her Rosary.

You can have the whole rosary on your desk top, with scriptures for each “Hail Mary”, and you can add your own prayer requests where thousands will pray for you on the prayer cast network:
virtualrosary.org/

 

[jcrichton]

Thank for the references. I have attempted to read a few books on the catechism of the catholic church and on understanding scripture. However, I gave up after the first couple of chapters because I did not understand a lot of the words that were used. I am not the most well educated person and have only begun started becoming closer in my faith. There are two Catholic book stores here in the city I live in, but when I overlook books written by well known Catholic authors I feel really dumb . Any books on understanding early scripture for “not so well educated” people like me?

Thanks!

***Hi, mmc!

…understand this: God is not a respecter of man; that is, God does not care how wealthy, educated, or aesthetically pleasant a person is. God looks right into our inner being and He discovers our true essence.

Before you continue your study jump ahead to Romans 1:20 (6th book in the New Testament); then jump ahead still to St. James 1:12; then back to St. James 1:5… Now return to your regularly scheduled reading–know that it is Faith by which the Holy Spirit and you are bonded: the more you humbly ask for His help the more He will grant you, in God’s Will.

Note: You cannot apply today’s values to the ancient times. Remember that the Bible is not a historical account nor a scientific text nor a philosophical rendering–though it contains much that deals with the sciences and the arts. When you have questions about a specific reading do not hesitate to ask for help (though try not to read all of the Bible in x time nor indulge in rendering thousands of questions per passage–be slow to formulate question for the sake of question… and, if it takes you a month to read though a Book of the Bible… don’t forget that God is not impress with how far you’ve come or how much you know; He is impressed with your humble obedience and fellowship!

Maran atha!

Angel

---

 

[juliamajor]

Is it necessary to attend Bible study classes? Because I just started reading the Bible and I understand whats being said but I don’t understand why or why things were done way back then. I’ve started reading from page one and am now on Gn 27. I don’t want to get the wrong idea or opinion of the Bible. So far I have been quite baffled by what I have read.

Thanks and God bless,

Jackie

MMC80-im biased-but I suggest you get into a real live bible study. All these other sources are great but a bible study can help you answer more questions. As far as feeling dumb-join the club! I’ve been to doing this a long time and it took me about 4 yrs of study-to get me to the point that I don’t feel stupid. And some of these guys use high falutin language that most people wouldn’t understand without a dictionary. Or the write that way so they can feel really smart!!

 

[HailMary]

Haydock’s Catholic Bible Commentary, 1859 edition.