Bible Study

[Claudius]

My mother is visiting…I guess I should throw her out, huh?

I would not think to tell you what you should do within yourown family but I grew up in Foster care because I converted to Catholicism against my family’s wishes. You being a Catholic, I figure that you might be lead to a better dicision but the protestant answer for a child who becomes a Catholic was “throw him out with the Garbage.”

 

[Claudius]

Claudius:

I agree with your post with the exception of the above excerpt. I have know several Protestants that have read the Bible cover to cover (with the exception of the Deuterocanonicals of course) several times. Do they understand it in its fullness? Of course not, do they read it and love it, yes. Do they distort its meaning and cause it to say things it doesn’t say, OH Yeah!! But they can’t help themselves, it’s their nature.

I understand where you are coming from but as I do consider the Deuterocanonicals as part of the Bible and since I have never met a protestant who has ever read them or even know what they contain and some don’t even know they exist, I feel very accurate in saying that I have never met a protestant who has read the ENTIRE Bible. Sure, they read the hacked down version, but most prostants that I have met have never even read that all the way through. Shame really.

 

[Deacon_Ed_B]

I understand where you are coming from but as I do consider the deuterocanonicals as part of the Bible and since I have never met a protestant who has ever read them or even know what they contain and some don’t even know they exist, I feel very accurate in saying that I have never met a protestant who has read the ENTIRE Bible. Sure, they read the hacked down version, but most prostants that I have met have never even read that all the way through. Shame really.

Unfortunately we can say this about protestant and Catholic. As I stated in my first post on this thread. where there are formal protestant bible studies, they operate with the premise that there can be no wrong answer. Reflection on this will show why there are over 10,000 protestant denominations at present.
Prayers & blessings
Deacon Ed B

 

[rinnie]

all of the responses are pretty much what I am thinking. I have been invited to many Bible Studys and was going to attend. Then it got me thinking wait a minute maybe this isnt such a good idea. I hope that in the future more of our Church can realize how many people want these and we can get more of them going. Its still hard in the RCC but not impossible to find. I have gone online to a Catholic website and done a few. I have only been to one through the RCC so far, but am anxious to go the next. I have heard they may have another in the fall. Its hard to find them. But I agree we must attend one thats in our faith, or it would be too confusing. But here is something i do wonder, How can a protestant have a bible study and come to terms to agree. Like with us and our faith, I think this, you think that, But then the Church tells us who is right. And we both could have been wrong, but then when the faith tells us then we know the correct answer and agree. Thats what I still could never understand about the protestant faith, please dont get me wrong, they have alot of truth also, but when push comes to shove who is the authority. Ours is of course the Pope.

 

[myredeemerlives]

I feel very accurate in saying that I have never met a protestant who has read the ENTIRE Bible. Sure, they read the hacked down version, but most prostants that I have met have never even read that all the way through. Shame really.

I think that is so wrong of you to say. I know many, many Christians… and jw’s, mormons etc who have read their bibles the whole way through and are very dedicated to study.

I could say that majority of Catholics I know haven’t picked up a bible. I can’t even get my mother to read hers! And I know most of my family who are Catholic have never picked up a bible.

Don’t discriminate.

 

[SD_Catholic]

I feel very accurate in saying that I have never met a protestant who has read the ENTIRE Bible. Sure, they read the hacked down version, but most prostants that I have met have never even read that all the way through. Shame really.

I think that is so wrong of you to say. I know many, many Christians… and jw’s, mormons etc who have read their bibles the whole way through and are very dedicated to study.

I could say that majority of Catholics I know haven’t picked up a bible. I can’t even get my mother to read hers! And I know most of my family who are Catholic have never picked up a bible.

Don’t discriminate.

If I remember right you left the Catholic Church??? maybe it wasn’t you… If it was is there any chance that it was a Bible study or Protestant friend that steered you away? Please be honest… it could be helpful

SD

 

[rinnie]

I remember as a kid a friend of mine wanted me to go with her and my Dad said no, I asked him why. He said do you go to a Catholic School I said yes, he said do you have Religion class i said yes. He said there is your bible study. I said why do the protestants say we dont read the bible, they said our Pope doesnt want us to. He said no they are wrong, Is there a bible in this house, yes! Read it. study it. The Pope wants you to read and study the bible, he encourages it. He doesnt want you to interpret it. He said the only people who can interpret the bible must have the gift of the Holy Spirit to understand it. Now if you are going to a Catholic bible study they are taught it, they understand it, then they can teach it. But its not on their own authority, it comes from the gift of the Holy Spirit. But once you study it, then you understand it and are taught it, then you can read it on your own, thats when you will receive wisdom and grace from God and will get inspired, but not untill you understand what God is telling you. I never understood what he was talking about until just now. That was 35 years ago, and you know what the girl was Catholic, went to a Catholic school, and now that i think about it i think she did eventually go to another church.

 

[myredeemerlives]

Yep it was me. It was a combination of things really… realising that Christ really did it all on the cross made me doubt the need for priests and sacraments at all… it was conflicting for me. So I went to a Christian church that followed the bible alone out of pure curiousity more than anything… the signs and wonders, and a direct word from God converted me. God was there, among the people.

Also, as I repented of my sin (worshipping the Eucharist… I’m so sorry if this offends anyone) God actually came into my life… for the first time I actually know Him personally. I never knew that God spoke to people, healed them spiritually and changed circumstances to discipline and teach. It’s awesome. All you need is Jesus, I promise you that. God loves us so much, and He wants to be our father… but not in a “holy our father” kind of way but a real personal kind of way. Like waking you up in the middle of the night just so he can tell you that He just wanted to see your face and look at you. He does that. I ask Him what sins he hated the most from me and He tells me He can’t remember them, because I am forgiven. Same as any father loves to watch over His child and He wants that relationship with all of us, and it’s truly possible if you will just believe.

I can just really feel God’s heart for all of you… He just wants you to believe and trust Him with everything you have. Think of the parable of the prodigal son, who came back to His father in repentance and sorrow… the father didn’t judge Him, he just opened His arms and welcomed Him with rejoicing. I want that for all of you.

 

[Claudius]

I feel very accurate in saying that I have never met a protestant who has read the ENTIRE Bible. Sure, they read the hacked down version, but most prostants that I have met have never even read that all the way through. Shame really.

I think that is so wrong of you to say. I know many, many Christians… and jw’s, mormons etc who have read their bibles the whole way through and are very dedicated to study.

I could say that majority of Catholics I know haven’t picked up a bible. I can’t even get my mother to read hers! And I know most of my family who are Catholic have never picked up a bible.

Don’t discriminate.

You have met people who claim to have read the Bible, but have they really? Go ask this question to a protestant “what was the name of the Jewess who cut off the head of the Assyrian king?” They don’t know the answer. Ask them what kind of fish Raphael likes to eat. They don’t know the answer. Ask them how many toes a Nesephalim has, again they have no idea. They will have to check with there pastor and never get back to you.

Holding people at their word is not discrimination. Protestants lie and I catch them. To date have never met a protestant who has read the entire bible. The protestants who come here to the forum get offended in that I say that they don’t read the Bible and counter with a claim at Catholics but it is a non sequitur. I am Catholic. I read the ENTIRE Bible every year.

I can read the Entire Bible because I have a healthy understanding of what the Bible is. The Bible is not God. The Bible is not Lord Jesus. The Bible is not to be worshipped. The Bible is not the end all and be all of our faith. The Bible is a Divinely inspire Man Made Book. MASS is far more important than the Bible or any Man Made Object will ever be. Because at Mass we offer worship to God in the form that God has commanded to us. Protestants want to hide behind the Bible as an excuse not to offer worship to God.

Why are the protestants getting offended when I say they don’t read the Bible? Because to them, the Bible has replaced God. They treat the Bible as an idol to be worshipped and adored and to fall in submission to. This is a very troublesome and unhealthy attitude to have about the Bible.

Protestants search the Bible in the hope of reading something written about God. Catholics go to Mass and meet God in the Flesh and he abides in us and we in Him. Huge difference I would say. Protestants need to get their priorities together.

 

[Claudius]

Yep it was me. It was a combination of things really… realising that Christ really did it all on the cross made me doubt the need for priests and sacraments at all… it was conflicting for me. So I went to a Christian church that followed the bible alone out of pure curiousity more than anything… the signs and wonders, and a direct word from God converted me. God was there, among the people.

Also, as I repented of my sin (worshipping the Eucharist… I’m so sorry if this offends anyone) God actually came into my life… for the first time I actually know Him personally. I never knew that God spoke to people, healed them spiritually and changed circumstances to discipline and teach. It’s awesome. All you need is Jesus, I promise you that. God loves us so much, and He wants to be our father… but not in a “holy our father” kind of way but a real personal kind of way. Like waking you up in the middle of the night just so he can tell you that He just wanted to see your face and look at you. He does that. I ask Him what sins he hated the most from me and He tells me He can’t remember them, because I am forgiven. Same as any father loves to watch over His child and He wants that relationship with all of us, and it’s truly possible if you will just believe.

I can just really feel God’s heart for all of you… He just wants you to believe and trust Him with everything you have. Think of the parable of the prodigal son, who came back to His father in repentance and sorrow… the father didn’t judge Him, he just opened His arms and welcomed Him with rejoicing. I want that for all of you.

So I take it that you aren’t a Christian anymore. Why would you turn your back on Lord Jesus who loves you and wants to forgive you is beyond me. I feel sorry for you. I will pray the information you find here at Catholic Answers will guide you to repenting of your sin of rejecting Christ in the Eucharist and coming Home.

 

[Our_Refuge]

=myredeemerlives;3924265]I feel very accurate in saying that I have never met a protestant who has read the ENTIRE Bible. Sure, they read the hacked down version, but most prostants that I have met have never even read that all the way through. Shame really.

I think that is so wrong of you to say. I know many, many Christians…** and jw’s, mormons etc who have read their bibles the whole way through and are very dedicated to study**.

Do you acknowledge that the JW"S and the Mormons misinterprete the Bible?
You left the Catholic Church. I would like to ask you, since you claim to read the bible. What is the pillar and foundation of truth? Is it the Bible or the Catholic Church?

 

[Our_Refuge]

=myredeemerlives;3924384]Yep it was me. It was a combination of things really… realising that Christ really did it all on the cross made me doubt the need for priests and sacraments at all… it was conflicting for me. So I went to a Christian church that followed the bible alone out of pure curiousity more than anything…
Also, as I repented of my sin (worshipping the Eucharist… I’m so sorry if this offends anyone) God actually came into my life… for the first time I actually know Him personally.

Now that you claim that you have the authority to interprete the Bible, how do you interprete John 6 where Jesus says that the Eucharist is HIS BODY, it is real flesh, real blood? Catholics adore the Eucharist because the Eucharist IS HIS flesh and blood.

 

[KingAlfred]

Here is my question. Now how can a Catholic go to a protestant Bible Study? Now what is the difference from going to a protestant bible study and doing sola-script. I mean dont get me wrong i think bible study is wonderful, but when i went to my first one there was there woman saying she went to protestant because they were the only that had it. I understand that and yes we should have more, and I believe our faith has answered that plea. But back to the point how can a protestant teach a Catholic the bible when we are to be taught by our Church?

I recommend that you not attend this type of Bible-study. Doing so promotes disparity of cult, that is, contradiction of beliefs. Protestants believe in ‘sola scriptura’ – the total supremacy and ultimate authority of the Bible alone in all religious matters. This teaching diametrically opposes that of the Catholic Church concerning authority and the very role of the Bible in one’s religious devotion.

Now…I don’t mean to preach, and I’m no saint. For example, my primary Bible is a Protestant-type Bible. I chose it in order to better counter the attacks of anti-Catholics with whom I used to scrap extensively in the defense of Catholicism online. I reasoned that if I used their Bible to defend to the Church, my arguments would be more compelling. If I used a Catholic Bible, my opponents could use that against me in our on-going dialectical combat.

Anyway…theological alignment is important. We should stay anchored in the Church, forever working to build it up and hand it on to successive generations. Just my two cents.

 

[rotlex]

What a bunch of rubbish. It’s all based in fear and ignorance. How offensive to even suggest to stay clear of Protestant bible studies. When I was a Protestant we did plenty of bible studies with the Catholic women across the street. We had great ecumenical discussions about our differences. We formed bonds that lasted years. They would often come over and bring their kids to our VBS. Horrors of horrors all the kids learned about the parables together

Good Lord, we didn’t sit and wring our hands over scripture alone.

I honestly think their are parts of this great country of ours that I swear to the God Almighty I am afraid to visit.

Very well said! My wife and I, I spoke of it in another post, recently had our daughter attend a “fellowship” VBS with a close friends daughter. (It went great, but this is not about that).

Anyway, while there, my wife, as I was working a few nights, sat in on a few adult classes for marriage, as well as bible study. She could not believe the number of people there, the conversation that insued, and the general good feelings had by all. Did they ask her to convert? No, of course not! She made them well aware that she was Catholic, and this interested them. They shared ideas, thoughts and views all in a very civil manner. She also found out there were a number of other Catholics in the group. Why? No interest at their own local parish.

I’m not siding with any thought on this other than I think it’s a GOOD thing to learn about our Lord and faith in any way possible, with anyone willing to talk and listen.

 

[Marsha_Adams]

What a bunch of rubbish. It’s all based in fear and ignorance. How offensive to even suggest to stay clear of Protestant bible studies. When I was a Protestant we did plenty of bible studies with the Catholic women across the street. We had great ecumenical discussions about our differences. We formed bonds that lasted years. They would often come over and bring their kids to our VBS. Horrors of horrors all the kids learned about the parables together

Good Lord, we didn’t sit and wring our hands over scripture alone.

I honestly think their are parts of this great country of ours that I swear to the God Almighty I am afraid to visit.

When I was a Protestant, the whole purpose of having a Bible Studies with Catholics was to convert them to the “Truth”. Catholics should avoid Protestant Bible Studies on principle because most of the Study environments aren’t as open minded as yours seem to have been.

 

[anamchara]

When I was a Protestant, the whole purpose of having a Bible Studies with Catholics was to convert them to the “Truth”. Catholics should avoid Protestant Bible Studies on principle because most of the Study environments aren’t as open minded as yours seem to have been.

I can’t wrap my mind around that sort of thinking. I believe you though. It sounds more like Catholics should avoid narrow-minded ignorant Protestant evangelicals.

The Protestant communities are very diverse so I wouldn’t be so quick to right off having a bible study with them. We had a great time in ours. We all decided one day that we would visit each others Churches one weekend. Afterwards, we all went out to eat together and had a wonderful time discussing the differences.

Actually, their openness and warmth is the one of things that began to stir the conversion process for me.

 

[djrakowski]

What a bunch of rubbish. It’s all based in fear and ignorance. How offensive to even suggest to stay clear of Protestant bible studies. When I was a Protestant we did plenty of bible studies with the Catholic women across the street. We had great ecumenical discussions about our differences. We formed bonds that lasted years. They would often come over and bring their kids to our VBS. Horrors of horrors all the kids learned about the parables together

Good Lord, we didn’t sit and wring our hands over scripture alone.

I honestly think their are parts of this great country of ours that I swear to the God Almighty I am afraid to visit.

It’s true that there are ecumenical Bible studies that do a fairly good job of appreciating the Christian heritage (and it seems that you were involved in such a study).

However, prior to my conversion, I attended ‘ecumenical’ Bible studies where members were encouraged to bring their Catholic friends and relatives, with the stated intent of getting them ‘saved.’ Kids in our Sunday school and VBS programs were definitely encouraged to bring Catholic kids along to our events so they could finally hear the gospel. Clearly, we targeted non-Catholics because, in our mind, they weren’t Christian and had never heard the gospel.

Thus, my kids will never participate in the activities of Protestant churches in our area, nor will my wife and I go to their Bible studies. The faith formation opportunities for adults and children in our parish are more than sufficient, and we won’t hear about the awfulness of our Church in the process.

 

[AMDGtoo]

You all are talking about how it’s only fear that keeps Catholics from Protestant Bible Studies. Ummm, no. It’s reality. In our parish we have had both the Paulist study and the Little Rock study. The Little Rock study ended up being favored–it provided the separate books for the study and a movie about what was studied all for about $10 a person. Well, after completing one of the studies (there are several), those taking the Bible Study decided to “save money” by just using the instructions for teaching Romans from a Protestant friend for teaching our class. Well, that class did more than “save money”–it actually taught interpretations that went against Catholic teaching. :bigyikes: It was not about “fellowship”. Those taking that class were subtlely being indoctrinated into heresy! (What’s really scary, is that most of the people didn’t even realize it–they though it was just “the Bible says” and “the Catholic Church must have gotten wrong”.)

 

[ethelzguy]

However, prior to my conversion, I attended ‘ecumenical’ Bible studies where members were encouraged to bring their Catholic friends and relatives, with the stated intent of getting them ‘saved.’ Kids in our Sunday school and VBS programs were definitely encouraged to bring Catholic kids along to our events so they could finally hear the gospel. Clearly, we targeted non-Catholics because, in our mind, they weren’t Christian and had never heard the gospel.

You are dead-on with that!

How many times have you been asked if you “are saved” by a protestant?

 

[djrakowski]

You are dead-on with that!

How many times have you been asked if you “are saved” by a protestant?

My friend, if I had a dime for every time I’ve been asked that question… I’d have a lot of dimes (and sadly, I’d have to give 'em all back for the number of times I tried to get Catholics ‘saved’ - may God have mercy on my soul )

My former Protestant pastor no longer speaks to me. I tried to open a dialog just to let him know that I still appreciate what he’s taught me, and he responded, “go talk to your priest. Unless you’re interested in coming back to my church, I have nothing further to say to you.”

One of my friends also left that church and became Catholic. She showed up at the church office to present our former pastor with a gift, and he turned his back and walked away from her without a word.