Bible Study

[JReducation]

These are very good questions. Our Holy Father St. Francis used the following method which he taught to his sons and daughters and have been transmitted for 800 years within our Franciscan family.

Reducation, Thankyou for you post, but sorry i have another question, I totally understand what you are saying, but in reference to we can study with other religions as long as it doesnt go against the church, now here is my question, most Catholics or any religions are going to bible study for one reason to learn the bible better right?

This is true

Now if you knew it totally you probally would not go.

Is there such a person who knows and understands everything that has been revealed throught he scriptures? The Church is still unravelling the onion.

Now lets say you go, and you dont really know what agrees with your faith and disagrees with your faith, Now remember thats why you are there to learn. Now wouldnt you get really confused. I mean how would you know the difference if you have never really studied it before?

Confusion is always possible. It is a good thing to discover questions in your mind that you had never asked yourself. The next step is to ask the right person. That could be your spiritual director, a religious educator, a deacon or priest, a religious, a Catholic theologian if you know of one, read a good Catholic book or check it out in the CCC. A combination of any of these may help.

Now one more thing lets say you do know and someone teaching is wrong or lets not say wrong but lets say totally different than what we are taught? What would you do shut up, call them on it. wouldnt it cause alot of trouble or distraction.

Our Holy Father Francis always taught that true Gospel living was silent and humble. Given this piece of good advice one should wait for the appropriate moment, such as a moment discussion and politely state what he believes. I always present it in the form of a question, such as, “But what would happen if Jesus was born to a mother who was tainted by sin. How would his Divine nature co-exist within the same womb as sin?” This allows the other peson to think. If one is not fast enough to think of a question, then simply state what one believes about a particular passage.

This being said, one must help the other peson understand why one believes this. Usually, many people take a passage out of context. It helps them if one points to the entire chapter or the theme of the book that you’re reading at that time. If the conversation gets heated, St. Francis always said, “preach without words”. Simply say, “I don’t agree, but thank you for sharing.”

With that being said, if the other person insists on pushing what he or she is interpreting, then this is not a Bible study group. This is prostelizing. It’s time to take one’s leave and not return. In true study all responses are placed on the table and discussed, but no one tries to shove anything down another person’s throat.

I pray that all of our dialogue with other Christians and Jews on the scriptures are true dialogues and not battles. The Word of God is One. The study of his Word is efficacious when all act with One desire, to know, to love, to give.

Is this helpful?

Fraternally,

JR

 

[jean8]

That’s a good question. A better question would be: Why would a Catholic go to a Bible study conducted by a heretis who “twists the Bible to his own destruction”.

The only reason I can think for a Catholic to go to a Bible study conducted by heretics of whatever shade or variety, is to convert them. But the Catholic must know his faith and the Bible very well before considering that.

Any Catholic who goes to a Protestant Bible study to “learn the Bible” is extremely foolish and will almost always end by falling into heresy.

pax,
Peace??
Your actually calling other christians heretics?
whoa, that’s not nice. Do not judge lest you be judged with the same measuring rod. See Mt.7:1-5
I’m big on reading the Bible. I have several commontaries and I respect everyone’s point of view, including catholic.
All Christians believe and Love the one Savior, Jesus Christ.
He loves us all equally.
The Greatest Commandment given by Christ, is that we love one another. I’ll let you look this up.
Let me know when you find it.

God bless you,
jean8

 

[allhers]

These are very good questions. Our Holy Father St. Francis used the following method which he taught to his sons and daughters and have been transmitted for 800 years within our Franciscan family.

This is true

Is there such a person who knows and understands everything that has been revealed throught he scriptures? The Church is still unravelling the onion.

Confusion is always possible. It is a good thing to discover questions in your mind that you had never asked yourself. The next step is to ask the right person. That could be your spiritual director, a religious educator, a deacon or priest, a religious, a Catholic theologian if you know of one, read a good Catholic book or check it out in the CCC. A combination of any of these may help.

Our Holy Father Francis always taught that true Gospel living was silent and humble. Given this piece of good advice one should wait for the appropriate moment, such as a moment discussion and politely state what he believes. I always present it in the form of a question, such as, “But what would happen if Jesus was born to a mother who was tainted by sin. How would his Divine nature co-exist within the same womb as sin?” This allows the other peson to think. If one is not fast enough to think of a question, then simply state what one believes about a particular passage.

This being said, one must help the other peson understand why one believes this. Usually, many people take a passage out of context. It helps them if one points to the entire chapter or the theme of the book that you’re reading at that time. If the conversation gets heated, St. Francis always said, “preach without words”. Simply say, “I don’t agree, but thank you for sharing.”

With that being said, if the other person insists on pushing what he or she is interpreting, then this is not a Bible study group. This is prostelizing. It’s time to take one’s leave and not return. In true study all responses are placed on the table and discussed, but no one tries to shove anything down another person’s throat.

I pray that all of our dialogue with other Christians and Jews on the scriptures are true dialogues and not battles. The Word of God is One. The study of his Word is efficacious when all act with One desire, to know, to love, to give.

Is this helpful?

Fraternally,

JR

I agree with what you say, and as a Catholic, I learned years and years ago that a Bible study with people other than other Catholics, lead by a Catholic who is knowable in the teachings of the Church does lead to a lot of confusion and needless questions.

How would you ever be able to explain John Chapter 6 to someone who simply refuses to see the Truth that when Jesus said…“I am the bread of life”, or “this is the bread that comes down from heaven so the one may eat it and not die” or “I am the living bread that came down from heaven” or “Amen, amen I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you”…“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him”… that we as Catholics simply believe that?

I have heard every reason under the sun as to why Jesus didn’t mean what He said when He said those things. No matter how many times I am told that Jesus meant it symbolically, I still don’t believe or accept that. I simply believe HIM.

Really, I will never understand how that is missed and made out to be something other that what He said. So, what do you do in a case like that?

 

[JReducation]

I agree with what you say, and as a Catholic, I learned years and years ago that a Bible study with people other than other Catholics, lead by a Catholic who is knowable in the teachings of the Church does lead to a lot of confusion and needless questions.

How would you ever be able to explain John Chapter 6 to someone who simply refuses to see the Truth that when Jesus said…“This is My Body.”, that we as Catholics simply believe that?

I have heard every reason under the sun as to why Jesus didn’t mean what He said when He said that. No matter how many times I am told that Jesus meant it symbolically, I still don’t believe or accept that. I simply believe HIM.

Really, I will never understand how that is missed and made out to be something other that what He said. So, what do you do in a case like that?

You always follow the Church. The Church teaches religious freedom. You never impose. You explain and you wait.

St. Francis believed that God in his eternal time would bring all souls into communion with Him. That’s why he told his sons and daughters “preach at all times, but only when you have to, use words.”

We were to allow the Holy Spirit to work, not to force his hand. God in his infinite wisdom knows what he’s doing and when to do it. We just have to be the sowers.

If the person wants to know more, we teach. If they want to argue or if they are uncomfortable, because in their conscience this would be a sin, we must be patient and wait with prayer and penance.

JR

 

[allhers]

You always follow the Church. The Church teaches religious freedom. You never impose. You explain and you wait.

St. Francis believed that God in his eternal time would bring all souls into communion with Him. That’s why he told his sons and daughters “preach at all times, but only when you have to, use words.”

We were to allow the Holy Spirit to work, not to force his hand. God in his infinite wisdom knows what he’s doing and when to do it. We just have to be the sowers.

If the person wants to know more, we teach. If they want to argue or if they are uncomfortable, because in their conscience this would be a sin, we must be patient and wait with prayer and penance.

JR

Thank you for answering, I obviously need to do more praying and penance.

 

[anamchara]

Hi Everyone:

I was invited here by a friend and I’ve been reading a few posts on the thread, so if I say something that has already been said, please excuse me and feel free to tell me to shut up.

 

[myredeemerlives]

I still don’t understand why someone who believes in the Catholic faith would want to study with another denomination? Unless they were having doubts about the Church. I would be asking yourself why doesn’t your church provide decent and stimulating fellowship and bible studies?

 

[Cat]

I still don’t understand why someone who believes in the Catholic faith would want to study with another denomination? Unless they were having doubts about the Church. I would be asking yourself why doesn’t your church provide decent and stimulating fellowship and bible studies?

One of the reasons why a lot of women like Bible studies is that it gives them an opportunity to enjoy a fun, sociable time with other Christian women.

It’s nice to get away from the daily grind for a few hours and talk about the Lord and His Word with other women who are all trying to serve Jesus the best they can.

Usually the Protestant-run Bible studies offer free or extremely cheap babysitting and often this babysitting includes a “program” of stories, music, games, snacks, and sometimes even little craft projects, so it’s fun for the children, too.

And most women’s Bible studies include a time of “fellowship” and “treats/coffee” for the women themselves. Lots of fun. Lots of chatting. Women like this a LOT. Women actually NEED more talk then men. (That’s one reason women like talk shows like Oprah and Ellen.)

Also, many women’s Bible studies have a committee that makes sure that women in their group who need a little help get that help. For example, a woman who has a new baby might be given a baby shower by the other women in the Bible study. Or if there is a death in the family, the women’s Bible study members will make sure to bring in meals, offer to clean the house or take care of the other children in the family (for free), and help their sister in Christ in any way possible.

Like I said, it’s a very, VERY enjoyable way for women to spend a few hours a week. When my children were small, I attended our church’s Women’s Bible Study, and loved it. The actual study was never very deep (we usually used a purchased Bible study written especially for women). But the friendship and fellowship was so incredibly sweet.

 

[rinnie]

thanks JREDUCATION and yes you answered me very well. And also the way we are taught as Catholics to never argue about Religion. But I think the big thing of what you are telling me if i am correct yes a Catholic and Protestant can share bible study BUT it depends on the people and the type of people they are, As long as they can get along, and be Christlike. But if i could make a comment would it be wrong to say that if you go to a bible study lead by another than you religion it may be best to have a really good background of your own religion first. The only reason im saying this is because I think maybe this is why alot of Catholics are confused about their religion. I mean they are Catholic and always have been but never quite studied the bible on that level, then dont understand we see alot of the bible different than other faiths. Because as a Catholic yourself im sure that you agree there is such a difference. We have one way of seeing a passage, they could have hundreds.

 

[Our_Refuge]

=jean8;3931704]
I’m big on reading the Bible. I have several commontaries and I respect everyone’s point of view, including catholic.

jean8. It’s great that you read the bible but how do you know that YOUR interpretation is correct? You can respect everyone’s point of view but only ONE point of view can be correct. Do you agree?

All Christians believe and Love the one Savior, Jesus Christ.He loves us all equally.

And if you truly love Christ then you need to continue to seek the truth. Christ wills that ALL belong to HIS Church that he founded. He did not establish One Church only to see it broken into thousands of churches with conflicting beliefs.

2 Pet. 1:20-21 First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by the impulse of man, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

John 10:16 And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd

Mat 16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock** I will build my church,** and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.

 

[anamchara]

One of the reasons why a lot of women like Bible studies is that it gives them an opportunity to enjoy a fun, sociable time with other Christian women.

It’s nice to get away from the daily grind for a few hours and talk about the Lord and His Word with other women who are all trying to serve Jesus the best they can.

Usually the Protestant-run Bible studies offer free or extremely cheap babysitting and often this babysitting includes a “program” of stories, music, games, snacks, and sometimes even little craft projects, so it’s fun for the children, too.

And most women’s Bible studies include a time of “fellowship” and “treats/coffee” for the women themselves. Lots of fun. Lots of chatting. Women like this a LOT. Women actually NEED more talk then men. (That’s one reason women like talk shows like Oprah and Ellen.)

Also, many women’s Bible studies have a committee that makes sure that women in their group who need a little help get that help. For example, a woman who has a new baby might be given a baby shower by the other women in the Bible study. Or if there is a death in the family, the women’s Bible study members will make sure to bring in meals, offer to clean the house or take care of the other children in the family (for free), and help their sister in Christ in any way possible.

Like I said, it’s a very, VERY enjoyable way for women to spend a few hours a week. When my children were small, I attended our church’s Women’s Bible Study, and loved it. The actual study was never very deep (we usually used a purchased Bible study written especially for women). But the friendship and fellowship was so incredibly sweet.

Thanks Cat you explained it perfect and much better then I was trying to. I lead the bible study at our Protestant Church and the reason for it’s popularity and what brought the Catholic women over was the reasons you described. We had childcare etc…we all knew each other through our kids school and other places as well so it was a nice community gathering.

It is perfect when your kids are really little. A wonderful break in the week. We cried, laughed etc…I’ll never forgot those times.

 

[anamchara]

thanks JREDUCATION and yes you answered me very well. And also the way we are taught as Catholics to never argue about Religion. But I think the big thing of what you are telling me if i am correct yes a Catholic and Protestant can share bible study BUT it depends on the people and the type of people they are, As long as they can get along, and be Christlike. But if i could make a comment would it be wrong to say that if you go to a bible study lead by another than you religion it may be best to have a really good background of your own religion first. The only reason im saying this is because I think maybe this is why alot of Catholics are confused about their religion. I mean they are Catholic and always have been but never quite studied the bible on that level, then dont understand we see alot of the bible different than other faiths. Because as a Catholic yourself im sure that you agree there is such a difference. We have one way of seeing a passage, they could have hundreds.

I’ll chime in rinnie if you don’t mind. But I’m sure JR will have a good answer as always. Many of the mainline Protestant Churches interpret the passages the same as Catholics, in general. (I’m not talking about real presence or any of the biggies, again you have to go in with that being a given) I think I brought this up in another post. I am taking a bible study right now by a priest from the Legionnaires of Christ. He is very orthodox and it is a pretty heady study. It’s on the fundamentals of the bible. We will be going through the entire bible. So far, we have dived deep in the old testament and I can tell you that nothing he says is different from what I was taught as a Untied Methodist or has a PCUSA. The approach using intellectual reasoning is the same and the conclusions are the same.

I would not as a Catholic want to have a bible study with any of the Protestant denominations that ascribe to literal interpretation. That would indeed create problems and generally speaking they have issues with Catholics anyway.

I am also in a womens bible study at my parish and we are studying The passion and resurrection narratives of Jesus. We are looking at the gospels and the different styles of each. There is no difference in this study then there was when I was a Protestant. No different interpretations or ways of looking at a passage other than maybe emphasis on certain passages that help to explain the Catholic view.

When I was a Protestant I went to a great deal of bible studies that our pastor lead and a few times Catholics would come and once a Catholic spoke up and began to ask questions about the books in the bible and why we have a lesser amount. He explained why perfectly in a very objective and helpful manner. He was very honest and gave great historical background. She came back the next week, said she talk to her priest about what he had said and the priest told her he was dead on

It seriously depends on which Protestant Church you visit for a bible study. That is the key.

Does your parish not have bible study?

 

[AMDGtoo]

Just curious, did you find your Catholic study of Romans similar from what you remember being taught in your Protestant church? (I already know that John 6 is different. The Protestants can’t help but teach that it doesn’t mean what it says.) How about Revelations? Did your Protestant church teach you to see the Catholic Mass there, or Mary, or that “cloud of witnesses”?

 

[rinnie]

Amamchara thanks for your response. No our parish doesnt have bible study at this time but I am hoping we will have it soon,. I went to another parish at lent, it was my first one, i enjoyed it alot. Its like a mystery to me the hidden things you can look for and the hints. I found it fun. Getting back to this thread i am finding alot of things out. I am still confused though on my original question there are so many conflicting responses. But they all have a valid point. If nothing else maybe this shows how we do need more of it in the RCC. And how great it can be. But thanks for all who have answered you all gave me alot to think about.