Catholics studying the Bible

[Cruikshank_s]

Hey all! I’ve a question for you:

Here in Southern California, bible study isn’t all that common among us Catholics. And when one does get the bible itch, it’s often followed by a swift and kind invitation to join one’s christian brothers and sisters at Calvary Chapel… gasp! A couple of my friends have gone, they like it, but I’ve heard a bit too much blatant anti-catholic sentiments within their preaching for me to be the least bit interested.

Is there a good, faithful organization for Catholics to attend for group bible study???

 

[canne]

Hi are you sure there is not a Bible study group at your parish? I would inquire. I know we have a small group that meets and there are others in nearby parishes. I would ask around, if your parish does not have one then call those nearby. I can’t imagine that there is not one Catholic bible study group near you. If that is the case-then maybe you could be that catalist. Good luck.

 

[Cruikshank_s]

Hi are you sure there is not a Bible study group at your parish? I would inquire. I know we have a small group that meets and there are others in nearby parishes. I would ask around, if your parish does not have one then call those nearby. I can’t imagine that there is not one Catholic bible study group near you. If that is the case-then maybe you could be that catalist. Good luck.

There are, but by and large they’re filled with elderly women. Not to insult any older ladies out there, but a guy in his twenties would really appreciate some more youthful company. And ya, there is a “youth” bible study at our parish, but its campy koombyah high-school bible study, I want the real stuff! What I’m reeally looking for is the name of some ORGANIZATION lay sponsored or whatever, that focusses on real, exciting, fulfilling bible study. I’m fine venturing into the adult type groups, but It’d be nice to see some youth present!

 

[Cruikshank_s]

along the same line, does anyone know why exactly we aren’t known for biblical gusto? We used to not be allowed to read scripture yea? If we weren’t, when and by whom was it made acceptable/encouraged?? Maybe the older spirit just took a long time to wear off? Or is the basis for my reasoning way off?

 

[Rex_Tremendae]

along the same line, does anyone know why exactly we aren’t known for biblical gusto? We used to not be allowed to read scripture yea? If we weren’t, when and by whom was it made acceptable/encouraged?? Maybe the older spirit just took a long time to wear off? Or is the basis for my reasoning way off?

We are Catholic- we don’t know the Bible. (I am “teasing” in case you did not know)

But avoid non-Catholic bible study groups like the plague!!

 

[Teflon93]

Why not start one of your own in your parish?

The Ignatius Catholic Study Bibles are quite good, reasonably priced, and can be tackled a book at a time.

 

[Golf_Nut]

I think the great failure of Catholicism is the lack of bible based teaching or study groups. I was raised Catholic in eastern Canada and there were very few if any such study groups. The priests were not interested in providing any education in this regard and the cathecism I attended was led by a lay person with no formal training in the bible. Contrast this state of affairs with what Baptists and Jews do and I think, they may be misguided in their teaching, but they get full credit for actual study and knowledge of the bible text. Most synagogues (orthodox) I believe have weekly study classes led by their respective rabbis. I have inquired several times with priests at two different parishes and they do not lead such educational initiatives and were unaware of the status of any study groups. Maybe my parish is an anomaly but my wife, raised Catholic also, has a very poor understanding of the faith. With respect to myself, i have taught myself (and probably am missing a lot) by way of books.

 

[Teflon93]

Contrast this state of affairs with what Baptists and Jews do and I think, they may be misguided in their teaching, but they get full credit for actual study and knowledge of the bible text.

Not from me they don’t. Jews of course do not include the New Testament in Scripture while Baptists and other Fundamentalists have a very narrow knowledge of Scripture, seen most clearly here whenever John 6 is discussed. They read the Bible exclusively in light of their received tradition and with “assistance” from the Scofield Study Bible and the like.

My wife was known as Betty Bible before her conversion and sheepishly admitted that while she thought she had memorized huge chunks of Scripture and understood it it wasn’t until she started reading the Bible in a year that she realized how narrow her pre-conversion reading was. It emphasized what her Church of God pastor wanted emphasized and ignored the rest.

 

[Golf_Nut]

Not from me they don’t. Jews of course do not include the New Testament in Scripture while Baptists and other Fundamentalists have a very narrow knowledge of Scripture, seen most clearly here whenever John 6 is discussed. They read the Bible exclusively in light of their received tradition and with “assistance” from the Scofield Study Bible and the like.

My wife was known as Betty Bible before her conversion and sheepishly admitted that while she thought she had memorized huge chunks of Scripture and understood it it wasn’t until she started reading the Bible in a year that she realized how narrow her pre-conversion reading was. It emphasized what her Church of God pastor wanted emphasized and ignored the rest.

But, Teflon, although their purported knowledge may be lacking, at least they read and study the text, no matter how misguided. Catholics do not seem to have such a tradition, and therefore frequently dont understand the underpinning theology. I am speaking of myself in particular.

 

[Teflon93]

But, Teflon, although their purported knowledge may be lacking, at least they read and study the text, no matter how misguided. Catholics do not seem to have such a tradition, and therefore frequently dont understand the underpinning theology. I am speaking of myself in particular.

I simply don’t agree.

Merely attending Mass is to be exposed to Scripture in a concentrated fashion. Part of the reason why Protestants have Bible studies is that Scripture reading gets short shrift in their services. The sermon is usually a wide-ranging discourse on widely-separated fragments of Scripture, when it references Scripture at all.

The Mass, with its OT reading, Psalm, Epistle, and Gospel reading, contains far more Scripture than any service I attended in Episcopalian, Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, or nondenominational service. When my wife and I would ask why there wasn’t more reading from Scripture in these, we were invariably directed toward a Bible study.

I think much of Catholic alleged Scriptural illiteracy could be remedied simply by going to Mass and paying attention to the Liturgy of the Word—which of course we’re obligated to do.

Of course the Jews do read deeply in Scripture in synagogue, but lack the New Testament.

 

[HappyRevert]

We have started a great one in our Parish. It is a bit pricey ($45 for the materials I seem to remember) and it is more formal than the Ignatius (which are wonderful too). It is called Catholic Scripture Study International.

cssprogram.net/

I’ve done Bible Studies for quite a while now, and I think this is a really good series.

 

[Golf_Nut]

I simply don’t agree.

Merely attending Mass is to be exposed to Scripture in a concentrated fashion. Part of the reason why Protestants have Bible studies is that Scripture reading gets short shrift in their services. The sermon is usually a wide-ranging discourse on widely-separated fragments of Scripture, when it references Scripture at all.

The Mass, with its OT reading, Psalm, Epistle, and Gospel reading, contains far more Scripture than any service I attended in Episcopalian, Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, or nondenominational service. When my wife and I would ask why there wasn’t more reading from Scripture in these, we were invariably directed toward a Bible study.

I think much of Catholic alleged Scriptural illiteracy could be remedied simply by going to Mass and paying attention to the Liturgy of the Word—which of course we’re obligated to do.

Respectfully, I do not agree with you. I know a lot of adults who cannot glean much theology from attending mass regularly. It is very symbolic and ritualized in parts. For example, the eating the body of Christ in terms of wafer and wine? Why? It is symbolic I presume. By eating his body and blood, we receive his spirit? I guess. I am not trying to be offensive here.

Until I did my own reading I did not understand the context of the readings in the Mass. for example, Jesus is asked by the scribes, which of the Law is the most important? What law? Catholics dont adhere to a law. Jews of that time and today do. THe law of the torah written in the OT. Jesus responds beautifully but formal study would explain details like that.

In parts of Mass, we refer to Jesus as the Lamb of God. Why? Turn to the old Testament and you will learn that the most valuable burnt offering was lamb. Is this significant or mere coincidence? I dunno.

There is a lot the average parishoner has no understanding of.

Anyway, I am rambling. But I think you get the drift.

 

[Golf_Nut]

We have started a great one in our Parish. It is a bit pricey ($45 for the materials I seem to remember) and it is more formal than the Ignatius (which are wonderful too). It is called Catholic Scripture Study International.

cssprogram.net/

I’ve done Bible Studies for quite a while now, and I think this is a really good series.

Looks like a great program.

 

[1ke]

Hey all! I’ve a question for you:

Here in Southern California, bible study isn’t all that common among us Catholics. And when one does get the bible itch, it’s often followed by a swift and kind invitation to join one’s christian brothers and sisters at Calvary Chapel… gasp! A couple of my friends have gone, they like it, but I’ve heard a bit too much blatant anti-catholic sentiments within their preaching for me to be the least bit interested.

Is there a good, faithful organization for Catholics to attend for group bible study???

There are oodles of materials for Catholic bible study. Many are small group studies that can be self-led… they have questions, study materials, and an answer guide. Some have a video too.

salvationhistory.com/

catholiccompany.com/catholic-books/1001916/Ignatius-Catholic-Study-Bible-Complete-Set/

catholiccompany.com/catholic-gifts/4003030/Our-Fathers-Plan/?category=508

greatadventureonline.com/

littlerockscripture.org/en/Default.aspx

and many more including free studies on the web. Go to a Catholic bookstore and you will find dozens of studies you can purchase.

My friends and I had the same problem with the parish bible study being quite a bit older than us… plus it was on Tuesday mornings! We were all at work. So we started our own bible study using Little Rock, and it was very successful.

 

[Teflon93]

Respectfully, I do not agree with you. I know a lot of adults who cannot glean much theology from attending mass regularly. It is very symbolic and ritualized in parts. For example, the eating the body of Christ in terms of wafer and wine? Why? It is symbolic I presume. By eating his body and blood, we receive his spirit? I guess. I am not trying to be offensive here.

There isn’t much theology to be gained purely by reading Scripture, I’m afraid, as theology is only one of the many genres of the Bible and perhaps not even the primary one (I’d argue salvation history is the big dog there).

The Catechism is a better compendium of theology. I’d love to see some Catechism study groups.

Until I did my own reading I did not understand the context of the readings in the Mass. for example, Jesus is asked by the scribes, which of the Law is the most important? What law? Catholics dont adhere to a law. Jews of that time and today do. THe law of the torah written in the OT. Jesus responds beautifully but formal study would explain details like that.

Your homilies may vary, but our priests thankfully do a good job of placing the readings in context. Of course, the readings themselves are quite often tied together so that one need only a modicum of thought to see the linkages in a given Mass.

In parts of Mass, we refer to Jesus as the Lamb of God. Why? Turn to the old Testament and you will learn that the most valuable burnt offering was lamb. Is this significant or mere coincidence? I dunno.

Why do I suspect that you’re putting us on regarding your supposed ignorance of Christ as Lamb?

There is a lot the average parishoner has no understanding of.

Anyway, I am rambling. But I think you get the drift.

I do, but I think the average parishoner is far better off paying attention in Mass than joining a Protestant Bible study and having to pick the heaping chunks of heresy out of the discussion.

 

[Golf_Nut]

Teflon, the average parishoner would benefit from attending a Catholic bible study group. That’s my point. Its unfortunate that they are not very common.

 

[Teflon93]

Teflon, the average parishoner would benefit from attending a Catholic bible study group. That’s my point. Its unfortunate that they are not very common.

That is true.

 

[HappyRevert]

It is very symbolic and ritualized in parts. For example, the eating the body of Christ in terms of wafer and wine? Why? It is symbolic I presume. By eating his body and blood, we receive his spirit? I guess. I am not trying to be offensive here.

We actually believe that the Eucharist is the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ himself given as a gift. (see John chapter 6). Many (myself included) did not and/or do not really understand that is our teaching. The bread as body and wine as blood are part of the Passover sacrifice which was originally done with a lamb but the perfect sacrifice was Jesus (hence Lamb of God). When we receive his body and blood (or either), we do receive Him in his entirety. (Incredibly complex theology in a nutshell)

 

[Fidelis]

I do, but I think the average parishoner is far better off paying attention in Mass than joining a Protestant Bible study and having to pick the heaping chunks of heresy out of the discussion.

No doubt about it, Teflon!

That does not, however, preclude the desirability of being able to offer your average Catholic an authentically Catholic Bible study at their parish – one that takes into account Scripture as a whole (not just proof-texts or isolated texts), the wisdom of the Saints, and Magisterial teaching, primarily through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is a marvelous Bible study tool. The perfect Catholic Bible study would include all of these elements – and there some existing ones out there that do, such as the aforementioned Ignatius Study Bible series.

As rich in Scripture as the liturgy is, not everyone (most Catholics, in fact) are lucky enough to have a homilist that can draw out a meaningful application in 20 distraction filled minutes or less. Many Catholics are hungry to go into God’s word on a much deeper and systematic level. The reality is that if you don’t provide them with quality, orthodox, Catholic Bible studies, they’ll go to Protestant ones.

 

[Golf_Nut]

We actually believe that the Eucharist is the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ himself given as a gift. (see John chapter 6). Many (myself included) did not and/or do not really understand that is our teaching. The bread as body and wine as blood are part of the Passover sacrifice which was originally done with a lamb but the perfect sacrifice was Jesus (hence Lamb of God). When we receive his body and blood (or either), we do receive Him in his entirety. (Incredibly complex theology in a nutshell)

HappyRevert, you have hit the nail on the head! This is exactly what I am talking about. I am sure that at least half the parishoners in a Mass would not understand this part of the Mass. If parishoners had some Catholic religious education, then they may understand better, attend more regularly, be better Catholics. This is the great failing of Catholic education, it does explain itself well to its own. If people understood that Jesus was born a Jew in an essentially orthodox judaic environment that entailed rigid adherence to the “law” and that Jesus showed another way, then this would provide a great insight into the Mass and a deeper understanding.

Much of the Mass has become symbolic (ie. passover sacrifice, etc.) without an explanation of what the symbolism represents.

Even the colors of the priests clothing at different masses through out the year has symbolic significance.

Much of the New Testament from my lay reading deals with the tension between the Pharisees and Sadducces literal interpretation of the Old Testament (they refer to it as the Torah) and Jesus’ new interpretation and message. In fact, Jesus identifying himself as the messiah I think deeply offended the Sadduccess and Pharisees because they did not believe he fulfilled the requisite prophecies (ie. world peace, build the third Temple, etc) of the Old Testament to be it. They wanted him executed for his blashemy.

This is the education that needs to be understood by the average Catholic. it would improve their faith.