DRE Says No Bible Memorization

[purplesunshine]

The DRE was talking about adults not memorizing the bible, not children.

You might want to put that in your first post.

Have we really not gotten over the printing press at this point? I find it absolutely disturbing that we as Catholics are discouraged from reading the Bible. Are we Christians or not??? Maybe they should just give us copies of the Catechism so they can tell us what they decided that the Bible means, that way we won’t hurt our tiny little peasant brains.

Again, why rote memorization? We can now carry around bibles…or heck…have them on our phones. I did the course by Scott Hahn, taught by Carson Weber called “understanding the scriptures” I didn’t memorize one thing but I know where to find things becuase of the setting, tone and REASON behind a book. Again, I feel we have better things to do than directly memorize. It has nothing to do with being stupid, but everything to do with how we best spend our time.

It does’t make sense. They might as well discourage reading the bible altogether because they might misinterpret that also. Heck, why not discourage them from reading the catechism too. They might misinterpret that also. They should also discourage reading scripture at the Mass too because people might misinterpret it.

In my opinion, If you don’t want people to misinterpret the bible, then you teach them how to properly interpet it. You don’t deny them access to it. Because they will resent you and read it any way on their own. Instead, you educate them on scripture. Answer their questions the best you can.

The bible is God’s Word and a great reverence for it should be instilled. Memorizing scripture should be encouraged. In fact, that is what Jesus would have done in his day. Everyone didnt have their own books like us. They had to memorize it if they wanted to recall it later. Memorization helps you to remember it and thus learn it better.

No. I believe that the DRE is being taken out of context. The OP didn’t say that the DRE discouraged people from READING the Bible, only MEMORIZING it. And those are two different things. It is easy to get lost in memorization. The OP didn’t condemn people who are reading the bible or learning about it, she/he just expressed that memorization was not a good way of learning the bible.

 

[bmonk]

I’d suggest that the DRE, if he or she really meant what was heard–that Catholics should not memorize Bible verses–he or she was wrong.

“Abuse does not take away the use.” Just because something may be misused (like misinterpreting a scripture verse) does not make it right to remove any use. Catholics are a bible people, and memorizing scripture has a place for us. However, as pointed out, if memorization is the only purpose of a lesson, that too would be an abuse.

Many people throughout history have memorized much of the Scriptures. In St. Benedict’s time, novices were required (or strongly encouraged) to know at least the Psalms and Gospels by heart. Memorizing a favorite passage to carry with you throughout the day helps you to “pray always” with God in your heart.

 

[puzzleannie]

THe DRE is an idiot.

could we please wait to see what she said, how she said it and in what context before me make a psychiatric diagnosis. Thank you. Until OP provides evidence that she condemned private bible reading by Catholics can we also supend judgment on her orthodoxy.

 

[jwinch2]

It sounds to me as if the DRE is suggesting that memorization for its own sake is a lousy way to learn and will not lead to understanding which is: A) true; and B) prudent. Furthermore, as we see so often in the sola scriptora circles, cherry picking a quote and taking it out of context leads to gross misunderstanding which can lead people away from the truth.

To the persons who suggested that the DRE was telling someone not to read the bible or to the person who called the DRE in question an “idiot” you should be ashamed of yourselves. The only thing idiotic were your posts.

If people focus on the memorization of bible quotes rather than studying to understand the context in which the bible was written and the message each passage intends to convey, will they truly understand Sacred Scripture? I suggest they will not. If they study the bible with a goal of understanding, then over time, memorization will take care of itself. If we want faithful Catholics to be able to discuss the bible and to answer the call that we all have to evangelize, then we need to go beyond memorization and focus on understanding the deeper meaning, history, and context of the words we are reading. Only then, will we have gained anything from our bible study.

 

[Contarini]

Several posters have rightly pointed out that discouraging memorization isn’t discouraging Bible study.

But here’s another point: there’s a big difference between systematic memorization and memorizing “Bible verses” out of context. Memorizing the whole Sermon on the Mount, say, would be a great idea. However, to put the effort necessary into systematically memorizing large chunks of Scripture would probably take away from other aspects of catechesis. In view of that, I can respect the DRE’s stance against memorizing isolated Bible verses as a catechetical method. I assume that she isn’t saying that no one should ever memorize a Bible verse, but that this isn’t the best way to teach Scripture in context.

Maybe it’s a bit hardline, but she has a valid point, and she’s not saying that Catholics shouldn’t study Scripture.

I get so fed up with fundamentalists and some evangelicals asking me “do you have any verses for that”?

Edwin

 

[Della]

I second Edwin’s excellent post. As we have seen on CAF all too often, many come here with a “list” of Bible verses handy to “prove” this or that. The Bible was never intended to be a proof text of that kind, so memorizing verses in order to prove anything is really against the intentions of the Bible’s authors/Author. The Apostles cited OT verses because they could see the fulfillment of Christ’s Messiahship in them, but even they weren’t using the Bible to prove their contention, but rather as a witness to what they had seen and heard as they walked with the Lord, and especially after he fulfilled his prophetic words concerning his destiny. So, the DRE may also be warding off the temptation by some to prove/challenge Church teaching using memorized Bible verses, and because it’s not necessary for ordinary catechesis, as Edwin cited.

 

[Nicea325]

The DRE at a church in my area states:
“We do not encourage anyone to memorize bible verses because the person may misinterpret the bible verses.”
What do the forum members think about that comment?

First of all,what does memorizing verses have to do with interpretation? One does not even need to memorize a single verse and still get it wrong.

 

[TheDumbOx]

Pope Benedict XVI, Verbum Domini (30 Sept 2010):

A knowledge of biblical personages, events and well-known sayings should thus be encouraged; this can also be promoted by the judicious memorization of some passages which are particularly expressive of the Christian mysteries. Catechetical work always entails approaching Scripture in faith and in the Church’s Tradition, so that its words can be perceived as living, just as Christ is alive today wherever two or three are gathered in his name (cf. Mt 18:20). Catechesis should communicate in a lively way the history of salvation and the content of the Church’s faith, and so enable every member of the faithful to realize that this history is also a part of his or her own life.

Blessed John Paul II, Catechesi tradendae (16 Oct 1979):

Memorization

1. The final methodological question the importance of which should at least be referred to-one that was debated several times in the synod-is that of memorization. In the beginnings of Christian catechesis, which coincided with a civilization that was mainly oral, recourse was had very freely to memorization. Catechesis has since then known a long tradition of learning the principal truths by memorizing. We are all aware that this method can present certain disadvantages, not the least of which is that it lends itself to insufficient or at times almost non-existent assimilation, reducing all knowledge to formulas that are repeated without being properly understood. These disadvantages and the different characteristics of our own civilization have in some places led to the almost complete suppression - according to some, alas, the definitive suppression - of memorization in catechesis. And yet certain very authoritative voices made themselves heard on the occasion of the fourth general assembly of the synod, calling for the restoration of a judicious balance between reflection and spontaneity, between dialogue and silence, between written work and memory work. Moreover certain cultures still set great value on memorization.

At a time when, in non-religious teaching in certain countries, more and more complaints are being made about the unfortunate consequences of disregarding the human faculty of memory, should we not attempt to put this faculty back into use in an intelligent and even an original way in catechesis, all the more since the celebration or “memorial” of the great events of the history of salvation require a precise knowledge of them? A certain memorization of the words of Jesus, of important Bible passages, of the Ten Commandments, of the formulas of profession of the faith, of the liturgical texts, of the essential prayers, of key doctrinal ideas, etc., far from being opposed to the dignity of young Christians, or constituting an obstacle to personal dialogue with the Lord, is a real need, as the synod fathers forcefully recalled. We must be realists. The blossoms, if we may call them that, of faith and piety do not grow in the desert places of a memory - less catechesis. What is essential is that the texts that are memorized must at the same time be taken in and gradually understood in depth, in order to become a source of Christian life on the personal level and the community level.

The plurality of methods in contemporary catechesis can be a sign of vitality and ingenuity. In any case, the method chosen must ultimately be referred to a law that is fundamental for the whole of the Church’s life: the law of fidelity to God and of fidelity to man in a single loving attitude.

 

[JackQ]

The DRE at a church in my area states:
“We do not encourage anyone to memorize bible verses because the person may misinterpret the bible verses.”
What do the forum members think about that comment?

I agree with St. Jerome that ignorance of the Scriptures in ignorance of Christ.

 

[MaryandJoseph]

I teach 5th grade PRE(parish religious education) and sadly, half of my students don’t even own a bible

Rote memorization of scripture is a great tool for learning as long as the Entire context of the passage is taken into consideration (sadly that is not always the case as we Catholics know).

Memorize a verse but don’t forget to read the entire passage to put that one verse into proper context:thumbsup:

 

[Evan]

I’m also teaching 5th graders. And one of our goals this year is for them the memorize certain parts of the New Testament:

Our Father who art in … into temptation.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

I know someone who was memorizing the new testament. If you know it ALL it’s really easy to remember a specific verse. When someone throws a verse at you, you can tell if it is in context or not.

My wife memorized the Prologue in John (in Greek ) where I only know it in English. Although we both know Matt 6:9-13 in Latin.

 

[John7]

Pope Benedict XVI, Verbum Domini (30 Sept 2010):

A knowledge of biblical personages, events and well-known sayings should thus be encouraged; this can also be promoted by the judicious memorization

Popes Benedict XVI and John Paul II

 

[puzzleannie]

OP has never come back to relate exactly what the DRE did and did not say, and in what context so this discussion is pointless

 

[Della]

OP has never come back to relate exactly what the DRE did and did not say, and in what context so this discussion is pointless

Let us hope the OP has read our responses and has a better perspective on the topic, at the least. People probably should come back to their threads, but not everyone is well versed in online forum ettiquette or they have been prevented by something in their lives. At any rate, we help our lurkers and seekers and that’s got to be worth a little something, yes?

Memorizing is helpful to many people. I can never remember the references, though, except for a few very well known verses. I sure wish I had that gift!

 

[jmcrae]

You might want to put that in your first post.

Again, why rote memorization?

So that you don’t have to stand there fumbling and flipping through pages, when you could just give the answer in a straightforward way, when asked what the Bible says about this or that subject.

Having the answer on the tip of your tongue makes the conversation go so much more smoothly, IMHO - and, it gives the impression that you know what you’re talking about, which adds to your credibility, especially when you’re under pressure.

If more detail is required, you can then open up your Bible to the passage in question and go through it line by line with your interrogator.

 

[Della]

So that you don’t have to stand there fumbling and flipping through pages, when you could just give the answer in a straightforward way, when asked what the Bible says about this or that subject.

Having the answer on the tip of your tongue makes the conversation go so much more smoothly, IMHO - and, it gives the impression that you know what you’re talking about, which adds to your credibility, especially when you’re under pressure.

If more detail is required, you can then open up your Bible to the passage in question and go through it line by line with your interrogator.

Interrogator? This applies well for apologetics, which many of us here are, but it may be a bit overwhelming for ordinary people who just want a bit of information. Like someone asking for the time and getting a dissertation on time/space continuum.

I can find my way around the Bible pretty well, and there’s always online references if one is stuck. The Bible is a great gift, but I think too many people turn it into a proof text and so miss the whole point of faith and what it means to live the life of Christ, don’t you? I want to be able to help others if they have questions, but if someone is a determined anti-Catholic I let them be and just pray for them, unless some pithy and inspired word/phrase comes to mind. Jesus himself told us not to prepare ahead of time what we are to say, but to let the Holy Spirit give us the words. I’m sure he meant after we’ve prayed and studied sufficiently to have the words there for the Holy Spirit to prompt us. But memorizing lots of Scripture really isn’t necessary, IMHO. But no matter what, a ready heart and compassion for those seeking for answers definitely is, don’t you agree?

 

[jmcrae]

Interrogator? This applies well for apologetics, which many of us here are, but it may be a bit overwhelming for ordinary people who just want a bit of information. Like someone asking for the time and getting a dissertation on time/space continuum.

If someone is just asking for the time, it should be a simple matter to just tell it to them based on the angle of the sun, or on what you read on your watch, rather than look up the atomic clock and then flip through all of the pages until you finally find your own time zone.

Equally, if someone just wants a one-sentence answer to a simple question, you shouldnt have to stand there and flip through your whole Bible looking for it.

I can find my way around the Bible pretty well, and there’s always online references if one is stuck. The Bible is a great gift, but I think too many people turn it into a proof text and so miss the whole point of faith and what it means to live the life of Christ, don’t you? I want to be able to help others if they have questions, but if someone is a determined anti-Catholic I let them be and just pray for them, unless some pithy and inspired word/phrase comes to mind.

I am thinking more in terms of RCIA candidates, and teenagers.

Jesus himself told us not to prepare ahead of time what we are to say, but to let the Holy Spirit give us the words. I’m sure he meant after we’ve prayed and studied sufficiently to have the words there for the Holy Spirit to prompt us.

Hence, memorization …

 

[fred_conty]

The DRE at a church in my area states:
“We do not encourage anyone to memorize bible verses because the person may misinterpret the bible verses.”
What do the forum members think about that comment?

Not much.

 

[ProVobis]

I’m also teaching 5th graders. And one of our goals this year is for them the memorize certain parts of the New Testament:

Our Father who art in … into temptation.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

I know someone who was memorizing the new testament. If you know it ALL it’s really easy to remember a specific verse. When someone throws a verse at you, you can tell if it is in context or not.

My wife memorized the Prologue in John (in Greek ) where I only know it in English. Although we both know Matt 6:9-13 in Latin.

Don’t forget Asperges Me and Judica Me (Psalmus XLII).

 

[Della]

Hence, memorization …

The question then becomes, what do you memorize? Most of us cannot memorize the whole Bible, and yet to take verses, even passages out of context is dangerous. We’ve all seen people on CAF cherry pick verses, even whole passages in order to make their point without convincing anyone of anything.

It’s handy to be able to “shoot from the hip” but there’s also something to be said for making teenagers look things up for themselves. If they have to find the source, they are more likely to hang onto what they learn. I think a teacher’s job is to guide not to feed–the old adage about giving a fish to a hungry man vs. teaching him how to fish for himself so he never need go hungry.

Like the DRE, I don’t see RCIA as the place to encourage Bible memorization. Many converts come from Bible church backgrounds–I did. They’ve already gone that route and not found it satisfying–like me. If there isn’t sound underlying theology, all the Bible verses one can quote will mean nothing. RCIA is meant to teach people about the Church, not the Bible, per se. After RCIA is the time to delve into that area of study, IMHO.