I just got told by RC person that Bible study is "Protestant"

[DebChris]

You mentioned reading the Bible three times in your post.

The importance of studying, or just reading scripture for that matter, did not change because of Protestantism. We need students of scripture now more than ever.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22)

You can’t do it if you don’t understand it. Listening to three minutes of Scripture once a week at Mass isn’t enough for anyone.

-Tim-

As Catholics, we constantly hear about reading Scripture in its entirety. Read the New Testament in light of the Old Testament rather than simply memorizing verses as some of our separated brothers and sisters might do. In order to do that, we do actually need to sit down and read the Bible. It’s not like it takes that much time. The Bible can be read from cover to cover in as little as fifteen minutes a day.
Does simply reading the Bible tell you anything about the city of Corinth? That’s not something I learned from a homily, but rather from a study conducted by a parish priest many years ago. This additional information gives added dimension to my reading.
Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of God–St. Jerome.

 

[TimothyH]

Well, Tim, I suppose that would depend, at least in part, on how old you are. In my post #74 on this thread I indirectly referred to the 1943 papal encyclical *Divino afflante spiritu *as an event that happened in “the very recent past”.

Regards
Bart

I was talking about the prohibition against resurrecting threads over one year old.

-Tim-

 

[Michael_Francis]

Be Advised:
I’m making a non precedent setting exception for this thread.

 

[DebChris]

You mentioned reading the Bible three times in your post.

The importance of studying, or just reading scripture for that matter, did not change because of Protestantism. We need students of scripture now more than ever.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22)

You can’t do it if you don’t understand it. Listening to three minutes of Scripture once a week at Mass isn’t enough for anyone.

-Tim-

After reading a great article on Catholic Exchange, I wanted to come back to the importance of not only understanding scripture, but reading the Bible in its entirety. The article deals with John 2:4 in which Jesus calls Mary “Woman.” At first glance this greeting seems derogatory, and we know that many of our separated brothers and sisters downplay the role of Mary in salvation history.
The article links the term “woman” to Genesis 3:15 in which God puts enmity between the serpent and “the woman” as well as John 19 when Jesus again calls Mary “Woman” as he places her into the care of John.
It is through Mary that Jesus, our salvation, comes to us. She is with our Lord at the beginning of His ministry and she is with Him at the foot of the cross. She boldly steps forward acting as intercessor for mankind at the Wedding Feast of Cana where Jesus and His disciples are invited because she was first invited. John’s gospel lists Mary ahead of Jesus on the wedding list.
Catholic study of scripture asks the question,“What is the author trying to say?” It makes it possible to answer questions that those outside the Catholic Church may have about our Faith.
catholicexchange.com/the-mystery-of-the-woman-at-cana?mc_cid=9dbc055d49&mc_eid=70ee7bc5b8

 

[Ignatius]

I used to attend Bible study in Baptist church and really enjoyed it. Its was not about “feeling” but really studying theology.
Would have loved to find something like that in RCC but so far no local churches hold Bible studies and today I was told by one of them that Bible study is a “Protestant” thing.

let me extend the warmest Welcome Home to you.
I think he may have misunderstood you and was referring to the former Bible Study as Protestant. Most parishes have bible studies. If there is not currently a bible study in your parish, you can certainly start one. One really Great Catholic Bible study is “The Great Adventure” Bible study. Good Catholic Bible Studies can be found at “http://biblestudyforcatholics.com/”

God bless you and welcome Home.

 

[QuestLove]

It always irritated me whenever I heard that Catholics are not supposed to read the Bible but rather go to a priest for guidance. That is only a cop out used by a former generation who were too careless about the Scriptures and treated Catholicism more as a heritage and family thing rather than a religious devotion and living faith. Not everyone has the drive to learn and study the Scriptures, some are more bent on life application and service kinds of ministry, which is perfectly fine because many saints have been wired that way, but there is nothing but good that comes from deep study of the Scriptures as long as one understands that belief in Catholic doctrine is binding and Scripture needs to be understood within those boundaries.

I used to hear that too from catholics. Since I have joined CAF I realised that not all catholics believe that. I always used to say what is the point of having a Holy Book if you are not supposed to read it.
Where did that belief/misunderstanding come from though? Because I know some catholics who believe that bible studies/reading is not ideal.

 

[Dorothy]

I used to hear that too from catholics. Since I have joined CAF I realised that not all catholics believe that. I always used to say what is the point of having a Holy Book if you are not supposed to read it.
Where did that belief/misunderstanding come from though? Because I know some catholics who believe that bible studies/reading is not ideal.

My illiterate grandparents could not do bible studies. Where I grew up there were a lot of immigrants. So, only those who could read and write read the bible, and did studies.

 

[DebChris]

My illiterate grandparents could not do bible studies. Where I grew up there were a lot of immigrants. So, only those who could read and write read the bible, and did studies.

Jesus never said you are saved by your ability to quote scripture. Jesus said, “Your faith has saved you.” Sometimes we forget how fortunate we are that we can read.

 

[Michael_Francis]

Be Advised:
I’m making a non precedent setting exception for this thread.

Oh rats! I goofed. This is about a revived thread that I usually close because it’s been dead for a while and been brought back to life like a zombie…

 

[Ignatius]

Where did that belief/misunderstanding come from though? Because I know some catholics who believe that bible studies/reading is not ideal.

I don’t know, becaus way back (like the 300’s) one of the Catholic Popes or Bishops said “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ”

 

[Church_Militant]

I don’t know, becaus way back (like the 300’s) one of the Catholic Popes or Bishops said “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ”

“Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” – St. Jerome, A.D. 340-420

Pretty significant since St. Jerome translated the Bible into the Latin Vulgate.

 

[Church_Militant]

It’s kinda funny to me. I have heard people recount this kind of stuff, but personally never heard any such thing from any Catholic or priest in my whole life, and I come from a (very) Catholic family where the Bible was all over the place and my sainted Grandmother read and knew it better than anyone I have ever met. and used it apologetically to try to correct her idiot grandson (yours truly) from spouting foolishness after having been proselytized away from the faith at age 17. (I have no doubt at all that her intercessions were instrumental to my reversion many years later. Thanks Me-ma! )

 

[Ignatius]

It’s kinda funny to me. I have heard people recount this kind of stuff, but personally never heard any such thing from any Catholic or priest in my whole life, and I come from a (very) Catholic family where the Bible was all over the place and my sainted Grandmother read and knew it better than anyone I have ever met. and used it apologetically to try to correct her idiot grandson (yours truly) from spouting foolishness after having been proselytized away from the faith at age 17. (I have no doubt at all that her intercessions were instrumental to my reversion many years later. Thanks Me-ma! )

Yes, I think much of this is Urban Legand, i.e. someone heard from a friend who heard from another friend who heard from someon else, who said that …

 

[DebChris]

It’s kinda funny to me. I have heard people recount this kind of stuff, but personally never heard any such thing from any Catholic or priest in my whole life, and I come from a (very) Catholic family where the Bible was all over the place and my sainted Grandmother read and knew it better than anyone I have ever met. and used it apologetically to try to correct her idiot grandson (yours truly) from spouting foolishness after having been proselytized away from the faith at age 17. (I have no doubt at all that her intercessions were instrumental to my reversion many years later. Thanks Me-ma! )

This is probably a repeat of an earlier post. I was a year ahead in catechism classes. The 4th grade catechism book (3rd grade for me) was not the Baltimore Catechism. It was a Brown Book of Bible Stories. Yes, during the age of the Baltimore Catechism, time was taken out for Bible Study as part of religious education.
Catholic homes had Golden Books, including those specifically written for Catholic children, including Bible stories. My mother gave me my own children’s Bible when I was about 10 which I devoured. Since my family was in the military, many books about the saints were free for the taking from the back of the chapel, spiritual books for both adults and children. It was easy for me to fill my appetite for reading.
We also had several copies of Douay Rheim Bibles. What my parents did say is that we were not to question anything. What a relief when I went to an orientation at a Catholic College which encouraged questioning.
I never had understood non-Catholics who pushed the idea “Read the Bible and you will find the answer.” The answer to what? How relieving it was to hear during the orientation to the required Theology class I never took, “When you read the Bible look for the questions.” Let the Bible question you. It is is when I looked for questions that I have found unexpected answers.

 

[bmonk]

This is probably a repeat of an earlier post. I was a year ahead in catechism classes. The 4th grade catechism book (3rd grade for me) was not the Baltimore Catechism. It was a Brown Book of Bible Stories. Yes, during the age of the Baltimore Catechism, time was taken out for Bible Study as part of religious education.
Catholic homes had Golden Books, including those specifically written for Catholic children, including Bible stories. My mother gave me my own children’s Bible when I was about 10 which I devoured. Since my family was in the military, many books about the saints were free for the taking from the back of the chapel, spiritual books for both adults and children. It was easy for me to fill my appetite for reading.
We also had several copies of Douay Rheim Bibles. What my parents did say is that we were not to question anything. What a relief when I went to an orientation at a Catholic College which encouraged questioning.
I never had understood non-Catholics who pushed the idea “Read the Bible and you will find the answer.” The answer to what? How relieving it was to hear during the orientation to the required Theology class I never took, “When you read the Bible look for the questions.” Let the Bible question you. It is is when I looked for questions that I have found unexpected answers.

I like this idea!

 

[gachristian]

It depends what you mean by “Bible study.” If you mean sitting around in a circle and asking each person, “What does this verse mean for you?” then yes, that is very Protestant, because Protestantism is founded on the idea that anyone can understand the Bible, without the aid of the Church.

Do I really think my own personal idea of what something means is more relevant than what the Church has solemnly taught, or even than what her eminent Fathers, Doctors, and theologians have written? Sure it takes more effort to find out; but isn’t it worth the effort?

It is sad that anyone would discourage Bible study. The Word of God is living and powerful. It can speak to you in a special way. Protestant Bible studies have guidelines within them generally so those participating stay within that particular church’s guidelines.

 

[lefthand36]

I am a convert and I have been Catholic for 12 years. I now have a daughter in law that has converted and she is craving the Word of God. She wants to be involved in a class where the Bible is used to teach our faith and it’s meaning. However, there are NOT many Bible studies for Catholics. I miss that part of being a Protestant. This is why SO many young people are leaving the church. This has to be rectified. In fact, when I joined 12 years ago, I knew more than most cradle Catholics. Catholics seem afraid to discuss their faith. That makes people think we have something to hide. That’s why I haven’t been on this site in years.

 

[Musikero31]

I am a convert and I have been Catholic for 12 years. I now have a daughter in law that has converted and she is craving the Word of God. She wants to be involved in a class where the Bible is used to teach our faith and it’s meaning. However, there are NOT many Bible studies for Catholics. I miss that part of being a Protestant. This is why SO many young people are leaving the church. This has to be rectified. In fact, when I joined 12 years ago, I knew more than most cradle Catholics. Catholics seem afraid to discuss their faith. That makes people think we have something to hide. That’s why I haven’t been on this site in years.

I understand your hunger. And for me as a Catholic, I also hunger for God’s Word. Thank God that there are some videos by Ascension Press that we look into. The best one so far is “The Journey Through the Bible” by Jeff Cavins. I think most of the people here have posted some sources which you can look into.

Another way which can satisfy your craving is joining Catholic Charismatic Communities. I recommend you joining Couples for Christ. We have weekly households which also discuss and share the Word of God to the members.

 

[Ignatius]

I am a convert and I have been Catholic for 12 years. I now have a daughter in law that has converted and she is craving the Word of God. She wants to be involved in a class where the Bible is used to teach our faith and it’s meaning. However, there are NOT many Bible studies for Catholics. I miss that part of being a Protestant. This is why SO many young people are leaving the church. This has to be rectified. In fact, when I joined 12 years ago, I knew more than most cradle Catholics. Catholics seem afraid to discuss their faith. That makes people think we have something to hide. That’s why I haven’t been on this site in years.

Yes, that is something absolutely needed in the Church. There are quite a few Catholic bible studies, Catholic Bible Study on line, Agape Bible Study, The Great Adventure Bible Study, the Beginning Catholic Bible Study.

But, I think you are talking about a bible study group. I have a feeling that if you were to ask your parish if they would help you start a bible study (put it in the bulletin and may purchase one of the above bible software packages) they would be more than happy to help.

 

[Fidelis]

Unlike even 20 years ago, there are now a plethora of quality Catholic Bible studies that are available for every need. The more comprehensive “package” studies are more expensive, but their advantage is whoever is facilitating it doesn’t need any special knowledge or skill to do so. There are more modest studies that one can get for free and that can be offered anywhere. Agape Bible Study is one, as well as the one I offer on my web page, linked below.