In a situation in which people know little to nothing of God

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TheMike0012

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…would it be OK to give them protestant bibles if that’s all you could give? I’m really referring to those institutions over the internet like open doors (I assume they’re not Catholic, but who knows?).

On one hand, the knowledge of the potential recipients is very limited, so this would help them immensely - on the other hand, it’s technically spreading heresy. What should I do in a situation such as this? Maybe find a Catholic program, if there is one?
 
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TheMike0012 said:
On one hand, the knowledge of the potential recipients is very limited, so this would help them immensely - on the other hand, it’s technically spreading heresy.
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Absolutely, doing everything possible would be the best option. Would it be possible for you to provide them with the any bible and then maybe do a follow up and discuss Catholicism further?
 
The Bible is a Catholic book. It needs to be read and interpreted through the Church. Jesus did not command us to “go into the world and give everyone Bibles”, He commanded that the Gospel be proclaimed.
 
I don’t understand. Why would you, given the choice, give out Protestant bibles instead of Catholic? 🤔
 
Other than a few books (the apocrypha) there’s really no difference between a Catholic and Protestant bible. They are both equally the Word of God.
 
The OP is asking if it is good to contribute to an organization such as Open Doors (you send a small donation and they put a Bible in the hands of a child in a persecuted area of the world.) He is assuming it would not be a Catholic Bible. I don’t see any harm it in at all. It’s a Bible. There may be Catholic organizations that do the same thing - $7.00 for a Bible is doable donation, even if it is missing some OT books.
I found this site just by googling https://ycvf.org/collections/give-bibles I know nothing about this organization nor have I donated to them.
 
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Dlee said:
I don’t see any harm it in at all. It’s a Bible
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The harm is without proper catechesis, the Bible is open to heretical interpretations. Donate to Catholic World Missions, to Dioceses and parishes and orders in persecuted areas of the world.
 
If that is the only feasible option available to you - do it.
A bible with a good commentary is a great thing but once it’s not in ‘Ye olde englifh’, work away. Sow that seed!
 
I have to disagree - even with proper catechesis the Bible is open to heretical interpretation. In our Bible study, several cradle Catholics stated they had never read the Bible growing up as nuns had told them they wouldn’t understand it. I think this is just sad (and wrong). With a Bible in hand, the Holy Spirit can work.
 
Catechism:

113 2. Read the Scripture within “the living Tradition of the whole Church”. According to a saying of the Fathers, Sacred Scripture is written principally in the Church’s heart rather than in documents and records, for the Church carries in her Tradition the living memorial of God’s Word, and it is the Holy Spirit who gives her the spiritual interpretation of the Scripture (". . . according to the spiritual meaning which the Spirit grants to the Church"81).
 
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