Is there an official book of Catholic Bible interpretation?

[Alma]

I know many Protestants convert when they realize they have no one to tell them how to interpret the Bible, while we Catholics have the authority of the Magisterium to tell us how to understand biblical texts.
I would like to know if there is such a thing as an official book of Catholic Biblical interpretation? I know the Cathecism mentions lots of biblical texts but it does not cover all of them. If one has to rely on what a Catholic scholar says in a book he or she has written, how can we be sure we have the right interpretation?

 

[catholica]

What you’re looking for is called a “Commentary”. It’s a must for an apologists library. It’s basically the bible with very extensive notes right along with it - the better ones giving commentary on nearly every verse.

Check your local bookstores - but be sure to get one with the Impramatur.

I’d recommend one, but I’m not familiar with what’s out there…the one I’m using is from the 1960’s.

 

[Verbum]

Hi Alma,

No there is no official commentary on Holy Scripture. As a matter of fact, there are very few passages of the Bible that the Church has officially interpreted. One of them is the passage in John where Nicodemus and Jesus talk about baptism. The Church has offficially said that Jesus here prescribes baptism with WATER.

The way to check if a particular interpretation is correct is to check it against the Catechism of the Catholic Church. If it goes against the Catechism, then it is not a correct interpretation.

Verbum

 

[catholica]

By “Official”, I assume Alma means “From Rome”, like the Catechism. In that case Alma is correct.

But still check out Commentaries. Mine is quite extensive - and frequently helpful.

A commentary would be considered the next step up from a Study Bible.

Be sure, though, to get one that has the Impramatur.

 

[CatherineSienna]

What about the Navarre Bible Commentary? Does anyone know?