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awantz
Guest
Yes and that truth is God.
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EvelynEVF
Guest
In my personal experience, while I was transitioning out of an evangelical church, before and after my confirmation, I continued to go to their Bible study for a few months, because they were the people I had been with for 15+ years. We were studying Luke, with Beth Moore videos. it drove me absolutely batty, because she would use the first half of a verse to say something, completely ignoring the second half. And she worked really hard to say that Mary wasn’t who Catholics say she is. I interjected a lot of what we Catholics would call tradition, but I called it “historical context” and they really liked it 
It was a lot of work, though, and not edifying at all. If you are looking to learn, I would say stick to reputable Catholic ones, because you will need to be constantly vigilant at Protestant ones.
It was a lot of work, though, and not edifying at all. If you are looking to learn, I would say stick to reputable Catholic ones, because you will need to be constantly vigilant at Protestant ones.
J
jdau
Guest
I am a cradle Catholic, 9 yrs of Jesuit education, Philos. major, now a septegenerian to give a little background. Over 10 yrs ago I was asked to join a Bible Study group that has existed since the mid '80’s. I knew many of the men, a group of 12, Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, at one time a Jew, a Christian Science, and I was the second Catholic.
As a typical Catholic, the Bible had never been a “regular” part of my life.These men have been so kind and thoughtful, always wanting to know what the Church teaching is on this or that. It’s been said several times, we all believe that Jesus is the Son of God, born man, crucified, died and rose again from the dead all to gain for us eternal life—we are “true brothers in Christ”. I have never met men more on fire in their heart for Christ than these men. By the way, from this group, there have been 12 other groups of men who have formed in other parts of our county - all a spinoff from our club. We have an annual retreat on Good Friday, meeting in our Catholic Hospital, at the end of the retreat we closed in the chapel with the stations of the Cross which they truly love.
These men have never, NEVER, tried to convert me to their belief. From time to time we come across a reading that really stirs us and one of us is assigned homework to present next meeting. We meet every Wed. morning, 7am to 8. I call us more of a “men’s support” group than Scripture students. We put on an annual Businessmen’s Prayer Breakfast with a prominent speaker, like Cal Thomas, with over 800 in attendance, sold out each year two wks in advance. These men have made me a much better informed
Catholic, a man so much more in love with Christ and so eager to learn more. This morning I moderated Mark Ch 13, all about end times and we all left with great fear of God and more intimacy with God. I love these men and hope that someday, you have an opportunity to join with men of other faiths. Sorry to take so much of your time.
Your brother in Christ, Joe
As a typical Catholic, the Bible had never been a “regular” part of my life.These men have been so kind and thoughtful, always wanting to know what the Church teaching is on this or that. It’s been said several times, we all believe that Jesus is the Son of God, born man, crucified, died and rose again from the dead all to gain for us eternal life—we are “true brothers in Christ”. I have never met men more on fire in their heart for Christ than these men. By the way, from this group, there have been 12 other groups of men who have formed in other parts of our county - all a spinoff from our club. We have an annual retreat on Good Friday, meeting in our Catholic Hospital, at the end of the retreat we closed in the chapel with the stations of the Cross which they truly love.
These men have never, NEVER, tried to convert me to their belief. From time to time we come across a reading that really stirs us and one of us is assigned homework to present next meeting. We meet every Wed. morning, 7am to 8. I call us more of a “men’s support” group than Scripture students. We put on an annual Businessmen’s Prayer Breakfast with a prominent speaker, like Cal Thomas, with over 800 in attendance, sold out each year two wks in advance. These men have made me a much better informed
Catholic, a man so much more in love with Christ and so eager to learn more. This morning I moderated Mark Ch 13, all about end times and we all left with great fear of God and more intimacy with God. I love these men and hope that someday, you have an opportunity to join with men of other faiths. Sorry to take so much of your time.
Your brother in Christ, Joe
Q
QuickCat
Guest
InLight: Mary as our model? The apostle to the Gentiles, Paul, says that he is our pattern [1 Tim. 1:16]. He says that we should follow him as he follows the Lord Jesus Christ [1 Cor. 11:1; 4:16].
Hope this helps.
QC
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Elizabeth_C
Guest
I attended a supposed “non-denominational” Bible study. (ie - Protestant) Yes, there were other Catholics and Orthodox attending. They had a policy of not going into doctrine but making it a personal study of the Bible.
The first course I attended was on Acts of the Apostles. It was a great study. I don’t think I had to worry much about non-Catholic ideas.
However, the second was on Romans. I put as much Catholicism into my answers and discussion as I could get away with. But, unfortunately, in the leaders lecture, “faith, not works” was emphasized repeatedly. And, during one weeks ending prayer, the “acceptance of Jesus as your Lord and Saviour” by your faith was pushed. I considered quitting right then. But I decided to stay and try to get my perspective to the small group I was in, at least.
Anyway, due to these issues and time limitations, I decided not to do this year’s Genesis lesson.
As a side note, the people I met and made friends with are fabulous. So, if you choose to do it, it may be a great experience. But beware of their emphasis.
The first course I attended was on Acts of the Apostles. It was a great study. I don’t think I had to worry much about non-Catholic ideas.
However, the second was on Romans. I put as much Catholicism into my answers and discussion as I could get away with. But, unfortunately, in the leaders lecture, “faith, not works” was emphasized repeatedly. And, during one weeks ending prayer, the “acceptance of Jesus as your Lord and Saviour” by your faith was pushed. I considered quitting right then. But I decided to stay and try to get my perspective to the small group I was in, at least.
Anyway, due to these issues and time limitations, I decided not to do this year’s Genesis lesson.
As a side note, the people I met and made friends with are fabulous. So, if you choose to do it, it may be a great experience. But beware of their emphasis.
M
ML561
Guest
Whether it is right or wrong I cannot say. I would recommend seeing if you can find a Bible study within your parish or another Catholic church. There are a lot more Catholic Bible study groups around than there were in the past. In addition–if you have the time and tuition money, if it is offered in your area there is an excellent four-year course called the Catholic Biblical School. Classes meet once a week for two hours during the regular school year. I went through this and learned a great deal as well as making lifelong friends. As a former Protestant, I also went to some Bible studies in various churches but, like the Protestant church itself, I found them incomplete. Peace be with you.
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Flopfoot
Guest
It’s not sinful or wrong, of course you can attend if you want to. However, it is a bad idea, and I don’t think you would like it very much.
The bible study is their perfect chance to try to proselytize (convert) you because they can back up their beliefs that they’re trying to convince you of with the scripture they are studying, and they can plan out what they are going to say in advance. Also, because they have the advantage of numbers over you (so someone can always pass the buck to someone else to respond to your questions if they can’t think of an answer, while you would have to answer all their questions yourself).
Apart from this, it’s also less likely to be a good bible study in general even if they aren’t trying to convert you. This is because the bible is best understood in the context of the Catholic faith (it is our holy book after all, they just hijacked it when they split off from us). Fr Vincent Serpa (from Catholic Answers) once said “Going to a bible study that isn’t Catholic is like going to Spain to learn how to speak German”.
It’s probably not a sin to hit yourself in the foot with a hammer, but would you want to do that?
The bible study is their perfect chance to try to proselytize (convert) you because they can back up their beliefs that they’re trying to convince you of with the scripture they are studying, and they can plan out what they are going to say in advance. Also, because they have the advantage of numbers over you (so someone can always pass the buck to someone else to respond to your questions if they can’t think of an answer, while you would have to answer all their questions yourself).
Apart from this, it’s also less likely to be a good bible study in general even if they aren’t trying to convert you. This is because the bible is best understood in the context of the Catholic faith (it is our holy book after all, they just hijacked it when they split off from us). Fr Vincent Serpa (from Catholic Answers) once said “Going to a bible study that isn’t Catholic is like going to Spain to learn how to speak German”.
It’s probably not a sin to hit yourself in the foot with a hammer, but would you want to do that?
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RandDguy
Guest
To further support your position, the CC DOES NOT interpret, it EXPLAINS. The CC does not have the ‘corner on the truth’, but it does have the “fullness of TRUTH”. There is a big difference. Also, protestant bibles eliminated books from the Old Testament because it conflicted with their beliefs contrary to truths taught from the beginning (i.e. purgatory).
There must be a definitive answer to this question. It is a good one. I would think it would be in Canon Law somewhere but have been unable to find it.
All the same, a Catholic is opening themselves up to false teachings by attending a protestant bible study unless they are a true authority (i.e. Priest, theologian, etc.).
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RandDguy
Guest
Hi Flop Foot. Just a couple of thoughts on the subject. Sin is often (or usually) dependent upon intent. So, if one hits his foot because they hate their body, then indeed it is a sin. One might hit their foot with a hammer because they are want to experience pain to ‘offer up’ and in a somewhat perverse way they might not be sinning, though it would be hard to believe they are honoring their body by doing this. It is definitely not the same thing as wearing a hair shirt to do penance for their sins or the sins of the world.
More to the point, I think one is ‘leading themselves into temptation’ by attending a protestant bible study. If they are more knowledgeable of scripture (as a Catholic) and are attending to convert others to The Truth, they will probably not be welcomed. If they attend in the spirit that the protestants will probably embrace, they will make themselves open to other interpretations. This is where the risk comes in. Protestants, whether they are aware of it or not, by definition Protest that Catholic view of many things.
There are many devout Catholic that actually hold beliefs contrary to Church teachings. It is easy for one to focus more on Jesus’ Divinity rather than his humanity as if he were two distinct persons; the Son that existed before the Incarnation and the Son that came into being at the Incarnation. If they profess this, then they are a heretic. We believe as Catholics that Jesus has two natures that are joined through the Hypostatic union, but is one person. We Catholics have a tough enough time truly knowing our own Faith. Think of how many Catholic have an erroneous understanding of the Real Presence.
Again, I think intent plays a vital role, but I would love for a Canon Lawyer to ‘chime in here’. If a Bible study group doesn’t exist in your (Catholic) church, then I think it might be best to start one rather than to attend a protestant study group.
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MtnDwellar
Guest
I think it is a good idea to attend. Go there to learn about the bible and also learn various interpretations. Do not go there to evangelize or defend differences. There is strength in numbers. If there are waaay more of them than there are of you, discretion is the word.
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Angels_Heart
Guest
Why would you want to attend a protestant one ? Are you going to convert ?Find a catholic ,I am going to .
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estesbob
Guest
Why would a Catholic want to learn false interpretationsof scripture?
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RandDguy
Guest
QC … are you questioning “Mary as our model”? As Catholics, we absolutely believe this. This is precisely the kind of thing that could lead a Catholic to hold something not to be true which definitely is. This is the kind of error a Catholic could fall into by attending a Protestant Bible study.
I would also say that a Catholic should bring their Catholic Bible to the study group should they attend. To get a very clear understanding of the differences and why they are important, just following this link …
cathtruth.com/catholicbible/cathprot.htm - Catholic vs Protestant Bibles
As this article points out, there is an abundance of historical evidence of the use of these books of the Old Testament from the beginning of The Church and throughout history that Protestants have simply discarded because they conflict with their own beliefs (i.e. purgatory).
Then there is the question of the proper translations …
catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?id=4300&CFID=27241081&CFTOKEN=49550833
It’s difficult enough to follow Jesus in the Fullness of Truth within the Catholic Church. I think attending a Protestant Bible study group makes it even more difficult.
The critical reason for this is that only one who knows The Truth and then follows The Truth without compromise through a life of heroic Virtue, is capable of becoming a saint. This is what all of us should being striving for. The one “Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church” produces saints. Simply look at the life of Padre Pio. He became such a great Saint because of the above. It is simply not possible within the ecclesiastical assemblies (non-Catholic Christian communities).
With that said, we have many Protestant Christian brothers and sisters who like good Samaritans live much better lives that we do. So we certainly should approach any Protestant who really loves Jesus and who is not antagonistic towards Catholics with the greatest respect.
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BlackJack774
Guest
IMO I would say it isn’t a sin! But be prepared, as a friend of mine told me, “If they come at you with the kitchen sank, trying to get you ‘SAVED’ out of the Catholic Church.” Learn and know your faith. And if you don’t know an answer to a question that may come up about our faith. Simply say you don’t know, and get back to them when you find the answer.
I am converting to Catholicism, know and believe this. The Catholic Church/Faith is the fullness of the Faith. 1 Timothy 3:15 says, …the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
You already have the truth on your side. No need to worry. The very scriptures, 27 books of the new testament, that you will be discussing at your bible study were cannoned by the Catholic Church! The Church decided what was inspired scripture and what wasn’t.
Good Luck and God bless!
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RandDguy
Guest
cathtruth.com/catholicbible/index.htm
This link sheds some light on the important differences of the various Bibles. It is very well written and worth reading. When one is studying the Bible, which Bible is being used is also important.
Here is another important consideration for Catholics. If you can’t find a good Catholic Bible study group, you probably can find a Catholic Church in your area where you can attend Mass each day. This is FARRRRRR more important. Remember, no where in the Bible does it say that the Bible is necessary for salvation. Jesus commanded the Apostles to “Teach and Preach” not read or write. So if as a Catholic you go to Mass each day, you will hear readings from the Old and New Testament and a reflection from a Priest who is authorized to explain the readings. More importantly if you are in a state of grace you can receive the Living Jesus in his Body, Blood, Soul & Divinity!
This link sheds some light on the important differences of the various Bibles. It is very well written and worth reading. When one is studying the Bible, which Bible is being used is also important.
Here is another important consideration for Catholics. If you can’t find a good Catholic Bible study group, you probably can find a Catholic Church in your area where you can attend Mass each day. This is FARRRRRR more important. Remember, no where in the Bible does it say that the Bible is necessary for salvation. Jesus commanded the Apostles to “Teach and Preach” not read or write. So if as a Catholic you go to Mass each day, you will hear readings from the Old and New Testament and a reflection from a Priest who is authorized to explain the readings. More importantly if you are in a state of grace you can receive the Living Jesus in his Body, Blood, Soul & Divinity!
K
KEVIN_WILCOX
Guest
Is it right to attend a Protestant Bible study class?
Too broad, too general a question. Attending a Protestant Bible study class depends on a lot of things - subject, content, who is attending, who is conducting it, how open is it to considering diversification of interpretation, etc.
Is it a learning opportunity or a recruitment drive for converts?
I’ve been to Catholic Bible study groups where theology has been suspect. Sometimes it’s not simply a matter of “them and us.”
Too broad, too general a question. Attending a Protestant Bible study class depends on a lot of things - subject, content, who is attending, who is conducting it, how open is it to considering diversification of interpretation, etc.
Is it a learning opportunity or a recruitment drive for converts?
I’ve been to Catholic Bible study groups where theology has been suspect. Sometimes it’s not simply a matter of “them and us.”
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