Neophyte in need of help

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sacrilegebuster

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I have read the NT and some of the OT. I am wondering if I should read the entire OT first or the Catechism of the Catholic Church first.

Please advise
 
I wouldn’t read the OT without a good commentary and background info. There’s a lot there that we need to understand before just diving in. The ancient Hebrews didn’t write like modern historians.

I recommend anything by Scott Hahn, especially A Father Who Keeps His Promises.

Walking with God by Tim Gray and Jeff Cavins is excellent also.

Both present the big picture of salvation with a lot of helpful background. They shed much light on the OT and its continuity with the NT.

The CCC I would read in short sections–a few pages every day.

I hope that helps.

God Bless
 
I’d recommend the OT, but the ideal would be to get a Catholic Bible study or some kind of supplemental help.
 
emisher said:
I wouldn’t read the OT without a good commentary and background info. There’s a lot there that we need to understand before just diving in. The ancient Hebrews didn’t write like modern historians.
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I agree, and would recommend reading ‘Introduction to the Old Testament’ by OT scholar, Anthony R. Ceresko. It also helps if you have some knowledge in ancient civilizations.
 
Why not both? Devote some time to reading Scripture and read a few paragraphs or a chapter of the Catechism. Are you reading the OT for the first time? Don’t try to hurry. It might be more helpful to read just a chapter or two and let it soak in rather than read straight through. When you become familiar with where certain passages are, you might feel lead to make connections and comparisons with other passages, and you’ll know where to go when you’d like a little more context on something; it can be a fascinating adventure.
 
Thank You all for yourvreplies. They were helpful. Is the haydock commentary a good one?
 
I’ve heard recommended the Navarre Bible, from the University of Navarre, in Spain. It is the Catholic RSV, with extensive commentary and explanation from church documents, early church fathers, among others.
 
BiffRuffle said:
I’ve heard recommended the Navarre Bible, from the University of Navarre, in Spain. It is the Catholic RSV, with extensive commentary and explanation from church documents, early church fathers, among others.
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I am a high school senior and my parents happen to be hindus, so spending 300-400 dollars on a bible commentary is simply out of the question. Is there an e-book version that is not abridged in any way? Also could people recommend other comprehensive old testament commentaries in english that can be obtained fairly easily? The haydock is a great start but I feel I will need more.
 
sacrilegebuster said:
I am a high school senior and my parents happen to be hindus, so spending 300-400 dollars on a bible commentary is simply out of the question. Is there an e-book version that is not abridged in any way? Also could people recommend other comprehensive old testament commentaries in english that can be obtained fairly easily? The haydock is a great start but I feel I will need more.
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Usually the library of a Catholic university or seminary will have commentaries, as well as tons of books.
 
janeway529 said:
Usually the library of a Catholic university or seminary will have commentaries, as well as tons of books.
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Even the public library will be able to get in most books, either from other branches or through inter-library loan. You might also look at a local university library (if there is one.) They usually have a lot of academic books that the public one can’t get - plus, you don’t need to be a student just to read in the library!
 
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