Scripture Study

[Augustine]

Although I think it’s important to know the Scriptures, I’m often put off by such study groups. A new Scriptures study group started in our parish last week, but I was left with the same impression I had about similar attempts elsewhere.

Often, the approach is perhaps too scholarly, in the sense that making sure about the origins and history of the making of the Gospels pass muster. These things may be important to those getting their MA in Theology, but not to lay people seeking to get closer to Jesus.

Another problem I see often is the attempt to try to shape the world after the Gospels through institutions or government agencies. Of course the world is to be shaped after them, but the individual persons are often forgot in the process. Worse yet, people are not called to shape themselves after the Gospels. Practically nothing is said about prayer life, devotions or deeper participation in the sacraments.

I find more insight in the Gospels through the lives of Saints and papal writings. In such readings I find disciples of Jesus teaching how to live as He intends us to.

I know the Gospels fairly well, yet I fail to grasp their breadth and depth, nothing more than scratching the surface. More than knowing the Gospels, I wish I’d be blessed with living them.

Is it only me? Why is it so? Is there a kind of group which I could be fed, like a 3rd order?

 

[Absalom]

I can’t really point you to any particular group, although I sympathize - I, too, am generally dissatisfied with scripture study groups. I actually* like* the scholarly study of scripture, but I also love to hear someone who blends scholarship with life-application and spirituality. I highly reccommend you check out Fr. Benedict Groeschel’s *Growing In Christ and Praying With The Parables. *These are two sets of conferences that Groeschel did on Paul’s letters and Jesus’ parables. They’re very good. He is, by far, the best preacher I’ve ever heard, bar none. Like I said, I like the way he blends scholarship (just so we can have the scriptures in context) and spiritual application. Just a thought.