Should Catholics Join "Non-Denominational" Bible Studies?

[Gene_C]

Should someone join a non-denominational Bible study? If you know the Bible, and Catholic dogma, and can defend the faith, jump right in. I have.

Peace,
Gene

 

[Writer]

I am aware of only translation differences between our New Testaments. The most significant differences, of course, are found in the Old Testament. The Protestants will likely call likely refer to our “extra” books as the Apocrypha. Catholics are more likely to use the term deuterocanonical. If the Catholic is skilled in the Old Testament, I don’t see the problem. Steve Ray’s concern was primarily Catholics who don’t have a deep understanding of their own faith. We both hope that many more Catholics will be equiped in coming years to politely debate this issues with our separated bretheren.

 

[Writer]

Are the willing to include all the books of the Bible. Or do they use the abridged form only?

Most will exclude some of the books as not being part of the Bible.

The Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra , Nehemiah, Tobit, Judith, Esther, 1 and 2 Maccabees, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, the Song of Songs, the Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Baruch, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zachariah (Zechariah), and Malachi.

The New Testament: the Gospels according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the Acts of the Apostles, the letters of St. Paul to the Romans 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, the Letter to the Hebrews, the Letters of James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, Jude, and Revelations.

I am aware of only translation differences between our New Testaments. The most significant differences, of course, are found in the Old Testament. The Protestants will likely call likely refer to our “extra” books as the Apocrypha. Catholics are more likely to use the term deuterocanonical. If the Catholic is skilled in the Old Testament, I don’t see the problem. Steve Ray’s concern was primarily Catholics who don’t have a deep understanding of their own faith. We both hope that many more Catholics will be equiped in coming years to politely debate this issues with our separated bretheren.

 

[runandsew]

Dr. Stanley is a wonderful speaker, and seems to be a godly man. There are alot of Protestant preachers out there that are dynamic speakers, and great speakers can be very inspiring and uplifting. And I must say that the Catholic Church could put some more emphasis upon the art of speaking/preaching. But I was thinking about this aspect of our Catholic Faith this week. And I believe that one thing that seems to hinder us as American Catholics is this, that we feel that we have to be entertained. It is because entertainment has such an influence in our culture and daily lives(music, TV, etc etc). That is why you see so many Protestant churches that are catering to people and turning a place of worship into a place of entertainment. It seems that the American church goer wants Jesus presented to them in a way that entertains them.

But we as Catholics do have dynamic speakers available to us. I myself prefer to listen to only Catholic preaching. But if I do find myself listneing to a Protestant minister for whatever reason, I see it for what it is. Just as I listen to a Protestant defend unborn babies, I will agree with them and stand beside them on what we agree with, but that is it. But as for their preaching goes, they fall short of the fullness of the Christian Faith on the basis of doctrine, and I can only receive that in the one Apostolic Church. If they deny the Eucharist, then they have only so much they can offer me.

The Gospel according to Chuck
I recently was listening to Chuck Swindoll on the radio, (a prostestant minister), he was talking about the last supper, and here is what Mr. Swindoll said - “Jesus took the bread and said this represents my body, then He took the juice and said this represents my blood.”
Now I know what the Bible says , and this isn’t it, But I wonder how many people who have never read the Bible before and hearing this for the first time ever will always believe that this is what Jesus said, and then when confronted with a Catholic speaking of the Real Presence of the eucharist will think that it is unbiblical because that is not what the Bible teaches, after all he listened to Chuck Swindoll?
I did send Mr. Swindoll an email very politely asking him not to put words in my Savior’s mouth that he never said, but I never got a reply back.

 

[Writer]

The Gospel according to Chuck
I recently was listening to Chuck Swindoll on the radio, (a prostestant minister), he was talking about the last supper, and here is what Mr. Swindoll said - “Jesus took the bread and said this represents my body, then He took the juice and said this represents my blood.”
Now I know what the Bible says , and this isn’t it, But I wonder how many people who have never read the Bible before and hearing this for the first time ever will always believe that this is what Jesus said, and then when confronted with a Catholic speaking of the Real Presence of the eucharist will think that it is unbiblical because that is not what the Bible teaches, after all he listened to Chuck Swindoll?
I did send Mr. Swindoll an email very politely asking him not to put words in my Savior’s mouth that he never said, but I never got a reply back.

I was very disappointed to learn a couple of years ago that Mr. Swindoll is strongly anti-Catholic. I think I was actually given some sermons of his on tape when I was a teenager. He’s a got a gift for speaking, but unfortunately his gift is often mis-used to attack our Church. I also sent a letter, but only his secretary (or someone similar) ever sent a general response that it was delivered to Mr. Swindoll. He’s bright enough to know better; he will have to account for himself someday.

 

[Dr_M]

Catholics should Join NDBS if and only if their faith is strong, and they’re ready to back up what they know.

However, I believe studying Scripture with the 2000 year reflection, (aka the Catechism )

 

[janechantal]

You are right, although I don’t find him altogether entertaining, per se…but his message is typically uplifting, and relative for modern day life. I typically listen to Relevant Radio on my way into work in the mornings, but there are times when they are chatting about a particular topic that has absolutely no relevance (or interes) in my life…not that it is unpleasant or difficult to listen to, but Charles Stanley’s message comes on at the same time, and if the topic on RR is really something I’m not personally struggling with…or it’s a call in show about Mexican immigrants, which frankly I can hear on any secular talk show…then I’ll tune in Dr Stanley…does that make sense? It’s not for him personally, but his message is typically positive, and not doctrinal at all…

The other day was actually disappointing on RR…not sure if anyone heard this show (Drew Mariani)…but he had a guest on who was a specialist on wine? I mean…is this Catholic? How is this relevant to anything in the Catholic world…talking about wines and champagnes…I thought…I could buy a wine magazine and get this. It was disappointing. Certainly there can’t be a shortage of Catholic topics relevant to modern day life out there???

Thanks for your post to me, copland, by the way.

I am wondering exactly why you don’t mention any Catholic speakers? Surely you can find a Catholic station to listen to and grow in your faith walk some more? EWTN is available in some states, maybe yours? Our Church has so much richness to give to you…go that way if you can.

 

[FPerito]

First, none of us has the strength to battle the Devil head on, in hand to hand combat. Our best and really our only strategy has to be to flee the Devil and resist temptations. (Not the other way around!)

Avoiding the near occasion of heresy is probably just as important to maintain the strength of our faith as avoiding the near occasion of sin is, to maintaining the strength of our moral life.

I beg to differ with this one…with God on our side and the knowledge of truth, we could take on the Devil head on…read Eph 6:10-17 that says:

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

IMHO, there really is no harm in attending these so-called non-denominational bible studies, although we all know that they were really anti-catholic groups that are masquerading as non-denominational, as long as we know the truth about our church and its doctrines…I myself used to attend these types of groups and they were very helpful in my spiritual enlightenment…

God bless!

 

[janechantal]

I beg to differ with this one…with God on our side and the knowledge of truth, we could take on the Devil head on…read Eph 6:10-17 that says:

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

IMHO, there really is no harm in attending these so-called non-denominational bible studies, although we all know that they were really anti-catholic groups that are masquerading as non-denominational, as long as we know the truth about our church and its doctrines…I myself used to attend these types of groups and they were very helpful in my spiritual enlightenment…

God bless!

You are fortuante that God has blessed you with the knowledge that is necessary for non-Catholic study of the bible. Many of the folks that attend such studies find themselves trying to do their Apologetics at almost every study class. If one is good at answering questions about their Catholic faith walk, then go ahead to a nonCatholic study but I suggest you be prepared not just in the study for the day but also the many other things that occur that test your knowledge.

 

[jmcrae]

Father Iannuzzi (who is an exorcist in his own right) says that, unless you are actually a well-trained exorcist lawfully exercising this charism under the authority of a good Bishop, you should not go out of your way to do battle with the Devil - in most cases, it is only an invitation to trouble - the kind of trouble that only a real exorcist can get you out of.

If you encounter the Devil in your daily walk, you will be given the grace to defeat Him, but it’s not a good idea to go someplace that you wouldn’t normally go (such as a non-Catholic Bible study), simply for the purpose of “taking him on.”

 

[janechantal]

A wonderful answer and really welcome so that we can answer this question to others who ask outside of this forum. Thanks to Fr. for this advice.

 

[FPerito]

Father Iannuzzi (who is an exorcist in his own right) says that, unless you are actually a well-trained exorcist lawfully exercising this charism under the authority of a good Bishop, you should not go out of your way to do battle with the Devil - in most cases, it is only an invitation to trouble - the kind of trouble that only a real exorcist can get you out of.

If you encounter the Devil in your daily walk, you will be given the grace to defeat Him, but it’s not a good idea to go someplace that you wouldn’t normally go (such as a non-Catholic Bible study), simply for the purpose of “taking him on.”

exorcism is different from attending a non-denominational bible study…they are of different levels and this we should understand…in a way, by attending non-denominational bible study groups, if you could do your apologetics in a clear and concise manner, could help in spreading the teachings of the one true church…our church…

 

[jmcrae]

exorcism is different from attending a non-denominational bible study…they are of different levels and this we should understand…in a way, by attending non-denominational bible study groups, if you could do your apologetics in a clear and concise manner, could help in spreading the teachings of the one true church…our church…

I don’t think it’s a good idea to go into someone else’s church for the purpose of evangelizing them. We wouldn’t like it if they did that to us, would we?

If they come to us, that’s a different story, of course.

 

[FPerito]

I don’t think it’s a good idea to go into someone else’s church for the purpose of evangelizing them. We wouldn’t like it if they did that to us, would we?

If they come to us, that’s a different story, of course.

actually, coming there to participate in the discussion is some sort of evangelization for our church…since they are presenting it as non-denominational, ideas being expressed by anyone from any other religios denominations shouldn’t be supressed nor refrained…unless if they would tell right before hand that catholic ideals are not to be shared with the group…

 

[jmcrae]

actually, coming there to participate in the discussion is some sort of evangelization for our church…since they are presenting it as non-denominational, ideas being expressed by anyone from any other religios denominations shouldn’t be supressed nor refrained…unless if they would tell right before hand that catholic ideals are not to be shared with the group…

'Non-denominational" is not the same thing as “interdenominational” - non-denoms don’t accept Lutheran or Presbyterian ideas, either.

Non-denominationalism is an actual religion, with its own creed and precepts, although they don’t like to admit that - but it is, in fact, a different religion. You wouldn’t wander into a synagogue and start preaching; you shouldn’t go there, either.

 

[Anneg]

I just noticed this thread. I’ve been in a neighborhood Bible study group for 2 years. Started out as a group from one of those evangelical, informal churches, but broke away and now is mixed. Interesting group,. I have a better background than most of the other members and am willing to do some study and research apart. I even taught the class we did on Mary, which was very interesting. I have learned a lot about my faith and defending it. It has been really good for me and I would recommend it if you are sure about your faith.
Sometimes you have to look at everything because there are lots of challenges.
It is interesting to be able to teach this group of very protestant women, including 3 former Catholics, basic Catholic doctrine and theology and have them accept it. Christ is risen and God is good! Anneg

 

[Marc_Aupiais]

Instead of beginning a new thread…my question touches on something similar. I enjoy listening to the preachings of Dr Charles Stanley…anyone heard of him? I believe he is Baptist. He never defames Catholics (I wouldn’t listen to him if he did, then…lol) so, is it ‘ok’ to enjoy listening to Protestant preachers instead of always listening to priests? If I have the choice, I will always tend to turn to the priests’ ‘speeches,’ but I’m speaking moreso if you are flipping the radio station, and prefer the topic that the Protestant preacher is talking about? Just curious…thanks in advance for your answer.

He helped me lose my faith, in listening on crosswalk (run by campus crusade from (accident, just edited, “Campus crusade “for” Christ”(Catholic Answers says some stuff bout them in link)) Christ), and if I remember correctly, he has attacked purgatory, and other sound scriptural concepts.

I was tricked by baptists before, by their lying to me, and Stanly’s work, put ideas into my mind, which caused me great harm.

I would advise any catholic to avoid baptist preachers- from experience, they or other Calvinistic groups, which are aiming at teaching people. I stopped especially, when God began to attack my ability to read the bible. Of note is the experience of saint Paul and the demon possessed lady, which said that they preached a , a, not the way to salvation (Acts 16 verse 17). It is easy to slip into heresy, or sin, when listening to sources outside the church. I advise a subscription to Zenit, or get google reader, and subscribe to st.blogs blogs such as those mentioned positively here sites.google.com/site/catholicaffiliates/the-affiliate-review/stblogs

in any case, rather catholic then organisations, such as Crosswalk, which recently did restructuring, firing a third of there staff, and who are for profit, not against it.

 

[mangy_dog]

Fidelis,

As long as the Catholic knows his Catholic doctrine–both the “what” and the “why”–I see nothing wrong with his joining a “non-denominational” Bible study. One would hope also that the inter-personal dynamics of the study would allow tolerance of each other’s beliefs; if they don’t, then probably the Catholic has no business being there.

• LIberian

Why submit oneself to that kind of pseudo-passive, potentially aggravating confrontation???

Anything I don’t understand about scripture - I am going to a catholic source and not an “ecumenical” or “non-denominational” hodge podge of “bible gurus”.

For starters they’re probably using an incomplete bible with only 66 books or whatever…less than 73.

1. They wouldn’t touch on the real mysteries of our catholic faith such as the real presence, apostolic succession, Papal and priestly etc etc.

C) Don’t even get me started on “C”…

Anyway the simple answer to the thread question…drum roll please…No.

Buenos nachos.