Should I joing a non-denominational Bible Study Group?

[JRRTFAN]

I’m really interested in learning more about my faith and about the sacred scriptures, but my local church does not offer any classes. I’ve looked everywhere and nothing. A local “non-denominational” church offers many courses that teach about sacred scripture.

I’m Catholic, should I join these groups? I just bought a book written by Stephen Ray, “St. John’s Gospel” and he says that this book would be helpful for those Catholics attending non-denominational bible study groups.

Suggestions?

Absolutely not in my opinion. Go to CSSprograms.net and get some Catholics together and do one of those. Completely self contained and great material. Non-denmoninational is French for Baptistic and anti-Catholic. Trust me, my wife and family are in that camp and there is more than a little anti-Catholicism there

 

[jmcrae]

so did the translaters get it wrong??

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the …

1 John 2:27 As for you, the anointing you received from him …
/1_john/2-27.htm
Bible Hub
But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need …

. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is … And if The Anointing will remain with you which you have received from him, … revelation and doctrine, for the whole Gospel was come by Jesus Christ, and

“You” here is the Apostles; not Joe or Jane Average.

The Apostles were given the Holy Spirit in order to teach the Church (us) and it is the Church leaders who continue that tradition today.

Not everyone who claims to have the Holy Spirit necessarily does, but we know that the Catholic Church does.

 

[LPS]

The Holy Spirit gives us the gifts of wisdom and understanding, but we are not expected to read the Bible without the guidance of the Church - that’s what the Church is there for, and why the Holy Spirit empowered the Church at Pentecost.

The Holy Spirit doesn’t come to us to teach us what the Church is supposed to be teaching us, but rather, to give us the receptivity of mind and humility to be able to receive the teachings without disputing or doubting them.

I’m honestly not trying to be argumentative, but am asking an honest question. So am I missing a nuance in what you are saying, vs. what I am doing? Here is what I wrote: “Ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern what you are hearing and to guide you.”

Then my statement was quoted as “a good example of a Catholic swallowing a Protestant idea without even noticing it.”

Am I wrong?

 

[PeaceBeWithU]

I liked the idea of doing my own bible study group at my local parish, but before I do that, I need to study more.

Sounds like a good plan. There are tons of resources out there to help you learn virtually anything you want to know, and Catholic Answers is a great resource as well. I have learned a lot simply by reading the forums and articles here. Also, youtube has some great videos (Things like Archbishop Fulton J Sheen, clips from EWTN, and Fr. Casey’s videos on spiritual warfare) And there are literally thousands of pages dedicated to Saints, Angels, and Church teaching.

but with God’s help I know that I can do it.

All things are possible through Him. I wish you the best.

 

[MarianCatholic]

Personally I would stay clear of any biblestudies that aren’t catholic as one may easily swallow some of the heresy that the different directions of Protestantism contains.
Also keep in mind that if you we’re to attend a biblestudy group at their church you are the visitor so to say and you will be outnumbered and always contain the “wrong” perception in their eyes if you disagree with their views.

Catholic bible study or nothing is my advice

Yours in Jesus and Mary
-MarianCatholic

 

[Auntie_A]

I agree with staying away from a non-Catholic bible study unless you are VERY well-versed in your faith. There is way too much room for confusion and error, however well-intentioned.

The Jeff Cavins Bible Study called The Great Adventure is on DVD and we had small study groups at our church where we followed the workbook and then watched the DVD. It was incredibly good how the materials were assembled and utilized for a deeper understanding of the holy books of the Bible. Each study group of about eight people had a leader or moderator, one group led by a priest, one a deacon, one a catechism teacher, one a scholar.
I’m not sure how qualified or educated a group leader should be; I would imagine that someone fair and able to manage time and personalities would be sufficient towards keeping on topic and on time.

Good luck in your pursuit.

 

[Joe_5859]

Thanks for all the commentaries. I think it’s best for me to stay away from this “non-denominational” bible studies that will probably confuse me. I liked the idea of doing my own bible study group at my local parish, but before I do that, I need to study more.

I bought the Navarre Bible and that has a lot of good commentary and I also found a very good website that has audio commentary on all four gospels:

franciscansisters.net/index_files/scripturestudy.htm

My problem is that I’m not very good at explaining myself. I understand some of the things that I read but when it comes time to explaining them, then I get into trouble. I’m kind of like Moses, but with God’s help I know that I can do it.

The Navarre is a good commentary to use.

The reason I recommended The Great Adventure Bible Timeline is that it is a DVD-based study that does not require the facilitator to necessarily be adept at explaining everything him or herself. Everyone watches the video together with Jeff Cavins (the “expert”) doing the heavy-lifting when it comes to explaining things. Then there are study questions for the group to discuss together after the video portion. I know many parishes have used that to great effect.

I just throw that suggestion out there so that you don’t feel like you have to get to expert level yourself before starting a group. Of course, it is always wise to avoid situations of a parish group with the blind leading the blind. But with the right resources, and with regular contact with the pastor, you can have a good parish group study where everyone is learning together.

 

[Joe_5859]

I’m honestly not trying to be argumentative, but am asking an honest question. So am I missing a nuance in what you are saying, vs. what I am doing? Here is what I wrote: “Ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern what you are hearing and to guide you.”

Then my statement was quoted as “a good example of a Catholic swallowing a Protestant idea without even noticing it.”

Am I wrong?

I do not think that you were wrong in what you said. We are all called to read Scripture in the same Spirit in which it was written (i.e. the inspiration of the Holy Spirit).

The Pontifical Biblical Commission’s document Interpretation of the Bible in the Church acknowledges that “all the members of the church have a role in the interpretation of Scripture.” They further say that:

The Spirit is, assuredly, also given to individual Christians, so that their hearts can “burn within them” (Lk. 24:32) as they pray and prayerfully study the Scripture within the context of their own personal lives. This is why the Second Vatican Council insisted that access to Scripture be facilitated in every possible way (Dei Verbum, 22; 25).

I think the concern the others are trying to convey is the very next line from the PBC document:

This kind of reading, it should be noted, is never completely private, for the believer always reads and interprets Scripture within the faith of the church and then brings back to the community the fruit of that reading for the enrichment of the common faith.

So I think you are both correct. The Spirit obviously is not absent from the non-ordained as we read Scripture. That is not the Catholic view at all. We can and are guided by the Holy Spirit when we read Scripture. But that guidance is always connected to the Church.

 

[theoneyou]

“You” here is the Apostles; not Joe or Jane Average.

thanks – if this is indeed – catholic doctrune-- that the Holy Spirit does not give personal direction-- and revelation to individuals–

this explains why catholics leave this denominational – to go to a non- catholic church – where they can be baptised – and born again in the Holy Spirit-- and function in the 9 + many gifts or talents of the Holy Spirit–

thanks for the info–

Originally Posted by rubbberneck View Post

so did the translators get it wrong??

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the …

1 John 2:27 As for you, the anointing you received from him …
/1_john/2-27.htm
Bible Hub
But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need …

. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is … And if The Anointing will remain with you which you have received from him, … revelation and doctrine, for the whole Gospel was come by Jesus Christ, and

“You” here is the Apostles; not Joe or Jane Average.

The Apostles were given the Holy Spirit in order to teach the Church (us) and it is the Church leaders who continue that tradition today.

Not everyone who claims to have the Holy Spirit necessarily does,

but we know that the Catholic Church does. (HUH) ??

 

[SyroMalankara]

The Holy Spirit’s gifts are not the same for everyone. The Church as a Community, in communion with bishops/Pope, has the role of interpretation. Laypersons have the gift of understanding, some consolation, others mercy, others feeding the poor. No where does the Bible say the individual has the Holy Spirit the same as the Church or even that the Spirit’s gifts are the same for all.

The individual could have the gift of interpretation, the way to see if it’s truly from the Holy Spirit is to compare it with the teaching of the Church. If it is the same, then the gift is from the Spirit; if it contradicts, it is obviously from another spirit.

For example, see the interpretation presented from the new poster above: it contradicts Divine Revelation publicly known. We know he does not speak prophetically nor with the Spirit of Truth.

 

[msammiem]

I don’t think it’s a good idea for a Catholic to participate in studies or services other than those of the Catholic faith. Most protestant denominations have teachings that are very different than what we learn as Catholics. I do hope you are able to find a Catholic study group.

 

[jmcrae]

Not everyone who claims to have the Holy Spirit necessarily does,

but we know that the Catholic Church does. (HUH) ??

Acts 2. The Church that St. Peter headed was given the Holy Spirit - today, that same church is known as the Catholic Church.

 

[pray2mary]

The Holy Spirit’s gifts are not the same for everyone. The Church as a Community, in communion with bishops/Pope, has the role of interpretation. Laypersons have the gift of understanding, some consolation, others mercy, others feeding the poor.
No where does the Bible say the individual has the Holy Spirit the same as the Church or even that the Spirit’s gifts are the same for all.

thanks – your response is a good example o the differences – from one religious setting – to another-- where – in the catholic charismatic - circles-- personal revelation is accepted –

but as a general rule-- catholics do not decern the spiritual realm - as it is only for the leadership-- or as the apostles-- as one poster indicated–

Originally Posted by PietroPaolo View Post
The Holy Spirit guides the Church to understand the Scriptures, not individual believers.

which idea is at the heart of sola fide which Luther invented to justify his revolt).

jmcrae
Forum Elder
“You” here is the Apostles; not Joe or Jane Average.

The Apostles were given the Holy Spirit in order to teach the Church (us) and it is the Church leaders who continue that tradition today.

Not everyone who claims to have the Holy Spirit necessarily does, but we know that the Catholic Church does.

as i have been around sence the 1960-- with the “life in the Spirit” classes-

it is reveling top see how this understanding of the scripture operate and how to function in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit – as Saint Paul describes them in scripture-- and to find a community that supports the Gifts of the Holy Spirit – as saint paul sain in 1 cor 12-- /14-
prophecy is 4 edicatification exhortation and confort-- and do not for bid propchecy

but it does explain – why-

 

[mercygate]

I strongly affirm what others have said. Don’t do this unless you are strong in understanding your faith. Get hold of Dave Armstrong’s book, A Biblical Defense of Catholicism. Keep in mind that whenever someone says stuff like sacraments or Purgatory isn’t in the Bible that you need to find out the real story. For example, I was aware of three or four Scripture passages about Purgatory but recently discovered that there are more than two dozen.

Ain’t nobody but nobody deeper in Scripture than the Catholic Church. So if challenges arise, go to your go-to people: Jeff Cavins, Dave Armstrong, Scott Hahn, Steve Ray, Marcus Grodi. There are many others as well. Trouble is, too many of us have been estranged from the Bible; a couple of generations were discouraged from reading it at all (by local clergy and teachers, not by the official Church).

Also, find out if this group is a “study” or a “sharing.” In my parish, the Bible study was really a reflection session. People were sensitive to whatever the reading of the day was, but it was certainly NOT a “study.” But for a lot of Catholics, just opening the book is a new experience, so that’s where they have to be. A real study would be crushing.

That said, I used Jeff Cavin’s Catholic Bible Time Line material for a Scripture study in my home. We had a dozen people and it was WONDERFUL!

 

[juliamajor]

As someone who teaches Catholic Bible Study I would say ABSOLUTELY DO NOT GO TO
a non-catholic ( That is what a "non denominational " means) Bible study. They usually NIV or KJV of scripture . The NIV is totally unacceptable for Catholics-translated by evangelicals for evangelicals and is skewed to that theology. If you use a Catholic Bible you’d be in for a battle for sure.
If you are surrounded by folks whose theology is markedly different than yours, you are bound to pick up that theology albeit unconsciously .
I had a student once who had gone to an evangelical bible study. She came to my class believing in the Rapture and was an ardent reader of the "Left Behind " books. Her first question is why Catholics wouldn’t be “raptured”.
She didn’t know any better- it wasn’t her fault.-But they did take advantage of her ignorance.
I state in my flyer that my Bible study is unashamedly Catholic. No Hidden agendas.

 

[ready]

I’m really interested in learning more about my faith and about the sacred scriptures, but my local church does not offer any classes. I’ve looked everywhere and nothing. A local “non-denominational” church offers many courses that teach about sacred scripture.

I’m Catholic, should I join these groups? I just bought a book written by Stephen Ray, “St. John’s Gospel” and he says that this book would be helpful for those Catholics attending non-denominational bible study groups.

Suggestions?

No, you most definitely should not attend a non-denominational Bible study. Your faith is most precious – don’t do anything to endanger it. God bless you.