Should the average layman study modern biblical scholarship?

[Epistemes]

In your opinion, should the average layman study modern biblical scholarship? By “modern biblical scholarship,” I am referring to authors ranging from as liberal as Rudolph Bultmann to conservatives like F.F. Bruce. Scholarship should not be selective but study all materials available, in my opinion.

If you think so, why? What does the layman stand to gain by studying the problems which these scholars and authors face?

If not, then what do laymen stand to lose?

 

[puzzleannie]

IMO the average Catholic lay person barely finds time to pray each day, let alone to read scripture, so their first priority should be establishing regular time to pray with the scripture. An orthodox bible study under good leadership could be a valuable next step, but no it is not neccesary for the average lay person to undertake formal academic bible study in order to carry out the demands of Christian life. I think spending any time with authors or theologians who do not hand on authentic Catholic teaching is an unwarranted waste of time in in some people could actually be dangerous.

 

[porthos11]

No, this line of study is not for the average Catholic. We should concentrate on getting them to read the Bible in whatever translation they prefer, even the Good News Bible if that helps any.

Bultmann is very dangerous to the faith, and only the strongest and most faithful Catholic scholars should study him and the likes of him, and only for the purpose of debunking him.

 

[tobinatorstark]

IMO the average Catholic lay person barely finds time to pray each day, let alone to read scripture, so their first priority should be establishing regular time to pray with the scripture.
porthos11;4081758:

No, this line of study is not for the average Catholic. We should concentrate on getting them to read the Bible in whatever translation they prefer, even the Good News Bible if that helps any.

Bultmann is very dangerous to the faith, and only the strongest and most faithful Catholic scholars should study him and the likes of him, and only for the purpose of debunking him.

I agree that with puzzeleannie and porthos11 This day in age it is so hard to find Catholic’s that finds time to pray and read scripture. As Catholics we should concentrate on getting them to read the Bible and pray every day. It took me almost 25 years to start reading the Bible and praying on a daily basis. But I do think that if a person is truly filled with the Holy Spirit there is no telling how much one could study biblically.