What’s The Use Of Studying Deeper Into Scripture?

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Augustine3

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I’ve been studying the bible for about 10 years now. I’ve reached a point where I’m no longer interested to dig deeper into scripture or general knowledge of Catholicism for that matter. I think to myself “What’s the use? Your wife doesn’t like talking about religion neither do your friends, your kids are too young to understand deep theology, just retain the basics and live your Christian life to the best of your ability”.

I’m afraid if I don’t read scripture regularly, I will forget the deep insights I have learned over the years, yet I feel there’s no point in retaining the knowledge if I have no one to share it with.

Your feedback would be very valuable to me…
 
I and some acquaintances studied the Bible on and off for a time with the assistance of a dictionary of biblical theology containing a wealth of Scripture references under each topic heading.

Personally I’m convinced it did us a power of good. We helped each other see the day-to-day relevance.

Even some CAF members say Christians shouldn’t have friends.
 
One, you have a soul to save too and it can be edifying for you to learn new things that can sustain your path for yourself and your family. Two, you could be planting seeds in your family that have yet to germinate. Three, there are others outside your family who could observe your ways which are sustained by your depth of Scripture. Four, Hebrews calls us to take on more mature drink following the simpler “milk”.For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need some one to teach you again the first principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food; for every one who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their faculties trained by practice to distinguish good from evil. Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, (Heb. 5:12 - 6:1):o
 
I feel the same way. I have no one to talk to about the things I’ve learned here and other places. If I do speak about something, I usually sound like I’m lecturing instead of discussing because the people involved either don’t understand or misconstrue the topic (Pope Francis’ statements are a treasure trove of this kind of misunderstanding). I still go my own way but it is often very lonely.
 
Doesn’t your parish (or one near you) have a Bible study or other adult faith formation programs where you could meet like-minded Catholics to share insights and encouragement?
 
Why don’t you all start up a group here.
allowing those, uneducated in these things,
to join in and ask you questions etc…
just a thought.
:tiphat:
 
Augustine3 said:
I’ve been studying the bible for about 10 years now. I’ve reached a point where I’m no longer interested to dig deeper into scripture or general knowledge of Catholicism for that matter. I think to myself “What’s the use? Your wife doesn’t like talking about religion neither do your friends, your kids are too young to understand deep theology, just retain the basics and live your Christian life to the best of your ability”.

I’m afraid if I don’t read scripture regularly, I will forget the deep insights I have learned over the years, yet I feel there’s no point in retaining the knowledge if I have no one to share it with.

Your feedback would be very valuable to me…
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I think that’s a common frustration of somebody that reads scripture and theology more seriously, but really, look at this way: suppose you did have your own little circle of people to chat with about scripture and theology. Would there then be a point to all of that knowledge? How would that little discussion circle be useful other than being a glorified social club? (Bible study groups can of course be wonderful, but only if they’re actually sanctifying your life, and this can be done in a small group or it can be done individually)

It’s the insights that we gain from deeper scripture reading, or spiritual reflection, or most of all prayer, that build our character, and our devotion, and our faith, hope, and love, which carry over into every role in our life: as a father or mother, a husband or wife, as a priest or religious, as a single man or woman, as a worker, as a friend, as a brother or sister, and so on and so forth. If it isn’t for that, then none of that spiritual reading is any good anyway. It would be, like St James said, “Looking at yourself in the mirror, and then forgetting what you look like”.
 
TK421 said:
I think that’s a common frustration of somebody that reads scripture and theology more seriously, but really, look at this way: suppose you did have your own little circle of people to chat with about scripture and theology. Would there then be a point to all of that knowledge? How would that little discussion circle be useful other than being a glorified social club? (Bible study groups can of course be wonderful, but only if they’re actually sanctifying your life, and this can be done in a small group or it can be done individually)

It’s the insights that we gain from deeper scripture reading, or spiritual reflection, or most of all prayer, that build our character, and our devotion, and our faith, hope, and love, which carry over into every role in our life: as a father or mother, a husband or wife, as a priest or religious, as a single man or woman, as a worker, as a friend, as a brother or sister, and so on and so forth. If it isn’t for that, then none of that spiritual reading is any good anyway. It would be, like St James said, “Looking at yourself in the mirror, and then forgetting what you look like”.
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Thank you I appreciate your post.

That’s another reason why I’m turned off studying scripture…I’m afraid my ego will get the better of me to win the applause of others. I even hesitate to post in this forum out of fear of pride. Perhaps I’m being too scrupulous, I don’t know.
 
Perhaps you are in need of nothing. All God’s riches are in His word. Everything you need for victory over the world, the flesh and the devil. The way to find God’s will. The way of healing, and prosperity to name a few. I am always in need of everything from God.
 
Augustine3 said:
I’ve been studying the bible for about 10 years now. I’ve reached a point where I’m no longer interested to dig deeper into scripture or general knowledge of Catholicism for that matter. I think to myself “What’s the use? Your wife doesn’t like talking about religion neither do your friends, your kids are too young to understand deep theology, just retain the basics and live your Christian life to the best of your ability”.

I’m afraid if I don’t read scripture regularly, I will forget the deep insights I have learned over the years, yet I feel there’s no point in retaining the knowledge if I have no one to share it with.

Your feedback would be very valuable to me…
Click to expand...
At the risk of using the word ‘round’ to describe a circle,
I like the simile of the grain found in Jn 12:24. It’s a perfect answer for your frustration.
Only when there is no longer any point, when actual death has occurred, can life begin. All that studying is not necessarily
growth of the seed or word in you, but is rather your preparation to let it grow and give you
life? Perhaps you are not meant to tend the field indefinitely, but to enjoy the legitimate fruits when they have grown here and now.
Keep strong and persevere until the end.
Till the end. It seems so impossible, but it is not.
 
Many people you don’t know could benefit from your insights. Maybe you should look into joining St. Paul’s Street Evangelization or start a local chapter if there isn’t one near you.
 
Augustine3 said:
Thank you I appreciate your post.

That’s another reason why I’m turned off studying scripture…I’m afraid my ego will get the better of me to win the applause of others. I even hesitate to post in this forum out of fear of pride. Perhaps I’m being too scrupulous, I don’t know.
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The Church needs theologians. Many might stand to benefit from what you can share.

It sounds like you are being a bit scrupulous. The very fact that you would abstain from posting for fear of pride, is a testament to your good-will. We can never see our intentions perfectly - as God sees them - but we can offer our acts to God, imperfect as they are, and ask Him to perfect them. Such an act of trust and humility will glorify God and bring you grace.

St. Jerome said of a holy man that he made his heart “a library for Christ.” Keep doing the same. Nothing that is done for God is worthless.

I used to study apologetics a lot! Now, I am more interested in mystical theology, spirituality and philosophy. I have forgotten a lot of the apologetic arguments, but they have strengthened my faith and given me a deeper thirst for Truth.
 
Augustine3 said:
Thank you I appreciate your post.

That’s another reason why I’m turned off studying scripture…I’m afraid my ego will get the better of me to win the applause of others. I even hesitate to post in this forum out of fear of pride. Perhaps I’m being too scrupulous, I don’t know.
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If you are worried about ego and pride, perhaps I can be of service.

You do NOT have it all figured out.

There. Feel better now? 😉

In your original post, you talk about the shortcomings of knowledge and deep theology. I think you’re on to something. Faith and love come first, and they are not intellectual endeavors. Your search for truth is a good thing, but it should always be in the service of your faith and your love.

God bless you!
 
Augustine3 said:
I’ve been studying the bible for about 10 years now. I’ve reached a point where I’m no longer interested to dig deeper into scripture or general knowledge of Catholicism for that matter. I think to myself “What’s the use? Your wife doesn’t like talking about religion neither do your friends, your kids are too young to understand deep theology, just retain the basics and live your Christian life to the best of your ability”.

I’m afraid if I don’t read scripture regularly, I will forget the deep insights I have learned over the years, yet I feel there’s no point in retaining the knowledge if I have no one to share it with.

Your feedback would be very valuable to me…
Click to expand...
My heart goes out to you - I am in a similar situation with my family and it creates a feeling of loneliness when you can’t share what’s most precious to you.

One thing I’ve done is create a blog. When I’m given a wonderful insight as I read scripture, I write about it. This allows me to sort out what I’m being shown and to “put it out there” in a way that I can come back to later.

I don’t advertise it nor have any followers, and that’s perfectly ok - I don’t do it for anyone else but I did leave it “public” so if someone stumbles across it they might find something useful.

If you’ve never blogged there is a bit of a learning curve to setting up your page, but I think you might find it to be a great blessing to you!

May God bless you - please don’t give up your studies because every insight the LORD gives to you is a wonderful gift for your soul. :hug3:
 
Augustine3 said:
I’m afraid if I don’t read scripture regularly, I will forget the deep insights I have learned over the years, yet I feel there’s no point in retaining the knowledge if I have no one to share it with.
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Then write. Sages who lived thousands of years ago are still sharing their wisdom with us through their writing.

In the meantime, might I suggest a reading of Providentissimus Deus, an encyclical letter concerning the study of Sacred Scripture by Pope Leo XIII? As well as perhaps beginning a study of the Fathers?
 
Michael19682 said:
All that studying is not necessarily growth of the seed or word in you, but is rather your preparation to let it grow and give you life? Perhaps you are not meant to tend the field indefinitely, but to enjoy the legitimate fruits when they have grown here and now.
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I was thinking of something similar. There comes a point in time in our spiritual lives where meditation runs its course. At such times, the worst thing we can do is force it. Meditation yields to contemplation … head time gives way to heart time.

Food for thought,
Dave 🙂
 
Augustine3 said:
I’ve been studying the bible for about 10 years now. I’ve reached a point where I’m no longer interested to dig deeper into scripture or general knowledge of Catholicism for that matter. I think to myself “What’s the use? Your wife doesn’t like talking about religion neither do your friends, your kids are too young to understand deep theology, just retain the basics and live your Christian life to the best of your ability”.

I’m afraid if I don’t read scripture regularly, I will forget the deep insights I have learned over the years, yet I feel there’s no point in retaining the knowledge if I have no one to share it with.

Your feedback would be very valuable to me…
Click to expand...
I let God to be in control. On different days, different passages (from memory) sink in and help make me more spiritual. I do not read that much of the Bible, but I listen inwardly. And yes, I too tend to forget, but I write down when I gain an deeper insight. But again, I’m a listener, not a doer or reader. I hope this helps!
 
Augustine3 said:
I’ve been studying the bible for about 10 years now. I’ve reached a point where I’m no longer interested to dig deeper into scripture or general knowledge of Catholicism for that matter. I think to myself “What’s the use? Your wife doesn’t like talking about religion neither do your friends, your kids are too young to understand deep theology, just retain the basics and live your Christian life to the best of your ability”.

I’m afraid if I don’t read scripture regularly, I will forget the deep insights I have learned over the years, yet I feel there’s no point in retaining the knowledge if I have no one to share it with.

Your feedback would be very valuable to me…
Click to expand...
I think it is a mistake to read as much as possible in the time you have so as to cover as much ground as you can. It is ok to read 2 lines in a half hour if those lines pour something into your heart and move you to start thinking and conversing with God. In that thinking and conversing, you will find lots of treasures which only He can open up to us.

And then too, there are other spiritual books we can read which use scripture which are also useful to us.
 
Originally Posted by Augustine3 View Post
I’ve been studying the bible for about 10 years now. I’ve reached a point where I’m no longer interested to dig deeper into scripture or general knowledge of Catholicism for that matter. I think to myself “What’s the use? Your wife doesn’t like talking about religion neither do your friends, your kids are too young to understand deep theology, just retain the basics and live your Christian life to the best of your ability”.
Click to expand...
I’m afraid if I don’t read scripture regularly, I will forget the deep insights I have learned over the years, yet I feel there’s no point in retaining the knowledge if I have no one to share it with.
Click to expand...
Your feedback would be very valuable to me…
Click to expand...
In order to love God we must know God. Since one cannot love without knowing the one whom one loves. There are two ways we can gain knowledge of God: 1) intellectually through study of the faith, the Catechism, meditation, lectio devina and reading the Scriptures etc. and 2) experientially through prayer, the Sacraments and Eucharist Adoration. One can never run out of things to learn for the Scriptures are an infinite wealth of wisdom -you might have simply hit a wall and need God’s grace to lift you over this. Maybe reading devotional spiritual texts might help, such as Venerable Luis Martinez ‘Worshiping a Hidden God: The Secrets of the Interior Life’ or Teresa of Avila ‘The Way of Perfection’. This might refresh your mind and inflame your heart in a manner you need right now acting as an oasis in your current arid desert state.

It’s hard when there’s no one to speak on the same topics -I’ve struggled with the same thing in the past. However study of Scripture and Theology ought to be carried out for God’s glory, and to grow deeper in relationship with God. There ought to be no other reason to study spiritual things, otherwise our study is carried out for our own sake and well being and not for God’s glory -and this can lead to pride. My advice, keep studying, keep praying daily, commit to a weekly Holy Hour of Adoration if it’s available nearby, and offer your anguish of having no one to share spiritual topics with to God as a sacrifice - this would please God and all you’d have to do is offer it to Him. “All things work together for the good, for those who love God” (Rom 8:28) - even this conundrum of yours.
 
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