What are the plus and minus for Catholics to attend a Protestant Bible study?

[Mannyfit75]

The question is stated, I have been invited to a Bible study that one of my co workers (in the military) would like me to attend. He said he wants to start one when he receives the material.

What are the plus and minus of going to one. I have heard that any Catholic interpretation is highly rejected in these Bible Study Group.

I am not sure if there is any truth in that, but I like to know if any Catholic here, who had attended one. Any Protestant are also welcome to discuss this.

 

[Deidre]

I’ve been attending weekly bible study with Protestants for over 4 years now.

It’s important to have a Catholic Bible and Catholic commentaries available, because on the surface many of their interpretations seem reasonable - until you understand the why the Church interprets things differently.

Everybody involved should go into the study with the same agenda. - to love each other and to learn from each other and to serve God. If it is their agenda to convert you or even your agenda to convert them, it won’t work. You’ll just end up arguing!

The Protestants in my group do not agree with Catholic teaching on every issue of course - nor do I agree with their teaching. We all respect the fact that each of us love God and are trying to please Him. We listen to each other and respect each other, we just don’t always agree with each other!

This group has been a blessing to me and to them. But it is largely due to the personalities involved. None of us feel like we have to convince somebody else that we’re right and they’re wrong. Many people are so passionate about their faith that they can’t stand for somebody else to have a different opinion. That type of personality won’t work in a mixed group.

It could be a good opportunity for you to evangelize if they’re open to Catholic views. I’ve learned that sometimes when I explain a Catholic position some of my Protestant friends will say “Oh, I never understood it that way before.” It’s like planting a seed.

Best of luck to you all!

God bless,
Deidre

 

[rciadan]

I think that a Non-Catholic bible study is a waste of time in the sense that you will most likely find one of two scenarios:

1. 
   *]You will get nothing out of it because vertually all the concepts, viewpoints, etc will be, not only not Catholic; but, even anti-Catholic. This will be so even if not intended. It is the “nature of the beast” pun intended.
   *]You will find yourself constantly fighting to have the Catholic understanding of the scriptures heard and understood by those who have no interest and find yourself frustrated and angry rather than edified by opening and discovering the written word.
   One problem with attending a Protestant study, church service, or anything like that is that you lend it credibility by being there. You are, in essence, implying that it is just as good as a Catholic study, or as good as Mass, etc. Have you never heard someone, while inviting you to their church or bible study, tell you.“So and so goes to it and He (or she) is Catholic too!”, or “We even have some Catholic who come to it!”. Maybe after you’ve attended for a while they will tell some one else that about you! Or worse yet: “Bill comes to our church and he used to be Catholic too!” Or "Billy Joe Bob has learned alot at our bible study. Now he completely understands the Rapture and knows that George Bush is the AntiChrist and as soon as he and the beast (pope Benedict) finish eating the flesh of all the innocent Baptists in the Vatican basement, Jesus will come for the seond time out of three and all “true believers” (You know, the ones who think just like us. The rest are damned!) will go straight to Heaven: even if we killed twenty people…as long as we said the sinners prayer before or after or while we were killing them! Alleuah, I just love studying the bible, the only word of God and the sole rule of faith!
   
   Sorry, could’nt stop myself…

 

[Flopfoot]

“Going to a bible study that is not Catholic is like going to Spain to learn how to speak German”
–Fr. Vincent Serpa of AAA

Protestant bible study for a Catholic is more than just a waste of time, in my experience, it is also a way to have yourself driven insane.

 

[Cat]

I think it depends on the people and the kind of Bible study.

In the book, The Hiding Place, Corrie Ten Boom describes the Bible studies that they had in Ravensbruck concentration camp. She talks about Protestants (all varieties), Catholics, and Orthodox all coming together around God’s Word.

I think that in a situation where death is a hourly reality, perhaps a mixed Bible study would work. You are in the military, which I assume places you closer to death and heaven than most of us are.

What Corrie describes is really neat–they basically just read the Bible and then prayed. It doesn’t sound like there was a lot of teaching or exigesis. They just let God speak to them through His Word.

If this is the kind of Bible study that is happening, I think it would be good for you to gather with all the others who follow Christ and join your prayers with theirs.

But if this is a Bible study in which one person will present their personal interpretation of the Scriptures (or more likely, Chuck Swindoll’s or Warren Wiersbe’s or J.I. Packer’s personal interpretation), then that might be a little tougher.

However, I think that because you are in the military and on the edge of eternity, I think that it would be good to join with other Christians, even if they are not like you.

Romans 12: 18 says, If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. (Boldface is mine).

Philippians 4: 5 say “Let your forbearing spirit be know to all men. The Lord is near.”

I once heard a pastor say that the words “forbearing spirit” could be translated “sweet reasonableness.”

I think that one of the best witnesses that Catholics have is their “sweet reasonableness.” All my Protestant life, I saw Catholics who simply loved Jesus. When they were with us Protestants, they rejoiced with us and praised us. It was the classic “turn the other cheek.” Someone would say, “Catholicism is wrong,” and the Catholic would say, “We love you.”

I’m not saying you should sit back and allow the BIble study members to teach incorrect things about the Catholic Church. I think that you should talk to the “leader” in advance, and ask permission to make corrections if something is said that is not what Catholics truly teach.

But other than that, I think that you would be a great witness for Our Lord and Our Church by attending the study and loving your fellow Christians. You would act as a lighthouse to other Christians, and the seeds that you plant will someday grow as they come home to the Catholic Church. You may not ever see it, but you will find out in heaven how many souls you touched.

And remember, it was in the military that Tim Staples learned about Catholicism and eventually decided to convert!

 

[Ruben]

I’ve had experience participating in both Catholic and protestant bible studies. My Catholic bible study is ongoing weekly at my church and the study with my protestant friend has been ocasional.

The protestant bible study is edifying but only up to a point. It did add to my general knowledge in as far as I was able to review and assimilate passages and verses. In general any time reading scripture is time well spent. The major drawback for me was that reference to the sacramental dimension of our covenant with God was totally absent. Consequently I felt somewhat edified but quite a bit of emptiness as well.

In our Catholic bible study we use a commentary as well as reference the Catechism and compendium every step of the way. For me it is difficult to study the salvific work of our Lord’s life in scripture without it being tied in some way to the saving power of the sacraments. Jesus being the Eternal Word came to impart his saving grace through the sacraments. Just as a prism refracts light and out of it comes the seven colors of the spectrum, Jesus in the same way drawing from his divine nature through his human suffering dispenses the sanctifying grace of God through the seven sacraments. This is after all the means by which he keeps his covenant with us. The word testament (as in Old and New Testament) means covenant, and so if we are going to study the bible we should study our covenant with God in its totality.

Just my brief personal reflection.

 

[Contarini]

The question is stated, I have been invited to a Bible study that one of my co workers (in the military) would like me to attend. He said he wants to start one when he receives the material.

What are the plus and minus of going to one. I have heard that any Catholic interpretation is highly rejected in these Bible Study Group.

I am not sure if there is any truth in that, but I like to know if any Catholic here, who had attended one. Any Protestant are also welcome to discuss this.

If you know beforehand that Catholic perspectives are not welcome and that your friend is only inviting you in order to convert you, then I would suggest that you stay away. If, on the other hand, there’s a real openness to listening to many different Christian perspectives, then I think it would be a good experience for everyone.

Edwin

 

[Em_in_FL]

Several years ago I attended some protestant bible studies at work…

A few things… be willing and able to do your research! Have a copy of the catechism IN HAND at every bible study to reference true teachings of the church and then look up the references associated with those teachings (in the footnotes of the catechism)… that will lead you to the church fathers and the scriptures that defend what we believe and why we believe it.

I learned more about my faith as a catholic by going to those bible studies than ever before! It FORCED me to do my research and to have to stand up and defend my faith. Not just theoretically, but in front of real people who will forcefully disagree with you.

I loved it, personally. I loved making my arguments. I loved asking pointed questions and getting them to think about what they actually believe.

Be prepared! If you’re willing to make strong arguments for your faith it can be a great experience!

 

[Fidelis]

This ought to help you:

blog.catholic-convert.com/?p=1144

Why not consider starting your own? There are certainly enough quality Catholic Bible study programs on the market that you could use. You don’t have to be all that knowledgable or have all the answers to do the type of Bible study mosy Protestants offer, just organized, dedicated, and have access to a comfy and convenient place and good resources.

 

[Fidelis]

This ought to help you:

blog.catholic-convert.com/?p=1144

Why not consider starting your own? There are certainly enough quality Catholic Bible study programs on the market that you could use. You don’t have to be all that knowledgable or have all the answers to do the type of Bible study mosy Protestants offer, just organized, dedicated, and with access to a comfy and convenient place and good resources.

 

[Sr_Sally]

Deidre, How is your Bible study structured? Do you use those booklets with topical studies or do you study a specific book? As Protestants we lead and attended many studies, but usually they were based around a booklet written for group use. I would like to start a neighborhood group which would be mixed Catholics (including us) and Protestants, but I’m not sure how to structure it.

I’ve been attending weekly bible study with Protestants for over 4 years now.

It’s important to have a Catholic Bible and Catholic commentaries available, because on the surface many of their interpretations seem reasonable - until you understand the why the Church interprets things differently.

Everybody involved should go into the study with the same agenda. - to love each other and to learn from each other and to serve God. If it is their agenda to convert you or even your agenda to convert them, it won’t work. You’ll just end up arguing!

The Protestants in my group do not agree with Catholic teaching on every issue of course - nor do I agree with their teaching. We all respect the fact that each of us love God and are trying to please Him. We listen to each other and respect each other, we just don’t always agree with each other!

This group has been a blessing to me and to them. But it is largely due to the personalities involved. None of us feel like we have to convince somebody else that we’re right and they’re wrong. Many people are so passionate about their faith that they can’t stand for somebody else to have a different opinion. That type of personality won’t work in a mixed group.

It could be a good opportunity for you to evangelize if they’re open to Catholic views. I’ve learned that sometimes when I explain a Catholic position some of my Protestant friends will say “Oh, I never understood it that way before.” It’s like planting a seed.

Best of luck to you all!

God bless,
Deidre

 

[jamannor]

Friend,

I would say be careful but this is also a great opportunity for you too (take the other peoples advice, get a catholic commentary, and a CCC). Sometime when you are in a community that doesn’t have a Catholic bible study there is nothing wrong with you partaking in a bible study. When I was in college I partook in a bible study with a Greek (fraternity/sorority) students on campus and nearly all of them were protestant. The amazing things the holy spirit did for me I could never get back. I was able to share my beliefs and I ended up converting to Catholicism. I also ended up taking over the bible study and becoming the leader my senior year. It can be done, and you can grow from the experience. I even attended large leadership/ seminars across the country, and the things that I witness were amazing. There were lots of snickers made for making the sign of the cross, or choosing to leave on Sunday to attend mass instead of worshiping with them, but I faced even more when people found out I was a fraternity man. These experiences let me help create a bridge to understanding each other. May God bless you.

Jerry

 

[VociMike]

In line with what others have said here, you need to first establish whether Catholic viewpoints will be entertained or supressed. If they’re not interested in hearing Catholic viewpoints, there’s no reason for you to be there.

 

[carol_marie]

In line with what others have said here, you need to first establish whether Catholic viewpoints will be entertained or supressed. If they’re not interested in hearing Catholic viewpoints, there’s no reason for you to be there.

Agreed.

 

[mrs_abbott]

I did a bible study online with a friend of mine who isn’t Catholic and it went very well. Scripture is scripture and nothing can change that. Plus, bible studies are done in groups and you won’t find one whole group that agrees with everything to the letter. You just need to make sure you have a good leader and then it’s a very worthwhile activity because it helps you gain better understanding of the bible and can help you grow deeper in your faith.

 

[Malcolm_McLean]

The question is stated, I have been invited to a Bible study that one of my co workers (in the military) would like me to attend. He said he wants to start one when he receives the material.

What are the plus and minus of going to one. I have heard that any Catholic interpretation is highly rejected in these Bible Study Group.

I am not sure if there is any truth in that, but I like to know if any Catholic here, who had attended one. Any Protestant are also welcome to discuss this.

Most of these so-called Bible studies are excruciating. If you have done any academic study on the interpretation of old texts you will soon pick up what is wrong. If you haven’t you’ll probably have a gut feeling that something isn’t right, without being able to explain exactly what is going wrong.

It is legitimate to read a text out of context and say “what the text is saying to me personally”. The problem comes when you extend it to what the text is saying to someone else, and then make a controversial interpretation, which is wrong, because it is made without any cultural understanding. Eg “call no man father”. It is hyperbole. Early Christians didn’t let this text stop them using “father” as an honorific. However it is easy to see how someone could misinterpret this literally.

 

[ALLFORHIM]

Deidre, How is your Bible study structured? Do you use those booklets with topical studies or do you study a specific book? As Protestants we lead and attended many studies, but usually they were based around a booklet written for group use. I would like to start a neighborhood group which would be mixed Catholics (including us) and Protestants, but I’m not sure how to structure it.

Im also a protestant. We use books such as the life change series iwch guides us and we have to answer questions. We have several catholic ladies in our study and have never had a problem to date. They explain there view and we explain ours and that is that. There is no judging or condeming

 

[Zenas]

It really depends on the attitude of the group in the Bible study and the attitude of its leader(s). There are millions of Protestants out there who don’t believe the Catholic Church is the whore of Babylon and who regard Catholics as brothers in Christ. If your Bible study is composed of such a group, your views will be heard and respected. Don’t be surprised if most sessions you attend deal with topics on which all Christians agree. After all, only a small part of the whole Bible addresses doctrinal dogma.

On the other hand, if you believe you are being invited so they can convert you, stay away. You may not be converted but your opinions will not be well received and you will hear a lot of anti-Catholic gogobbledygook that you can’t respond to because it makes no sense.

 

[Mannyfit75]

Thanks for the advise. I have encounter many zealous Protestants like him and some indeed I ought to be a “Protestant Minister” because the Zeal I have for God. Yet, my faith in the Catholic Church has not derailed. I love it so much that I am discerning the priesthood for over a year now.

I have read pretty much Apologetic material I gathered from this forum, and I doubt my Protestant friend can convince me. Ex-Protestants like Scott Hahn, David Currie, Alex Jones, Dave Armstrong, and Steve Ray pointed out the many erroneous doctrines that came out of Sola Scriptura, and Faith Alone. I doubt he can succeed to convert me because if I did, his church lacks Holy Orders, and without Holy Orders, there can be no Blessed Sacrament. No Real Presence of Jesus Christ.

So if I do go to a Bible Study session with him, I doubt it will convince me that CC is wrong. It will only prove to me the errors that the Man made tradition of Protestantism is not from God, and it is merely man-made.

There are countless denominations with different beliefs. Some in the liberal side even ordain gay priest and bless gay marriages… and some from the far left Protestant even condone abortion. I also find the lack of moral authority Protestant Churches has.

In the beginning when the contraception issue came about, all Protestants were extremely oppose to the use of contraception. It was until the 1930s, that they no longer feel it is a serious matter.

The Catholic Church maintain the problem with contraception, and I don’t think she will ever change her mind regarding human sexuality.

 

[Deidre]

Deidre, How is your Bible study structured? Do you use those booklets with topical studies or do you study a specific book? As Protestants we lead and attended many studies, but usually they were based around a booklet written for group use. I would like to start a neighborhood group which would be mixed Catholics (including us) and Protestants, but I’m not sure how to structure it.

Sr Sally,
Our group is composed of 6 people from work. We meet for breakfast each Friday before starting work.

We’ve used various structures over the years. It’s never been rigid.Everyone has some (name removed by moderator)ut on what we want to study. On occasion we’ve used workbooks that we’ve picked up from either a Catholic book store or a Protestant book store. Of course in these books you’ll occasionally find things that either go against Catholic beliefs or go against Protestant beliefs. We use these occasions to teach why we believe what we believe and leave it at that.

We’ve also gone through the entire New Testament, book by book and just discussed the assigned reading for that week. That also presents another opportunity to point out biblical chapters and verses that are important in specific Catholic doctrines.

Once we read a novel “In His Steps” and discussed it!

We also plan a yearly retreat weekend and focus on one theme. One year it was Faith, one year Joy, one year Discipleship, etc The best thing about it is that we’ve become fast friends in Christ. And you know? I think God likes seeing people coming together to overcome differences and focus on His love.

Another awesome thing is that we’ve met at the same restaurant every week for the past 4 years. People know us and expect us to be there on Friday mornings. People have come to our table and asked us to pray for them. And now we see other groups coming in with their bibles!

All in all our faiths actually agree on almost everything! There really aren’t that many issues that we don’t agree on. Focusing on what we have in common has helped to break down barriers. And certainly those barriers have to come down in order build Christian unity!

If you can start a neighborhood group, I say go for it. Let the Spirit lead you where He will!

The only thing that I would caution you on is personality types. Thankfully nobody in our group is argumentative or has to be right. You know the topic of religion can bring out the worst in some people!

Best of luck in your endeavor. If you let the Holy Spirit take the lead, it will be a very wonderful experience.

God Bless,
Deidre