What is the Roman Catholic view of the historical-critical method?

[HJ3822]

What is the Roman Catholic view of the historical-critical method? Can a Catholic rely mostly on the historical-critical method in exegetical analysis but still allow the Pope to have the final say on faith and morals?

 

[mccorm45]

What is the Roman Catholic view of the historical-critical method? Can a Catholic rely mostly on the historical-critical method in exegetical analysis but still allow the Pope to have the final say on faith and morals?

I would encourage you to read the document “The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church” which discusses the question you ask:
ewtn.com/library/CURIA/PBCINTER.HTM

 

[JohnR77]

See
**See Mark Alder’s web site and notes from a new book: **
Discover the hidden agendas in scriptural interpretation
Scott W. Hahn
Benjamin Wiker
Politicizing the Bible

**Penetrating the pretense of objectivity often presented in secular studies, Hahn and Wiker bring to light the appropriation of scripture by politically motivated interests and trace the lineage of today’s theological approaches to the power-mongering of the late Middle ages. See Text
**
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[RPRPsych]

What is the Roman Catholic view of the historical-critical method? Can a Catholic rely mostly on the historical-critical method in exegetical analysis but still allow the Pope to have the final say on faith and morals?

Pope Benedict gives an excellent answer in his Jesus of Nazareth trilogy. He recommends what he calls canonical exegesis - which essentially means:

1. recognizing the limitations of historical-critical methods (they are time-bound; God’s message is transcendent)
2. not using it as an end, but as a means to deepen one’s understanding
3. using it only insofar as it is consistent with the Church’s Magisterium, Tradition, and the works of the Church Fathers.