Which would you read first?

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damooster

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This may be a silly question, but I can’t decide which book I should read first for the most benefit: the Bible or the Catechism.

Any recommendations? I’m leaning towards the Catechism since I’m in RCIA and will be baptized on Easter.
 
Can you read both? 🙂

Actually, the Catechism compliments the Bible and vice versa real nicely. As you read the CCC, it gives you verses and the references at the bottom of the page so that you can look it up (along with supporting documentation from the ECFs, etc.)
 
Well lets see. It almost sounds like the chicken or the egg. But since the bible is about Jesus and God’s relationship with His people. And there wasn’t any official catechism until after the New Testament was completely written. And St. Jerome said, “Ignorance of Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.” Learning about Jesus through His word would be first. On the other hand the Catechism of the Catholic Church does have biblical references throughout it. So, why not read and study them together, if you can. They compliment each other.
 
I suggest that you read the Catechism first. That way, you’ll have a framework to understand the Bible in. For example, if you know about the Eucharist, then the relevant passages in the Bible will make more sense. Congratulations on being in RCIA!
 
If you do want to read the Bible, start with the Gospel according to St. Mark. It is the shortest Gospel. Read it first in one sitting, and then reread it more slowly.
 
interestingly enough, I would also suggest the CCC. It is definitely important that you know what you are joining, and the CCC will give you a lot more straightforward answer than the Bible(which can be skewed). And as somebody says, the CCC gives many reference verses, so it may be good to just go through a section of the CCC, and read some of the verses given in the Bible.
 
CATECHISM

It’s easy (or easier) to understand than the Bible. As someone said, I think, it gives more straightforward messages and you don’t really need to think for ages about what it is trying to say.
👍

-littletherese3
 
As a convert myself I would suggest you start by reading some of the articles on the Catholic Answers website, as they details (with references to scripture, Church Fathers and Doctors, councils, etc.) some of what sets the Church apart from those Christian organizations in schism. That will give you a better idea of how the Church views some key issues (and will give you a better idea of how to explain your faith to others).

I would then suggest you read any portions of the Catechism that particularly jump out at you (reading any spiritual text like this “cover-to-cover” can be rather counter-productive, since you may encounter certain things when it’s not easiest for you to deal with those issues, causing you to get bogged down or to get ahead of yourself). Then you can pick a Gospel (Mark is the most straight-forward) and study it as Diamantina suggested.

Just my two cents. 🙂

Dominus tecum,
Stephen
 
damooster said:
This may be a silly question, but I can’t decide which book I should read first for the most benefit: the Bible or the Catechism.

Any recommendations? I’m leaning towards the Catechism since I’m in RCIA and will be baptized on Easter.
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There’s a pamphlet that has both to be read in a year. I forget where it is on my computer, but maybe someone from CAF has it? I want to say it’s from an EWTN priest?

Maybe Google has it?
 
damooster said:
This may be a silly question, but I can’t decide which book I should read first for the most benefit: the Bible or the Catechism.

Any recommendations? I’m leaning towards the Catechism since I’m in RCIA and will be baptized on Easter.
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it is both-and, not either-or. The bible is actually a collection of books, so there is no hurry to read all it by EAster. Suggest you focus on the scriptures that introduce your sessions, and especially the Sunday lectionary readings, emphasizing the gospels. If you are in RCIA it would make sense to read the sections of the catechism that relate to your lesson each week, rather than trying now to read the whole book cover to cover. That is a lot of material for 12-14 weeks. Ask your director how to find catechism sections that relate to your lessons or to particular issues or questions you have.

It would make sense to aim toward reading the bible over an extended period of time, and the catechism as well, but faster is not better. Slower, with reflection and prayer, and journalling if that appeals to you, is better. There is a link to a website for reading the catechism and bible together in one year, about an hour to 1-1/2 hours a day of reading time, which someone will no doubt post before I can find it again.
 
damooster said:
This may be a silly question, but I can’t decide which book I should read first for the most benefit: the Bible or the Catechism.

Any recommendations? I’m leaning towards the Catechism since I’m in RCIA and will be baptized on Easter.
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The Bible is very good. I don’t suggest reading it from cover to cover though. Certain books of the Bible can be very interesting to read, and others…not so much. If you try reading the Bible from cover to cover, there’s a good chance you’ll get into one of the less-interesting books, and you’ll abandon the idea. You certainly should have a Bible (I recommend the RSV-CE), and it’s a good practice to read the Bible regularly, but I don’t generally advise reading it from cover to cover.

The Catechism is more like an encyclopedia. It is great for looking up specific issues to learn about what the Church teaches on them, and it has lots of good quotes the dignity of the human person and what not (which can prompt further study of the writings of Pope John Paul II, the Second Vatican Council, and theological and spiritual writings. It’s good to have- and to make a point to look through whenever you find an interest and wonder what the Church has to say about it- but, like the Bible, it’s not typically the sort of thing you’d read from cover to cover. It still is a good book to have when you need to look something up though. Recently, a compendium to the Catechism was published. It is presented in a more readable format- that could be a good book to have.

Go to your local Catholic bookstore and see what they have to offer. The Lamb’s Supper by Scott Hahn would be a good book to read- especially as you prepare to receive your First Communion. The book is about the Mass, and how the book of Revelation is a prophesy about it. It’s really good- it’s one of my favorites. Any book by Scott Hahn, Patrick Madrid, or Jeff Cavins would be good reading. There are also many other prominent Catholic authors who have written good books about the Faith. Find a copy of Deus Caritas Est, or Spe Salvi- the two encyclicals that Pope Benedict XVI has written so far. Our Holy Father is a very articulate and wise man, and a wonderful pastor for the Church. I also recommend The Spirit of the Liturgy, and his other writings from before he was elected Pope.

Good luck in the coming months as the day comes nearer when you will be welcomed into God’s church in baptism, receive the gift of His Spirit in confirmation, and receive Our Lord Himself- Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity- in the Most Blessed Sacrament.
 
m134e5 said:
Go to your local Catholic bookstore and see what they have to offer. The Lamb’s Supper by Scott Hahn would be a good book to read- especially as you prepare to receive your First Communion.
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I just bought this book because a friend recommended it. I’ll tear into it this weekend.

In case anyone is wondering, I decided to read both the Bible and Catechism, but at a comfortable pace.
Good luck in the coming months as the day comes nearer when you will be welcomed into God’s church in baptism, receive the gift of His Spirit in confirmation, and receive Our Lord Himself- Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity- in the Most Blessed Sacrament.
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Thanks. I can’t wait!
 
Do you have a copy of the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults? You may find it easier to read than the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It includes references to the CCC, questions at the end of each chapter for discussion, meditations, prayers, biographical profiles. and doctrinal statements.
This can be supplemented by biblical readings.
 
DebChris said:
Do you have a copy of the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults? You may find it easier to read than the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It includes references to the CCC, questions at the end of each chapter for discussion, meditations, prayers, biographical profiles. and doctrinal statements.
This can be supplemented by biblical readings.
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I do, but I thought reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church would be more … “complete.” I was going to read the US one after that…you think I should read it before the CCC?

Thanks.
 
damooster said:
I do, but I thought reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church would be more … “complete.” I was going to read the US one after that…you think I should read it before the CCC?

Thanks.
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The CCC is more of a reference book that you can come back to. I think the CCC will make more sense if you begin with the USCCC. It is laid out the same way in terms of the four pillars of the Catholic Faith. I think the biographical profiles will be especially helpful in showing how faith can be lived on a daily basis. You will also be introduced to many of the prayers that are a part of the rich Catholic heritage.
If the discussion questions are not being used in your RCIA classes, you could answer them on paper and see how your faith progresses over time.
 
DebChris said:
The CCC is more of a reference book that you can come back to. I think the CCC will make more sense if you begin with the USCCC. It is laid out the same way in terms of the four pillars of the Catholic Faith. I think the biographical profiles will be especially helpful in showing how faith can be lived on a daily basis. You will also be introduced to many of the prayers that are a part of the rich Catholic heritage.
If the discussion questions are not being used in your RCIA classes, you could answer them on paper and see how your faith progresses over time.
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Thank you very much for your advice. Because of your recommendation, I started reading the USCCC last night.

Thanks again!
 
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