Why Are Not More Parish Based Catholic Bible Studies?

[Fidelis]

Split from another thread…
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=136566

***But that is only half the battle… Catholics are slow and lazy… tell them about a Bible study and they have a myriad of obligations and family engagements… tell them that they can study on their own–not enough time or quiet or “right envrironment…” tell them to go online… they will… soon…

God Bless!

Angel***

This has been my frustrating experience for over 20 years. Catholics complain --and even leave the Church – saying there are no Bible studies in the Catholic Church, but when it’s offered to them they give all the above excuses and more. Sometimes they attend one or two sessions, then never go back. You can use every concievable model, schedule and format (even ones based on successful Protestant models) but the result is the same. Interestingly, the people who show most commitments and long term enthusiasm about it, are converts from Protestant churches!

I agree that MOST Catholics are lazy in this area. Many are content to just go to Mass on Sunday and “mail it in” the rest of the week. If you don’t have a Bible study in your local parish, this is probably why. Some poor soul (or several poor souls) at one time (or several times) went through a lot of trouble to set one up, and then sat there by themself for an hour waiting for someone to show up.

 

[tabcom]

There are two reasons why I haven’t attended mass for 13 years now.

1. Catholics that I met had no interest in even talking about the Bible, let alone, opening one up and studying it.

 

[maryj]

There are two reasons why I haven’t attended mass for 13 years now.

1. Catholics that I met had no interest in even talking about the Bible, let alone, opening one up and studying it.

Well you’ve met one now. Join us in the Study of John in the Sacred Scripture forum. Glad to have you.

 

[puzzleannie]

Every parish to which I have belonged or in which I have been active since the early 70s when my kids were small has offered formal bible study (as opposed to scripture based prayer groups for instance) if not year round on a school year basis. I have taken part in many of these studies, others were not possible due to my school or work schedule, but I have never been in a situation where most months of the year, a bible study in some format has not been available, if not in my parish, in an easily accessible neighboring parish. Without exception, these studies were attended by fewer than 50 people, most by fewer than 20 people, in parishes with 1000-3000 active adult parishioners.

as a side note, every one of these parishes also offered rich adult education opportunities outside of formal scripture study, and none of those classes were ever attended by more than a handful, with some notable exceptions.

Excuses are not reasons. Any adult Catholic in any decent sized metro area of this country who is sincere in finding Catholic bible studies or other faith enrichment classes has them available with a bit of effort.

That being said, it is not a requirement that an adult Catholic participate in a formal bible study in order to learn more about the scripture, or to learn prayer and devotion based on scripture. Just because someone has not taken a class does not mean the are unversed in scripture. MIL can recite, with understanding as well as accuracy, huge chunks of scripture, because of her deep prayer life, and has never taken a formal class since she graduated from her Catholic high school in the 1930s.

My parish has 3 bible studies a year, different days and times, minimum, sometimes more, and none has ever had as many as 20 participants, and several have been cancelled due to lack of attendance. Our last survey uncovered over 100 people demanding bible studies, each was personally invited by phone and letter for each of our last 4 studies. NONE responded or attended. Talk is cheap. I am quite sure each of those 100 people will at some time or another complain to anyone who listes that we do not offer bible studies, and some will even go to other, non-Catholic churches, looking for such classes.

my experience in over 20 years facilitating bible studies as a volunteer, an almost 10 yrs as a paid full time pastoral staff member is that most adults, when they realize that real bible study (as opposed to a faith sharing or prayer group) is hard academic work and requires a commitment both inside and outside class time, drop out because the choose not to make a commitment of time and effort.

 

[DCD]

One reason may be that The Church is the proximate Rule of Faith and The Bible is the Remote rule of Faith. Our Lord founded a teaching Church not a Bible Church. Faith comes by hearing the Word, for example the homily.

In my experience with many lapsed Catholics their reasons have nothing to do with lack of bible studies in the parish. It soon becomes crystal clear that they leave in order to justify not following Holy Mother Church in all areas of their life. I am often told that their is no authority except for their authority to make that statement.

It is easy for Catholics who feast on The Teachings of The Catholic Church to have their senses numbed by the richness of this diet. Look at The Roman Empire for an example. Talk to a worker in a Hershey chocolate plant for another example. No other faith produces the people or the quality of writings that open The Life of Christ like The Catholic Church period. If I could say it any stronger I would.

I encourage parish bible studies but in the final analysis we need to take some personal accountability. I have sinned in what I have done and in what I have failed to do. Can I get an Amen.

IMHO
Peace,
David

 

[kentuckyliz]

My parish has a stable Wednesday night Bible study group.

We get really good teachings about the readings at every Mass…how is this not a Bible study? To hear the Word proclaimed and then explained and applied?

I find that a lot of involved Catholics are really interested in serving the poor. That’s where the numbers are…the outreach volunteers. So I guess they’re better at LIVING OUT the Bible (Mt 25) than just sitting on their ***** and reading it.

 

[NotWorthy]

We have a small parish of about 200 families. Our Bible Study has gone on for about 3 years. And despite the ineptitude of the presenter (otherwise known as “Notworthy” ), it has grown from 6 people the first 1-1/2 year to about 20-25 this year.

It’s been challenging, but very rewarding. My suggestion is, if you don’t have a bible study group, start one.

 

[AngelRose81]

Our parish has a Bible study led by one of the deacons who is quite knowledgeable in scripture. He has been doing it for many years and we also get dioceasan credit for the hours we attend so when we reach 150 hours we can become certified to teach scripture too. We ususally have a good attendance (morning and evening session) of 25-30 people at each one. I just hope if I ever move from this area I can find a parish who has a Bible Study too!

 

[rwoehmke]

It can certainly be discouraging. It is the same with a lot of activities wherein one is particularly active and and enthusiastic. There are several things that tend to militate against broad participation in any one activity.

First of all people who are of the age to be employed full time while raising a family already have their hands full. I am constantly amazed at how many of them still find the time to serve on Church Committees and in the activities of their children as in Scouts, 4-H, non-school sponsored Sports Teams, etc. Many of these families have both parents working full time.

Second in an active parish there are many opportunities for participation, Faith Formation instructors, choirs, Bible Studies, Parish Council and Committees, Knights of Columbus, Ladie’s Guild. etc.

Not a few are continuing to upgrade their education with classes and seminars at nearby colleges and universities. Then just to find a little time to read, see a movie, recreate a bit. I am afraid I personally see most movies and TV as empty entertainment and not worth my time with so much good stuff to chose from. Then one hears that the average person spends three hours a day in front of the tube. That is a lot of time that could be spent elsewhere, but the tube is so easy to use.

Television is certainly an addictive culprit in all this. Maybe I am a little surprised that there are the numbers of people who are active outside their homes and jobs in some way. People are so busy that to have them participate at Mass and in one church or community activity in a week is about all they can handle.

Never the less, when the activities that I value have few participants, it is discouraging.

 

[lak611]

It can certainly be discouraging. It is the same with a lot of activities wherein one is particularly active and and enthusiastic. There are several things that tend to militate against broad participation in any one activity.

First of all people who are of the age to be employed full time while raising a family already have their hands full. I am constantly amazed at how many of them still find the time to serve on Church Committees and in the activities of their children as in Scouts, 4-H, non-school sponsored Sports Teams, etc. Many of these families have both parents working full time.

Second in an active parish there are many opportunities for participation, Faith Formation instructors, choirs, Bible Studies, Parish Council and Committees, Knights of Columbus, Ladie’s Guild. etc.

Not a few are continuing to upgrade their education with classes and seminars at nearby colleges and universities. Then just to find a little time to read, see a movie, recreate a bit. I am afraid I personally see most movies and TV as empty entertainment and not worth my time with so much good stuff to chose from. Then one hears that the average person spends three hours a day in front of the tube. That is a lot of time that could be spent elsewhere, but the tube is so easy to use.

Television is certainly an addictive culprit in all this. Maybe I am a little surprised that there are the numbers of people who are active outside their homes and jobs in some way. People are so busy that to have them participate at Mass and in one church or community activity in a week is about all they can handle.

Never the less, when the activities that I value have few participants, it is discouraging.

Why is it that Protestants who are busy with many similar types of activities, both in their church and with their families, still find time to attend Bible studies?

 

[Stillkickin]

We have a small parish of about 200 families. Our Bible Study has gone on for about 3 years. And despite the ineptitude of the presenter (otherwise known as “Notworthy” ), it has grown from 6 people the first 1-1/2 year to about 20-25 this year.

It’s been challenging, but very rewarding. My suggestion is, if you don’t have a bible study group, start one.

Agreed!!! We are two small Parishes that are clustered. We have been having Bible Studies for several years now. And in spite of (not because of) Stillkickin helping to lead them, we have great participation (almost 40 memebers). Start a Bible study, there are many Catholics who want to learn not only about the Bible, but their Catholic faith. I have found quite a few Catholic Bible Studies on Catholic websites and have also been involved in Jeff Cavin’s studies. The studies are in book, CD, and DVD formats so you should be able to find what will work for your group and your groups budget.

Good Luck,

Stillkickin

 

[Fidelis]

Why is it that Protestants who are busy with many similar types of activities, both in their church and with their families, still find time to attend Bible studies?

You took the words right out of my mouth!

Even if you account for the emphasis that Protestant ecclesial communities place on the primacy of the Bible, the fact remains that they still find time for it – and not grudgingly either. My guess is that it is because they are highly encouraged from the pulpit and elsewhere within their faith communities to do so.

In my experience, with Catholics, if something is not enthusiastically promoted from the pulpit on Sunday and given support in materials and space from the parish, unless it is mandatory to recieve a Sacrament, it will soon die a lonely, orphan death.

 

[rwoehmke]

Why is it that Protestants who are busy with many similar types of activities, both in their church and with their families, still find time to attend Bible studies?

You will find that some protestant or non-Catholic groups/churches have a relatively higher number who participate but not everyone does. One reason is that the church is the hub about which their lives turn. Sunday morning, Sunday evening, Wednesday night, and more. Often when the Children are involved at the Church, the parents are involved also in some more adult faith pursuit. For Bible studies they can be found meeting over lunch at work or as early as Six o’clock in the morning before work. My hunch is they aren’t up a;; hours watching the tube.

One thing for sure they are not attending daily Mass, which a significant but small number of Catholics do. I would be curious as to how many hours the average Catholic spends on Church related activities compared to the average non-Catholic. Count Mass or Services, prayer time, Bible Study, K of C Service projects, etc. It may just be that the grass just looks greener on the other side.

 

[Nita]

I love studying Scripture.

Having said that - it’s important to remember that living out what Jesus has decreed is more important than studying the Scriptures. I say this because for 1500 plus years the laity did not even possess Bibles; even if they did, they probably couldn’t read. All they had was the weekly Scripture reading and homily. God evidently considered that sufficient or He would have waited until after the printing press for the Incarnation!!!

I know the joys of studying Scripture. But there can be a temptation for those of us who do - specifically, to overvalue (not quite the right word) it. When we do, we become like the Pharisees who prided themselves on their knowledge of Scripture. God created us all different. Some are studious and some are not. It doesn’t take years of study to know how Jesus wants us to live. The Ten Commandments and Matt 5-7 pretty well cover it. Those who spend their days seeking to fulfill their state in life in accordance with those teachings may fare better on the day of judgement than those of us who spent years studying but less time living it out.

May God bless us all,
Nita

 

[NotWorthy]

I love studying Scripture.

Having said that - it’s important to remember that living out what Jesus has decreed is more important than studying the Scriptures. I say this because for 1500 plus years the laity did not even possess Bibles; even if they did, they probably couldn’t read. All they had was the weekly Scripture reading and homily. God evidently considered that sufficient or He would have waited until after the printing press for the Incarnation!!!

I know the joys of studying Scripture. But there can be a temptation for those of us who do - specifically, to overvalue (not quite the right word) it. When we do, we become like the Pharisees who prided themselves on their knowledge of Scripture. God created us all different. Some are studious and some are not. It doesn’t take years of study to know how Jesus wants us to live. The Ten Commandments and Matt 5-7 pretty well cover it. Those who spend their days seeking to fulfill their state in life in accordance with those teachings may fare better on the day of judgement than those of us who spent years studying but less time living it out.

May God bless us all,
Nita

Nita, I understand what you are saying, but when I fell in love with my wife, I wanted to learn everything about her - her family history, her likes and dislikes, her joys and her sorrows. I could have ignored these things and still loved, but I wanted to share in her life as much as possible.

God inspired the authors to write things down so that we may more fully love Him and that He may more fully share in our lives. It is important, in my opinion, to learn and to study God’s Holy Word, and Catholics for too long have ignored this treasure.

 

[lak611]

Nita, I understand what you are saying, but when I fell in love with my wife, I wanted to learn everything about her - her family history, her likes and dislikes, her joys and her sorrows. I could have ignored these things and still loved, but I wanted to share in her life as much as possible.

God inspired the authors to write things down so that we may more fully love Him and that He may more fully share in our lives. It is important, in my opinion, to learn and to study God’s Holy Word, and Catholics for too long have ignored this treasure.

I agree with you, and that is why I have been part of a Bible study group at my parish for the past 6 years. We are currently on break until after Christmas, but I read the Bible daily even when there is no Bible study.

 

[juliamajor]

We have a small parish of about 200 families. Our Bible Study has gone on for about 3 years. And despite the ineptitude of the presenter (otherwise known as “Notworthy” ), it has grown from 6 people the first 1-1/2 year to about 20-25 this year.

It’s been challenging, but very rewarding. My suggestion is, if you don’t have a bible study group, start one.

that’s exactly what i did–after taking 4yrs of study i didn’t like a lot which was available five years ago. I had been to a couple of studies myself and found them too “touchy-feely”.’ I wanted something with more teeth- and though it has taken awhile to build it up i find people like a bible study with “teeth”. I think “wimpy” studies can keep people away-I stayed away for that very reason. I wanted a study that would make people think - not feel good about themselves. If anything scripture study should disquiet you- make you uneasy. .

 

[jimmy85]

There are two reasons why I haven’t attended mass for 13 years now.

1. Catholics that I met had no interest in even talking about the Bible, let alone, opening one up and studying it.

I dont understand why the behavior of others have to influenciate in your religious views, I mean bad catholics dont reflect waht the church teaches. and there are always good and bad people in every religion.
dont get influenciated by other people’s negative behaviors.

 

[Nita]

Nita, I understand what you are saying, but when I fell in love with my wife, I wanted to learn everything about her - her family history, her likes and dislikes, her joys and her sorrows. I could have ignored these things and still loved, but I wanted to share in her life as much as possible.

God inspired the authors to write things down so that we may more fully love Him and that He may more fully share in our lives. It is important, in my opinion, to learn and to study God’s Holy Word, and Catholics for too long have ignored this treasure.

I wouldn’t say Catholics have ignored this treasure (Scripture). I think most Catholics are familiar with it - just not through Bible studies. They hear readings on Sunday with a sermon on them. Because it is a part of Mass however, we do not consider it a “study”. I expected to feel very ignorant when I joined my first Bible study. Instead I was surprised to discover how much of Scripture I was familiar with.

God gifted me with a hunger for His word in Scripture, a desire to study and discuss it with others. But I know now the hunger and desire I experience are gifts from God (didn’t always realize that), gifts that He has not necessarily given to everyone. I would say that every poster on this thread has also been given those gifts. But it really isn’t right to criticize, or infer a spiritual deficiency, on the part of those Catholics who have not been so gifted - who do not experience a desire to participate in Bible Study groups. It is such criticism that I find objectionable - not the formation of study groups; I am all for the formation of them so that there is something available for those of us in whom God has infused a desire to study His Word.

Nita

 

[inthecloud]

Personaly I have some doubts about the Bible Study Concept.
Since the CC like the EO church does not bases belief in the Bible alone but in the Early Church Fathers and Sacred Tradition, should a Bible study be part of something more exaustive, like a Avanced Cathecism class or a similar concept?
So you will have to study the Bible, the ECFs and Church Teology. Yes I think that it will need well trained Cathekists but the diocesis could get organized for that and maybe create online study groups.
Also Lectio Divina basics should be integrated into that.
Maybe I’m dreaming too much.