Why do MOST Catholics not know bible well?

[Patrick]

chimakuni:

In three years, the bible is read in its entirity in the Mass.

Not quite true I’m afraid. We don’t come close to reading the whole bible. However, we do read many important passages. But not the whole thing!

Let’s not forget that many of the Protestant religions focus very heavily on the bible because that’s all they got. They are fed by the words of scripture. Catholics have so much more. We have the sacraments, the mass, the writings of the church fathers, church tradition. We are fed from many sources.

Patrick

 

[RBushlow]

dizzy_dave:

Why do MOST Catholics not know the bible well, Protestants usually know it inside and out, forward and backwards.

Not really, they have memorized specific verses. For example, I have found that many protestants don’t believe in the resurrection of the dead and are very surprised when you point out 1 Corinthians 15:36-36, 42-42. Likewise, they appear to be flabbergasted when you point to the scriptures that compose the Hail Mary.

 

[ccav]

RBushlow:

Not really, they have memorized specific verses. For example, I have found that many protestants don’t believe in the resurrection of the dead and are very surprised when you point out 1 Corinthians 15:36-36, 42-42. Likewise, they appear to be flabbergasted when you point to the scriptures that compose the Hail Mary.

Bingo, RBushlow!

I used to think protestants really knew the Bible inside and out…until I started dialoging with them regularly. I’ve found that the vast majority that I have interacted with know only a few “canned” arguements with a few of proof texted Scripture quotes.

Like the old, “Why do you call a priest father?” line. Out comes Matthew 23:9. That’s about it. When I have responded with Luke 16:24, Romans 4:1-18, Acts 7:1-2, 1 John 2:13, and the venerable 1 Cornthians 4:14-15 all I get is a blank stare.

I used to believe protestants know the Bible better than we Catholics, but anymore I think that is a myth.

 

[JimG]

rfk:

I am quite familiar with a lot of things in the Bible. I know what is in there and what it means,But do you know what I cannot do? I can’t cite to you the “Book and Verse”.

Yes, I know what you mean, and I wish I could do that better, too.

But I really don’t worry about it much. When I’m reading the Bible, I’m not paying attention to the chapter and verse numbers, but just reading the text. After all, they weren’t there to begin with. They were added later.

And when Jesus quotes from the Old Testament, he doesn’t quote chapter and verse, he recites the first line of the story he is referring to.

JimG

 

[csr]

Bible reading as such is not an article of faith: the religion is not the Bible, nor is it a set of rules: Christianity is a Person: Jesus Christ. Reading the Bible can easily be regarded as an unnecessary and even confusing activity, given that the pastors expose people to Scripture, always in context. Should, anyway. Recall that there was no “Bible” for hundreds of years at the outset; the different communities had letters and books, not an identical set in each community, and these were read out, but “Bible reading” was not an essential faith ingredient. The culture now is different, and one can see how Bible reading can, of course, be beneficial. But there is no reason to give sideswipes at the past nor to speak as though somehow now we are liberated where before we were oppressed. The Church is for our salvation, and is not required to ape “other” religions.

 

[Theodora]

Through a Catholic website, I linked up with another of a well-known Protestant minister. On this website, the minister is touted as a walking Bible, able to quote it from the beginning to the end. The minister shows how he is able to memorize so much of the Bible, and in the process of it he explains his Protestant version of salvation.

I agree that memorizing Bible verses is a nice plus that can be used to one’s own spiritual advantage. What was so said, however, was the way this minister manipulated the Bible verses to fit his brand of religion. It was unbelievable to read. for example, how he came to the conclusion that Baptism is not necessary for salvation and declared this teaching is heresy!

This reminded me of 2 St. Peter 3:16: *In these epistles, there are certain things difficult to understand, which the unlearned and the unstable distort, just as they do the rest of the Scriptures also, to their own destruction. *

And also StJohn 7:18: He who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory.

My point is that it is not all that necessary to be able to quote chapter and verse verbatimly. It is more important for us Catholics to realize that we have been handed down the Deposit of Faith by a church who has been given full athority by Jesus to teach.

How said that one can say that he is teaching the whole truth, all the while relying on his own interpretation. Or listen to another doing the same thing, but who has come to a different conclusion of what the Bible teaches.

2 Cor. 3, 6: He also it is who has made us fit ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the spirit; for the letter kills, but he spirit gives life.

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Theodora

 

[hermit]

dizzy_dave:

Why do MOST Catholics not know the bible well, Protestants usually know it inside and out, forward and backwards. I just was curious what some of you think on this, I’m guilty myself, I don’t knoe a good method of learning it, I read it daily, but I don’t know it.

Not only do most catholics not know the bible well, they also don’t know the teachings of Catholicism as well as they should.

I started a thread on this subject a few weeks ago.

 

[Toni]

:yup: In reading this I was humored by the fact that as you say know the bible.
My cousin came over years ago with a whole bunch of quotes the Jehovah Witness gave her and then at the same time she was in a non denominational bible study. So needless to say she had a whole pile and I was feeling a little overwhelmed in my lack of knowledge on the bible.
Well that night I sat down and opened the bible knowing that in her mess of papers I would find something to refute them, since I was concerned about her leaving the church.
Well after a couple of hours I was amazed at how the holy spirit had worked.
But in it all I did learn that you do need to learn at least the arguments on the truth of the Catholic church.
So I listen to Patrick Madrid and Scott Hahn and The Journey Home. Awesome resource. :tiphat:

 

[Pug]

OriginalJS:

When you go to a good library you will find a multi-volume Interpreter’s Bible full of information

I have the full older set of the Interpreter’s Bible. Any library probably carries the newer version. Those I’ve looked at in my library seem better than the older version for study purposes, but for anyone who decides to make it a primary resource, remember it is definitely not Catholic. I am more familiar with the older version, but with no balance, it could harm a Catholic’s faith. The newer version may not be so problematic.

But I still definitely recommend trying them if you want seriously in depth stuff for each book of the bible and you want it to be free. Trouble is, my library won’t let you check them out, so you have to sit there at a table to read them.

Jewish resources are often helpful for the old testament. There is a series of the Torah with Hebrew on the facing page probably by the JPS that is interesting. Two of the volumes are by a Mr. Sarna (forgot first name). Jacob Milgrom (sp?) does a very interesting volume in the Anchor Bible series on Leviticus. Any library might have the full Anchor Bible. It is totally hit or miss. Each book of the bible is done by a different author. Oh, the Anchor bible is not Jewish.

 

[chimakuni]

robertaf:

Greetings Church

Greetings chimakuni

chimakuni, I am sorry, I missed the last sentence of one of your posts.

You said, “Your post is a little insulting to me. God Bless you -”.

I am so sorry, I didn’t mean to insult anyone. If I did, I must apolgize and beg your forgivness.

I was only trying to say the things I had observed in my experience. It was not meant to be personal.

Since it was only a little bit insulting, I do accept your apology! I just wondered, however, if you were parroting lines that I often hear evangelicals say…that Catholics are not taught to read the bible, especially prior to Vatican II…however, I see that you are a product of Vatican II.

What I have recourse to is my mom-in-law who is 87 and reads the bible…when I asked her about the Vatican II and not reading the bible, she said that was nonsense. Her father read the bible every day, too. Now, she was from Colorado, so perhaps they were catechized differently there.

The other thing I was thinking about is being book smart and being people smart. As we know, there is a world of difference in the two and perhaps there are some who know the bible inside and out and are too book smart to be faith smart!

There is no reason for us not to know the bible AND the Catechism. God Bless

 

[Marie]

chimakuni:

Since it was only a little bit insulting, I do accept your apology! I just wondered, however, if you were parroting lines that I often hear evangelicals say…that Catholics are not taught to read the bible, especially prior to Vatican II…however, I see that you are a product of Vatican II.

What I have recourse to is my mom-in-law who is 87 and reads the bible…when I asked her about the Vatican II and not reading the bible, she said that was nonsense. Her father read the bible every day, too. Now, she was from Colorado, so perhaps they were catechized differently there.

I and my family are not from CO but I agree. Pure nonsense.
My family has read and owned Bibles as long as I can remember and my great Auntie sold them. She would be 130+ years old if still living. We did not learn it the Protestant way, THANK GOD almighty. We learned it properly and in church 365 days a year, every year without the garbage of self teaching or thinking we knew it by just reading.

Even if a Catholic did not own a bible they had their Missal and the Mass. They learned it every day the good old fashioned True Catholic Christian way, At Mass.

The junk people pass off as truth now days is amazing. Even more amazing is that they have convinced Catholics they don’t know the Bible, never did, and were not allowed to read it or learn it. The only Catholics who don’t are those who don’t show up now, Post-Vatican II or slept through Mass, Pre-Vatican II.

 

[Carrie_Andrews]

I am a cradle Catholic, but my mom was very secure in her faith and sent us to protestant bible camp. We were encourged to commit to memory bible passages, Then they gave you a token. It was very effective and if they all do this its no wonder they can quote so well.

I wish I retained some of it because in conversation with protestant friends some have tried to use this knowledge as a kind of “see we must be better, look what we can do” tool. I can quote as well, I just can’t say verse and chapter. I often state this right away to deflect the challenge.
I believe I know the Bible as well as most protestants. I think it’s more impressive to live the Bible message then to be able to quote chapter and verse.

 

[RBushlow]

A Deacon actually told me that the Church forbid theologians to study Bible from the Council of Trent until Vatican II.

Can anyone give me citations to help me to refute this?

 

[chimakuni]

RBushlow:

A Deacon actually told me that the Church forbid theologians to study Bible from the Council of Trent until Vatican II.

Can anyone give me citations to help me to refute this?

I would ask the deacon to give you the proof. If theologians were forbidden to read the bible, then how in the world was it translated to all the different languages? How was the bible studied? How were homilies put together? How did priests get their formation?

No, no, the statement is in error - no one read the bible from 1376 until the 1960’s? Nope…don’t think so!

God Bless -

 

[Highwayman]

To me reading the Bible can be seen as the first Miracle of Jesus when he had the servants fill the water jars with water and then when the jars were poured out the new wine appeared.
We are lead to Jesus by reading of the word of God and this leads us to faith and faith causes us to recieve more than what God said to someone else but also what He is saying to us and this is the New Wine of God’s Spirit flowing though us.
The problem I have seen is that many Catholic priest do not trust the Holy Spirit enough, and think that people who read the Bible will be going into heracy.
The move of the Holy Spirit is often replaced with a chep substitute of secular humanism.
Paul said “eye has not seen and ear has not heard what God has waiting for those who love Him.”
The sad truth is many today have not seen or heard. They go to Church hoping to have a experance with God and instead get some silly motivational speach based on secular philosiphy.
When did priest become cheerleaders and forget that the Bible is not for private interpretation but men of old would by the power of the Holy Spirit speak God’s will for mankind.
The worst is when they even condemn as heritic someone who is speaking under the uncion of the Holy Spirit.
St. John of the Cross underwent some of this from his fellow priest.
In my own parish we have had many pasters who have given homilies that sounded more like communist propoganda than the move of God for our parish.
If you have seen the other side of “eye has not seen and ear has not heard” to knowing what Paul and all who walk according to the Spirit of God know that “We have the mind of Christ” then nothing more need be said but if not all the words in the world on this topic are meaningless.
Reading the Bible is good but understanding the Bible because the Holy Spirit has opened it up to you is excellent.
When you get to the bitter waters of Marah and take a taste it is bitter but when the tree is placed in the water it becomes sweet. So also just sticking your hand in the bible can be a bitter experiance for you until you know what the Cross of Jesus has gained for you namely a personal relationship with God by having a portion of His Spirit Joined to your Soul. This is the most excellent Marrage anyone can ever know. God Bless

 

[jmm08]

I’m Baptist signed up for RCIA / RCIC.

Some Protestants know their favorite Christian musicians better than their Bibles.

You cannot know your Bible unless you read it.

Just imagine someday in heaven meeting Hosea in person.
And you get a lump in your throat because you hadn’t read his book in the Bible.

I’ve heard “Jack Chick” rumors that Catholics aren’t supposed to read their Bibles. That couldn’t be true, right? I think reading the Bible is in the book of indulgences.

As a Baptist, I would have advised new Baptists like this:
If you aren’t reading the Bible every day (or if you’ve been away), read at least a few minutes each day. As your love for God’s Word grows, you will naturally spend some more time. Start with the Gospel of John. Read it over and over at least six times before reading anything else. Then read all the Gospels for a few months. Spend most of the first few years in Bible study just reading the New Testament (perhaps also Psalms and Proverbs). When you know the New Testament well, then continue to read from the New Testament each day and also from the Old Testament.

As a new Catholic, I think it is wise to read Deuterocanonical books after you read the other Old Testament books. Perhaps even after you read the other books twice. It seems that many who have left the Catholic Church did not understand the Deuterocanonical books. They always throw them out.

As a Baptist, the general law is this: there are two things important about the Bible – (1) Believe it (2) Obey it.

Don’t worry about what you do not understand. Obey and believe what you do understand. As you believe and obey, you will understand more. That is why the important and simple things need to be learned first. Difficult and less important things can be learned later.

I once attended a Church where the pastor would often promise a prize to any and all Church members who read at least 10 chapters a day each day during the week before. Usually the prize was a small book from their Christian bookstore or library. A reminder from the pulpit that the book of Revelations says “liars are fryers” was enough to keep us all honest about our Bible reading claims.

Oprah has become quite wealthy by having a giving attitude. I am convinced that you cannot go broke by cheerfully spending money on such incidental expenses as giving inexpensive helps to those who need it.

The back of my Catholic Church has a number of inexpensive booklets (for sale on the honor system 50 cents or $1 each). I didn’t pick up any because I’ve been unemployed for a little while. But praise God, as of today I have a new job to go to this Monday.

The Navigators (an evangelistic Protestant group) puts great emphasis on memorizing key scripture verses. I think memorizing some of the Bible is a great idea. Whenever I tried to memorize scripture, I always learned a lot more than I ever knew just by reading it. I didn’t keep up on my memorizing when I started it. I once wanted to memorize the Book of James, but only got as far as most of the first chapter. And I memorized only the first few Psalms.

 

[BLB_Oregon]

Because Catholic bibles generally don’t have a concordance in the back! Many (if not most) Protestant bibles basically have an index in the back that help you find a quote you sort of know but whose location eludes you. Most Catholics don’t even know such a thing exists.

The other reason is that Catholics don’t feel a need to find a quote to prove everything they do, nor do they feel that the existence of a quote that seems to support a certain position necessarily proves it. There are Protestants in that category, and they do get to know their Bibles.

I used to play softball with some Germans… their throwing technique would have been judged, ahem, feminine where I grew up. It’s not because they’re not good athletes. It’s because they grow up playing different games.

 

[jmm08]

BLB_Oregon:

Because Catholic bibles generally don’t have a concordance in the back! Many (if not most) Protestant bibles basically have an index in the back that help you find a quote you sort of know but whose location eludes you. Most Catholics don’t even know such a thing exists.

True. But the concordance at the back of a Bible often wouldn’t be enough to go by. Instead, I had a Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance.

But really, the NAB is on-line. And many Bible verses are on web sites.

Today I find the best way to look up a scripture verse is to type a few words of it into Google and do a web search. Usually that gets me the verse I want to find quicker and easier than the Strong’s.

But a concordance is still useful.

Is there a concordance of the NAB? Is it on-line?

Strongs is still useful to me because KJV, NIV and NAB are very close to telling the same thing in the vast majority of scripture verses. But I like NAB the best. The footnotes in Protestant Bibles don’t cross reference scripture verses that easily show Catholic doctrine – that is easily the biggest disadvantage of Protestant Bibles.

I also had a “topical” Bible (quite rare to see one anywhere). It had two whole copies of the Bible in it. One regular. And the “topical” Bible had rearranged and sorted every verse putting it in only one place under a topic. In the “topical” bible, there were no book titles, just topics. I think mine was from Dugan press.

 

[Athanasiy]

Why do MOST Catholics not know the bible well, Protestants usually know it inside and out, forward and backwards. I just was curious what some of you think on this, I’m guilty myself, I don’t knoe a good method of learning it, I read it daily, but I don’t know it.

I do not think that the Protestants and Evangelicals know the Bible inside and out.
Only the people with a great abilities, if they study hard, they know the Bible a little.
I used to study in the Evangelical Seminary, and the Teachers who dedicated all their life for the study of Theology very often were quoting the greater scholars.
They were saying ;

• That one has that opinion, and that one has that opinion.
  Some times they were saying ;
• We do not know the answer for that or that question, only God Knows.

As for me it is strange, that the Protestants and Evangelicals are so sure that Catholic Church is not a True One, but they have no answers for many questions themselves .

You should not feel guilty.
Very often Evangelicals are proving the things which they are not sure themselves.
They were just thought like this, therefore using Your Bible ignorance, they are like a parrots try to prove You that they know their Bible so well, that they have what You do not have.
You have much more. Put Your trust in God and His Church.
Read the Holly Scripture with Your Cathechism.

God Bless.

 

[Cadellin]

Why do MOST Catholics not know the bible well, Protestants usually know it inside and out, forward and backwards. I just was curious what some of you think on this, I’m guilty myself, I don’t knoe a good method of learning it, I read it daily, but I don’t know it.

I think most Catholics do know the Bible, but they know it in spirit not necessarily in book, chapter and verse form. Most Catholics gain the essence of the Bible through their upbringing and education.

The Bible tells of the action of the Holy Spirit in history. By reading the Bible those actions are re-enacted in our lives and we are changed by it accordingly. This is what makes the Bible the living word of God. It’s more than just a record of past events.

The Bible isn’t meant so much to be learnt as to be prayed.