Why is it wrong to read the Bible?

[Steadfast]

In keeping with Jimmy B’s silly post below asking why Protestants do something they don’t actually do; i.e. not love Mary, I thought it might be of a piece to ask why Catholics are so against Bible-reading and study?

Of course they aren’t against it and I know that, but evidently not quite doing something as much as someone else, or, on the other hand not doing it with quite the same degree of ostentation constitutes not doing it at all…

So, why are you Catholics so down on Bible reading? Why do you hate the Bible so much?

 

[mlchance]

So, why are you Catholics so down on Bible reading? Why do you hate the Bible so much?

[insert tongue into cheek] In my case, it’s because I don’t like to think. Instead, I rely on the Pope to tell me what to think, and I studiously avoid asking questions or studying. Sometimes I get worried that Father will find out I own a Bible. Fortunately, it’s so covered with dust that it’ll be obvious I don’t dare crack it open. [remove tongue from cheek]

– Mark L. Chance.

P.S. “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” – Some Famous Catholic

 

[Steadfast]

 

[panoikei]

We don’t keep the sacred glasses that reveal the real truth and blot out the parts that aren’t true… I used to think it was the highlighter pen, but then realized it was actually the holy scacred glasses kept in a secret box at the Vatican. I believe you’re required to worship Mary and at least 3 other Saints and smoke incense before they work though.

 

[dafalax]

Reading the Bible is one of those things that is good for you, but it can be a challenge to make yourself do it. Like getting up and jogging every morning. It’s in old-fashionedy language and if you open to a spot you’re not prepared for (Leviticus?) you may be exposed to something that has no meaning for you and is, frankly, boring. That’s why Bible studies are a good thing.
Anyway, Catholics are no more “bored” by Bible reading than anyone else. It’s a spiritual immaturity that drives some people away from the inspired word of God.

 

[reteeks21]

Reading the Bible is one of those things that is good for you, but it can be a challenge to make yourself do it. Like getting up and jogging every morning. It’s in old-fashionedy language and if you open to a spot you’re not prepared for (Leviticus?) you may be exposed to something that has no meaning for you and is, frankly, boring. That’s why Bible studies are a good thing.
Anyway, Catholics are no more “bored” by Bible reading than anyone else. It’s a spiritual immaturity that drives some people away from the inspired word of God.

Bravo. I don’t think anyone could have said it better, and that goes for Catholics AND Protestants.

 

[panoikei]

Now that’s working together…
But if you read Leveticus in light of Catholic teaching, with a sound grounding in Orthodox Jewish tradition you will begin to see something you’ve never seen before, Catholicism. But I do appreciate you positive recognition that it is really a matter of spiritual maturity.

The Catholic Church fell into a trap of shying away from encouraging Catholics to read scripture. That was the result of seeing all the differnent flavors of Christianity born out of solo scriptura. Even Catholics get scared. Go figure…we even bleed too. Scott Hahn has addressed many of the links between Old and New Testament. It’s facinating. I should start a thread on the Passover.

 

[ibkc]

In keeping with Jimmy B’s silly post below asking why Protestants do something they don’t actually do; i.e. not love Mary, I thought it might be of a piece to ask why Catholics are so against Bible-reading and study?

Of course they aren’t against it and I know that, but evidently not quite doing something as much as someone else, or, on the other hand not doing it with quite the same degree of ostentation constitutes not doing it at all…

So, why are you Catholics so down on Bible reading? Why do you hate the Bible so much?

:whacky:

Is this for real?

I read the Bible probably four times a week. I am a graduate student so I have to fit in my Bible study with my schoolwork.

My parish offers three different Bible studies at different times of the week. When I am finished with RCIA, I intend to go to one or more of the parish Bible studies.

Catholics don’t hate the Bible. Catholics wrote the New Testament and determined its canon, so how can it be said we hate it? What we do believe is that it doesn’t contain the entirety of the Truth, and that Sacred Tradition is just as important to a full understanding of Christ’s teachings.

 

[rinnie]

Actually there is more bible study in the CC now then ever. But what you dont understand and i am sure its been told over and over but somehow noone gets it. We are taught to read the bible every day but not to try to interpret it. Because Jesus did not leave the bible to us he left us the church. The bible is the true word of God and yes we are to read it, but first we must be taught what we are reading. GOT IT. that is why there is so much fighting. everyone thinks they know the best way. Actually if you really read the bible there are alot of things that are not correct. They are just other peoples version of what they heard. John sees things his way, Luke his. when it comes to the words of Christ those are consistant. Thats about it. How about how John calls himself the one Jesus loved most. Luke doesnt say that. Keep reading it you will see what i mean. They are all telling a story the way they saw it. But the words are inspired by Christ that is true and he can talk to us through scripture. But we need more. THat is what is wrong with reading the bible its not enough. If you read the bible it tells you that,.

 

[Ceil-1]

Just go to church every day. Half the Mass is Scripture.

My friend has a ministry going around to churches and doing the Great Adventure Bible Series and other Bible studies.

Most Protestants I know don’t know the contents of the Gospels. They seem to know several verses that pertain to a particular doctrine they wish to promote.

So many misperceptions, so little time…

 

[Maxply]

. . . an interesting generalization.

In my neck of the woods, most Catholics meeting in groups outside of regular Sunday mass are reading the Bible. Why not?

Heck, if time’s short and I want religious reading, I always pop for the Gospels. No joke. Good stuff.

 

[Tim_Kirchoff]

AN approximation of a quote by a Protestant on this forum:

“Am I the only one who has noticed that Catholics, who don’t believe Scripture, but believe Tradition instead, when asked about Catholic teaching, refer to Scripture?”