HOW CATHOLICS INTERPERT THE BIBLE

HOW CATHOLICS INTERPERT THE BIBLE

Opening PrayerOpening Prayer"All Scripture is God-breathed.” As we gather "All Scripture is God-breathed.” As we gather together this evening, let us realize that the together this evening, let us realize that the words we are studying are inspired by God. May words we are studying are inspired by God. May WEWE be inspired as we seek to understand your be inspired as we seek to understand your mystery, made known to us through revelation.mystery, made known to us through revelation. Psalm 119 tells us: "The unfolding of your words Psalm 119 tells us: "The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”May our simple understandings be broadened May our simple understandings be broadened and our minds enlightened this evening. Amen.and our minds enlightened this evening. Amen.

"All Scripture is God-breathed.” As we gather "All Scripture is God-breathed.” As we gather together this evening, let us realize that the together this evening, let us realize that the words we are studying are inspired by God. May words we are studying are inspired by God. May WEWE be inspired as we seek to understand your be inspired as we seek to understand your mystery, made known to us through revelation.mystery, made known to us through revelation. Psalm 119 tells us: "The unfolding of your words Psalm 119 tells us: "The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”May our simple understandings be broadened May our simple understandings be broadened and our minds enlightened this evening. Amen.and our minds enlightened this evening. Amen.

Bible TimelineBible Timeline

Adam and EveAdam and Eve ~4000bc~4000bc The Great FloodThe Great Flood ~2350bc~2350bc Covenant with AbrahamCovenant with Abraham ~1900bc~1900bc Israelites enter EgyptIsraelites enter Egypt ~1700bc~1700bc 10 Commandments/Exodus10 Commandments/Exodus ~1500bc~1500bc King David / Solomon's TempleKing David / Solomon's Temple ~1000bc~1000bc Temple destroyed/Babylonian ExileTemple destroyed/Babylonian Exile ~587bc~587bc Temple rebuiltTemple rebuilt ~515bc~515bc

Adam and EveAdam and Eve ~4000bc~4000bc The Great FloodThe Great Flood ~2350bc~2350bc Covenant with AbrahamCovenant with Abraham ~1900bc~1900bc Israelites enter EgyptIsraelites enter Egypt ~1700bc~1700bc 10 Commandments/Exodus10 Commandments/Exodus ~1500bc~1500bc King David / Solomon's TempleKing David / Solomon's Temple ~1000bc~1000bc Temple destroyed/Babylonian ExileTemple destroyed/Babylonian Exile ~587bc~587bc Temple rebuiltTemple rebuilt ~515bc~515bc

BOOKS OF THE BIBLE - the specificsBOOKS OF THE BIBLE - the specifics

““Hebrew BibleHebrew Bible” or “” or “Jewish ScripturesJewish Scriptures” - a ” - a collection of books written mostly in Hebrewcollection of books written mostly in Hebrew Septuagint (LXX) - “seventy interpreters” Septuagint (LXX) - “seventy interpreters”

A pre-Christian translation from Hebrew to Greek A pre-Christian translation from Hebrew to Greek Alexandria Egypt, between 300bc and 100bcAlexandria Egypt, between 300bc and 100bc

FIRST COLLECTION - original collection of booksFIRST COLLECTION - original collection of booksSECOND COLLECTION - added 7 additional SECOND COLLECTION - added 7 additional

“Apocryphal” books (~200-100bc)“Apocryphal” books (~200-100bc)Entire collection became known as the OLD Entire collection became known as the OLD

TESTAMENTTESTAMENT

““Hebrew BibleHebrew Bible” or “” or “Jewish ScripturesJewish Scriptures” - a ” - a collection of books written mostly in Hebrewcollection of books written mostly in Hebrew Septuagint (LXX) - “seventy interpreters” Septuagint (LXX) - “seventy interpreters”

A pre-Christian translation from Hebrew to Greek A pre-Christian translation from Hebrew to Greek Alexandria Egypt, between 300bc and 100bcAlexandria Egypt, between 300bc and 100bc

FIRST COLLECTION - original collection of booksFIRST COLLECTION - original collection of booksSECOND COLLECTION - added 7 additional SECOND COLLECTION - added 7 additional

“Apocryphal” books (~200-100bc)“Apocryphal” books (~200-100bc)Entire collection became known as the OLD Entire collection became known as the OLD

TESTAMENTTESTAMENT

There were lots of books of the Bible:There were lots of books of the Bible: 50+ Gospels, 22 Acts of the Apostles, etc.50+ Gospels, 22 Acts of the Apostles, etc.

ROMAN CANON (list)ROMAN CANON (list) Council of Hippo, 393, created list of Old and Council of Hippo, 393, created list of Old and

New Testament books which is the same as New Testament books which is the same as the Roman Catholic Canon todaythe Roman Catholic Canon today

Council of Trent, 1556: Final infallible Council of Trent, 1556: Final infallible definition of canonical books.definition of canonical books.

There were lots of books of the Bible:There were lots of books of the Bible: 50+ Gospels, 22 Acts of the Apostles, etc.50+ Gospels, 22 Acts of the Apostles, etc.

ROMAN CANON (list)ROMAN CANON (list) Council of Hippo, 393, created list of Old and Council of Hippo, 393, created list of Old and

New Testament books which is the same as New Testament books which is the same as the Roman Catholic Canon todaythe Roman Catholic Canon today

Council of Trent, 1556: Final infallible Council of Trent, 1556: Final infallible definition of canonical books.definition of canonical books.

BOOKS OF THE BIBLE - the specificsBOOKS OF THE BIBLE - the specifics

BOOKS OF THE BIBLE - what they containBOOKS OF THE BIBLE - what they contain

OLD TESTAMENT:OLD TESTAMENT:LAW: Torah(5)LAW: Torah(5)HISTORY: (12)HISTORY: (12)WISDOM (5)WISDOM (5)MAJOR PROPHETS (5)MAJOR PROPHETS (5)MINOR PROPHETS (12)MINOR PROPHETS (12)APOCRYPHAL (7)APOCRYPHAL (7)

OLD TESTAMENT:OLD TESTAMENT:LAW: Torah(5)LAW: Torah(5)HISTORY: (12)HISTORY: (12)WISDOM (5)WISDOM (5)MAJOR PROPHETS (5)MAJOR PROPHETS (5)MINOR PROPHETS (12)MINOR PROPHETS (12)APOCRYPHAL (7)APOCRYPHAL (7)

BOOKS OF THE BIBLE - what they containBOOKS OF THE BIBLE - what they contain

NEW TESTAMENT:NEW TESTAMENT:GOSPELS (4)GOSPELS (4)HISTORY/ACTS(1)HISTORY/ACTS(1)EPISTLES TO CHURCHES (9)EPISTLES TO CHURCHES (9)EPISTLES TO FRIENDS (4)EPISTLES TO FRIENDS (4)GENERAL EPISTLES (9)GENERAL EPISTLES (9)

NEW TESTAMENT:NEW TESTAMENT:GOSPELS (4)GOSPELS (4)HISTORY/ACTS(1)HISTORY/ACTS(1)EPISTLES TO CHURCHES (9)EPISTLES TO CHURCHES (9)EPISTLES TO FRIENDS (4)EPISTLES TO FRIENDS (4)GENERAL EPISTLES (9)GENERAL EPISTLES (9)

““APOCRYPHAL” BOOKSAPOCRYPHAL” BOOKS Written ~200-100bcWritten ~200-100bc Authors unknownAuthors unknown Apocryphal means “Hidden or Secret”Apocryphal means “Hidden or Secret” Kept carefully concealed and shown only to full-Kept carefully concealed and shown only to full-

fledged members of the religion.fledged members of the religion. Rejected by ProtestantsRejected by Protestants Always considered “inspired” by Catholic Church.Always considered “inspired” by Catholic Church.

““APOCRYPHAL” BOOKSAPOCRYPHAL” BOOKS Written ~200-100bcWritten ~200-100bc Authors unknownAuthors unknown Apocryphal means “Hidden or Secret”Apocryphal means “Hidden or Secret” Kept carefully concealed and shown only to full-Kept carefully concealed and shown only to full-

fledged members of the religion.fledged members of the religion. Rejected by ProtestantsRejected by Protestants Always considered “inspired” by Catholic Church.Always considered “inspired” by Catholic Church.

BOOKS OF THE BIBLE - the specificsBOOKS OF THE BIBLE - the specifics

““APOCRYPHAL” BOOKSAPOCRYPHAL” BOOKS1.1. TobitTobit2.2. JudithJudith3.3. WisdomWisdom4.4. EcclesiastesEcclesiastes5.5. BaruchBaruch6.6. 1-2 Maccabees1-2 Maccabees7.7. Ester (parts)Ester (parts)

““APOCRYPHAL” BOOKSAPOCRYPHAL” BOOKS1.1. TobitTobit2.2. JudithJudith3.3. WisdomWisdom4.4. EcclesiastesEcclesiastes5.5. BaruchBaruch6.6. 1-2 Maccabees1-2 Maccabees7.7. Ester (parts)Ester (parts)

BOOKS OF THE BIBLE - the specificsBOOKS OF THE BIBLE - the specifics

Catholic vs. Non-Catholic Bibles?Catholic vs. Non-Catholic Bibles?

Many versions of the BibleMany versions of the Bible The VulgateThe Vulgate Revised Standard Version (RSV)Revised Standard Version (RSV) New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) New International Version (NIV)New International Version (NIV) New American Bible (NAB)*New American Bible (NAB)* New Jerusalem Bible (NJB)New Jerusalem Bible (NJB) Revised English BibleRevised English Bible Good News TranslationGood News Translation Readers Digest BibleReaders Digest Bible

Many versions of the BibleMany versions of the Bible The VulgateThe Vulgate Revised Standard Version (RSV)Revised Standard Version (RSV) New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) New International Version (NIV)New International Version (NIV) New American Bible (NAB)*New American Bible (NAB)* New Jerusalem Bible (NJB)New Jerusalem Bible (NJB) Revised English BibleRevised English Bible Good News TranslationGood News Translation Readers Digest BibleReaders Digest Bible

BIBLE AS HISTORYFact or Fiction?

BIBLE AS HISTORYFact or Fiction?

BIBLE AS HIS-STORY(and OUR story)

BIBLE AS HIS-STORY(and OUR story)

The bible is the The bible is the “Inspired”“Inspired” word of God. word of God. NOTNOT dictated - but truly God’s word through dictated - but truly God’s word through

manman God divinely inspired the words used:God divinely inspired the words used:

““Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law...”Law...”

The Bible is: “the undeniable, authoritative, The Bible is: “the undeniable, authoritative, Word of God to humanity.”Word of God to humanity.”

The bible is the The bible is the “Inspired”“Inspired” word of God. word of God. NOTNOT dictated - but truly God’s word through dictated - but truly God’s word through

manman God divinely inspired the words used:God divinely inspired the words used:

““Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law...”Law...”

The Bible is: “the undeniable, authoritative, The Bible is: “the undeniable, authoritative, Word of God to humanity.”Word of God to humanity.”

INSPIRED???INSPIRED???

THEOLOGICAL TRUTH - NOT - HISTORICAL TRUTHTHEOLOGICAL TRUTH - NOT - HISTORICAL TRUTH

The Bible is not a HISTORICAL The Bible is not a HISTORICAL documentdocument

Contains some historical factsContains some historical factsNumbers are largely symbolicNumbers are largely symbolic

7 Days of Creation7 Days of Creation40 years in the Desert40 years in the Desert

The Bible is not a HISTORICAL The Bible is not a HISTORICAL documentdocument

Contains some historical factsContains some historical factsNumbers are largely symbolicNumbers are largely symbolic

7 Days of Creation7 Days of Creation40 years in the Desert40 years in the Desert

THEOLOGICAL TRUTH - NOT - HISTORICAL TRUTHTHEOLOGICAL TRUTH - NOT - HISTORICAL TRUTH

Must ask ourselves: Must ask ourselves: “What is the Theological “What is the Theological Truth? What is God telling us through HIS Truth? What is God telling us through HIS Story?”Story?”

Example: Numbers are significant because they Example: Numbers are significant because they indicate something:indicate something:

7=perfection/completion7=perfection/completion 40=Conversion/change40=Conversion/change Old age=favored by GodOld age=favored by God

Example: Lk. 10:30 - the Good SamaritanExample: Lk. 10:30 - the Good Samaritan

Must ask ourselves: Must ask ourselves: “What is the Theological “What is the Theological Truth? What is God telling us through HIS Truth? What is God telling us through HIS Story?”Story?”

Example: Numbers are significant because they Example: Numbers are significant because they indicate something:indicate something:

7=perfection/completion7=perfection/completion 40=Conversion/change40=Conversion/change Old age=favored by GodOld age=favored by God

Example: Lk. 10:30 - the Good SamaritanExample: Lk. 10:30 - the Good Samaritan

Biblical PunctuationBiblical Punctuation

Scriptua ContinuaScriptua Continua Scriptures up until ~900AD were written Scriptures up until ~900AD were written

without punctuation, spacing or without punctuation, spacing or capitalization.capitalization.

Scriptua ContinuaScriptua Continua Scriptures up until ~900AD were written Scriptures up until ~900AD were written

without punctuation, spacing or without punctuation, spacing or capitalization.capitalization.

No, price too high!No, price too high!No, price too high!No, price too high!

No price too high!No price too high!No price too high!No price too high!

The Bible is “Inerrant ?”The Bible is “Inerrant ?”

Does NOT mean every word in the bible Does NOT mean every word in the bible is to be understood literallyis to be understood literally

(I.e. “an Eye for an Eye”)(I.e. “an Eye for an Eye”)

““Unlimited” vs “Limited” InerrancyUnlimited” vs “Limited” InerrancyCan not Proof-text.Can not Proof-text.Bible must be taken in contextBible must be taken in context

Does NOT mean every word in the bible Does NOT mean every word in the bible is to be understood literallyis to be understood literally

(I.e. “an Eye for an Eye”)(I.e. “an Eye for an Eye”)

““Unlimited” vs “Limited” InerrancyUnlimited” vs “Limited” InerrancyCan not Proof-text.Can not Proof-text.Bible must be taken in contextBible must be taken in context

John 16:33 - "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 - "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

Matt. 10:34 - "Do not think that I came toMatt. 10:34 - "Do not think that I came tobring peace on the earth; I did not come tobring peace on the earth; I did not come tobring peace, but a sword.”bring peace, but a sword.”

Matt. 10:34 - "Do not think that I came toMatt. 10:34 - "Do not think that I came tobring peace on the earth; I did not come tobring peace on the earth; I did not come tobring peace, but a sword.”bring peace, but a sword.”

Which is it Jesus?Which is it Jesus?

Journeys are sometimes symbolicJourneys are sometimes symbolic

Mark 7:31-37: Mark 7:31-37: Then Jesus left Then Jesus left the vicinity of the vicinity of TyreTyre and went and went through through SidonSidon, down to the , down to the Sea of GalileeSea of Galilee and into the and into the region of the region of the DecapolisDecapolis..

Journeys are sometimes symbolicJourneys are sometimes symbolic

Mark 7:31-37: Mark 7:31-37: Then Jesus left Then Jesus left the vicinity of the vicinity of TyreTyre and went and went through through SidonSidon, down to the , down to the Sea of GalileeSea of Galilee and into the and into the region of the region of the DecapolisDecapolis..

THEOLOGICAL TRUTH - NOT - HISTORICAL TRUTHTHEOLOGICAL TRUTH - NOT - HISTORICAL TRUTH

Catholic Interpretation of the BibleCatholic Interpretation of the Bible

Multiple sources of God’s revelationMultiple sources of God’s revelation BibleBible TraditionTradition The ChurchThe Church

The primary concern must be the literal The primary concern must be the literal sense:sense:- the sense the human author directly intendedthe sense the human author directly intended- The sense that the words conveyThe sense that the words convey

Multiple sources of God’s revelationMultiple sources of God’s revelation BibleBible TraditionTradition The ChurchThe Church

The primary concern must be the literal The primary concern must be the literal sense:sense:- the sense the human author directly intendedthe sense the human author directly intended- The sense that the words conveyThe sense that the words convey

Catholic Interpretation of the BibleCatholic Interpretation of the Bible

Historical/Critical Method of InterpretationHistorical/Critical Method of Interpretation God speaks through the human contextGod speaks through the human context

Scriptures were written at specific time/placeScriptures were written at specific time/placeLocal literary forms are importantLocal literary forms are importantLocal customs must be understoodLocal customs must be understood

Historical/Critical Method of InterpretationHistorical/Critical Method of Interpretation God speaks through the human contextGod speaks through the human context

Scriptures were written at specific time/placeScriptures were written at specific time/placeLocal literary forms are importantLocal literary forms are importantLocal customs must be understoodLocal customs must be understood

Private Interpretation?Private Interpretation?

Church does not promote a “Party Line” Church does not promote a “Party Line” about the Scriptures.about the Scriptures.

Catholics are free to interpret the bible.Catholics are free to interpret the bible.Church is sounding boardChurch is sounding board

““Faith Seeking Understanding”Faith Seeking Understanding”

Church does not promote a “Party Line” Church does not promote a “Party Line” about the Scriptures.about the Scriptures.

Catholics are free to interpret the bible.Catholics are free to interpret the bible.Church is sounding boardChurch is sounding board

““Faith Seeking Understanding”Faith Seeking Understanding”

What do we know about

God from the Bible?

What do we know about

God from the Bible?

How would you interpret this?How would you interpret this? Gen. 1:26 - Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our Gen. 1:26 - Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our

image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth,the cattle and over all the earth,

Gen. 2:7 - Then the LORD God formed man of dust from Gen. 2:7 - Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.life; and man became a living being.

Gen. 2:21 - So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to Gen. 2:21 - So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. The LORD ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man.from the man, and brought her to the man.

Gen. 1:26 - Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our Gen. 1:26 - Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth,the cattle and over all the earth,

Gen. 2:7 - Then the LORD God formed man of dust from Gen. 2:7 - Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.life; and man became a living being.

Gen. 2:21 - So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to Gen. 2:21 - So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. The LORD ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man.from the man, and brought her to the man.

How would you interpret this?How would you interpret this?

Moses lived to be 120 years oldMoses lived to be 120 years old

Noah lived to be 950 years oldNoah lived to be 950 years old

Moses lived to be 120 years oldMoses lived to be 120 years old

Noah lived to be 950 years oldNoah lived to be 950 years old

How would you interpret this?How would you interpret this?

2 Kings 2:23-24: From there Elisha went up from there 2 Kings 2:23-24: From there Elisha went up from there to Bethel; and while he was going up on the way, to Bethel; and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, "Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you him, saying, "Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!"baldhead!"

And he turned around, and when he saw them, he And he turned around, and when he saw them, he cursed them in the name of the LORD. And two she-cursed them in the name of the LORD. And two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the boys.boys.

From there he went on to Mount Carmel, and thence he From there he went on to Mount Carmel, and thence he returned to Sama'ria. returned to Sama'ria.

2 Kings 2:23-24: From there Elisha went up from there 2 Kings 2:23-24: From there Elisha went up from there to Bethel; and while he was going up on the way, to Bethel; and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, "Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you him, saying, "Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!"baldhead!"

And he turned around, and when he saw them, he And he turned around, and when he saw them, he cursed them in the name of the LORD. And two she-cursed them in the name of the LORD. And two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the boys.boys.

From there he went on to Mount Carmel, and thence he From there he went on to Mount Carmel, and thence he returned to Sama'ria. returned to Sama'ria.

Purpose of the BiblePurpose of the Bible

OLD TESTAMENTOLD TESTAMENT ““The economy of the Old Testament was The economy of the Old Testament was

deliberately so oriented that it should prepare for deliberately so oriented that it should prepare for and declare in prophecy the coming of Christ.” and declare in prophecy the coming of Christ.” Vatican II - Vatican II - Dei VerbumDei Verbum

NEW TESTAMENT GOSPELS: “Principle source for the life and

teaching of the incarnate Word, our Savior.” EPISTLES: “firmly establish...more precisely

Christ’s authentic teaching.” - Dei Verbum

OLD TESTAMENTOLD TESTAMENT ““The economy of the Old Testament was The economy of the Old Testament was

deliberately so oriented that it should prepare for deliberately so oriented that it should prepare for and declare in prophecy the coming of Christ.” and declare in prophecy the coming of Christ.” Vatican II - Vatican II - Dei VerbumDei Verbum

NEW TESTAMENT GOSPELS: “Principle source for the life and

teaching of the incarnate Word, our Savior.” EPISTLES: “firmly establish...more precisely

Christ’s authentic teaching.” - Dei Verbum

Purpose of the BiblePurpose of the Bible

The Books of Scripture are the truths The Books of Scripture are the truths that God put in our hands for the sake of that God put in our hands for the sake of our salvation.our salvation.

God wants to be known…for OUR good!God wants to be known…for OUR good!

The Books of Scripture are the truths The Books of Scripture are the truths that God put in our hands for the sake of that God put in our hands for the sake of our salvation.our salvation.

God wants to be known…for OUR good!God wants to be known…for OUR good!