Michael Brooks
Reading the Bible as a Catholic involves more than just reading the words on the page. It requires understanding the context in which the books of the Bible were written, including the historical and cultural background, as well as interpreting the deeper meanings placed in the text by the Holy Spirit. Catholics are encouraged to start reading the Bible without worrying about finding the perfect translation or study method, and to incorporate Scripture into their daily prayer routine. The Catechism provides guidance on how to interpret the Bible, and the PRIMA method encourages Catholics to pray before reading, to read attentively, and to meditate on the message of the story. When reading the Gospels, some recommend starting with Mark, the first Gospel written about Jesus, then moving on to Matthew, Luke, and John.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Order of reading | Beginners should start with John, followed by Mark, Matthew, and then Luke. |
| The Gospels are read in a two-year cycle, with Mark, Matthew, and Luke read in Year I and John read during Christmas, Lent, and the Easter season. | |
| It is recommended to read the New Testament for daily readings and the Old Testament on weekends. | |
| The Lectionary is arranged in two cycles, one for Sundays and one for weekdays. | |
| Reading methods | The PRIMA method involves praying before reading, reading attentively, and reading the passage aloud. |
| Reading the Bible "in bulk" and having a basic familiarity with the whole Bible helps to avoid misinterpreting individual passages. | |
| The Catechism provides guidance on interpreting the Bible, including taking into account the historical and cultural context of the time and the literary genres in use. | |
| The Bible should be read with the understanding that Jesus Christ is the key to interpreting its nature and message. | |
| The Bible is inspired and inerrant, guided by God and the Holy Spirit. |
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What You'll Learn
Reading vs interpreting
Reading and interpreting the Bible as a Catholic is a complex and deeply personal endeavour. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, there are several guidelines and recommendations that can aid in understanding and interpreting the Scriptures within the Catholic context.
Firstly, it is essential to distinguish between "reading" and "interpreting". "Reading" can be understood as the physical act of engaging with the text, whether through daily devotional reading or academic study. On the other hand, "interpreting" involves understanding and internalising the message of the Scriptures, often through a Catholic hermeneutic or interpretive system. This interpretive process is influenced by factors such as cultural and historical contexts, literary genres, and the intentions of the human authors and God.
When reading the Bible, Catholics may choose to start with the New Testament, particularly the Gospels, before exploring the Old Testament. Some recommended reading orders for the Gospels include Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John; or Mark, Matthew, John, and Luke. Reading the Gospels in this sequence allows readers to observe how the stories evolved, with details added or omitted to emphasise specific points. Additionally, Catholics may opt to incorporate the PRIMA method, which involves praying before reading, reading attentively, and reading aloud to facilitate a deeper engagement with the text.
Interpreting the Bible as a Catholic involves exploring the literal and spiritual senses of the text. To uncover the literal sense, readers must consider the historical and cultural contexts, literary genres, and the intentions of the authors. The Catechism offers guidance on interpreting the Bible within the Catholic tradition. Moving to the spiritual sense, the Catechism outlines criteria for discernment, including considering the unity of Scripture, reading within the living Tradition of the Church, and being attentive to the analogy of faith.
While reading and interpreting the Bible as a Catholic can be challenging, it is important to remember that there is no single correct approach. Catholics are encouraged to develop their own practices, incorporating prayer, meditation, and reflection to deepen their understanding and interpretation of the Scriptures. By seeking guidance from trusted Catholic resources and remaining faithful to their journey, Catholics can gain valuable insights from the Bible.
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Understanding the historical context
The Gospel of Matthew, for instance, had been in circulation for about two decades throughout the Christian world before the Gospel of Luke was published. Luke's Gospel was not an eyewitness account, but a work of historical investigation, which required the support of an eyewitness, Peter, to be considered credible. Mark's Gospel, on the other hand, served as a bridge between Matthew and Luke, enabling Luke to be freely used in the churches where Peter's authority extended. It also addressed the equality of Gentiles in all the Churches.
The Gospels were written in a different culture, almost two thousand years ago, which can make them seem confusing and frustrating to modern readers. They make frequent mention of monetary units like the "denarius," a typical day's wage for a common laborer. Understanding this monetary context helps in grasping the significance of the amounts mentioned in certain parables.
To interpret the Gospels, it is essential to consider the conditions of the time and culture, the literary genres in use, and the modes of speaking and narrating. This knowledge allows for a greater appreciation of the author's intent and the deeper meanings placed in the text by the Holy Spirit. Reading the Bible "in bulk" is recommended to avoid focusing on specific passages and misinterpreting them. This way, passages can be understood in light of each other and within the broader context of Scripture.
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Reading the Bible in bulk
The Bible is a collection of sacred books that contain and give testimony to the Word of the living God. Reading the Bible in bulk can be approached in several ways, and there are many methods to follow.
Firstly, it is important to note that the Bible should not be intimidating. The best plan is simply to start reading. You can read a printed Bible, an electronic Bible, or listen to an audiobook. You can also incorporate Scripture into your daily prayer routine. The Catechism, in paragraphs 109-119, provides an overview of how to interpret the Bible as a Catholic.
To get at the literal sense of Scripture, you must be attentive to what the authors intended to affirm and what God wanted to reveal. To understand the author's intention, you should take into account the historical and cultural context, the literary genres in use at the time, and the modes of speaking and narrating.
To read the Bible in bulk, you can follow a structured plan, such as reading the New Testament on weekdays and the Old Testament on weekends. You could also try the PRIMA method: pray, read, meditate, and apply. Start with a prayer that your time with the Bible will bring you closer to God. Read aloud and attentively, trying to hear the words as if for the first time. Meditate on what you have read and how it fits with the rest of the Bible's teachings. Finally, apply what you have learned to your life and carry God's Word with you throughout your day.
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Choosing a translation
There are a variety of Catholic Bible translations available, and choosing the right one for you can be challenging. The best Bible translation is the one that you will read, as Mary Elizabeth Sperry, associate director for permissions and New American Bible utilizations at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, says: "It doesn't matter how good a translation is. If it sits on your shelf closed, it's not a helpful Bible."
- Accuracy and Readability: The Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE) is widely regarded for its accuracy, ease, and readability. It is a "very literal" translation, providing a higher level of fidelity to the original text. This version has been a leading choice for scholars for most of the 20th century and continues to be popular today.
- Dynamic Equivalence: Some translations use dynamic equivalence, aiming to create the same effect on the reader as the original text had on its source reader. This approach prioritises readability and accuracy while using inclusive language, resulting in a translation with a unique feel. The New Jerusalem Bible (NJB) is an example of dynamic equivalence, offering a readable text with poetic sections.
- Formal Equivalence: Formal equivalence translations, also known as complete equivalence, aim to provide a literal translation of the original text. They preserve the original word order and style, making them excellent resources for serious Bible study. However, they can be more challenging to read due to the intrusion of Hebrew and Greek influences into the English text. The New American Standard Bible (NAS) is an example of a formal equivalence translation.
- Personal Preferences: Consider your purpose for reading the Gospels and your personal preferences. If you are seeking a deeper understanding of specific verses, a literal translation may be preferable. On the other hand, if you prioritise readability and a smooth reading experience, a dynamic equivalence translation might be more suitable.
- Specific Interests: Some Bibles are designed with specific interests or themes in mind. For example, The Holy Bible: Stock Car Racing Edition combines Scripture with pictures of race cars. Alternatively, the Word on Fire edition of the New Testament includes full-colour images, historical explanations, and reflections.
- Approval and Annotations: The Catholic Church has specific guidelines for approving Bible translations. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) maintains a list of approved translations, and any translation with proper ecclesiastical approval may be used for private prayer and study. Additionally, consider whether annotations, footnotes, and cross-references are important to you, as some translations provide extensive supplementary material.
Remember, the most important aspect is to choose a translation that resonates with you and that you will engage with regularly.
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Reading order
Reading the Bible as a Catholic can be approached in two ways: "reading" as interpreting or understanding, and "reading" as daily reading or devotional reading. The former refers to a Catholic hermeneutic or interpretive system, while the latter refers to incorporating Scripture into daily prayer routines. This response will focus on the practical aspects of reading the Gospels as a Catholic.
The Gospels are a collection of four books: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each Gospel provides a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. While the order in which they are read may vary, it is generally recommended to start with the Gospel of John, followed by Mark, Matthew, and Luke. John, written last, is the longest and most theological of the four. Mark, the earliest Gospel, is the shortest and focuses on Jesus' power and miracles. Matthew expands on Mark and includes more of Jesus' teachings, while Luke emphasizes Jesus' passion and humanity.
When reading the Gospels, it is beneficial to approach them with an open and curious mindset. Reading them in their suggested order can help highlight the differences and similarities between each narrative. Additionally, reading them in conjunction with the Old Testament can provide valuable context, as the Old Testament sets the foundation for the New Testament.
To enhance comprehension and interpretation, it is advisable to consider the historical and cultural context in which the Gospels were written. For example, understanding the monetary unit mentioned in the parables, such as the denarius, a typical day's wage, can provide deeper insights into the significance of certain passages.
Finally, reading the Bible should be accompanied by prayer and meditation. Taking time to reflect on the message of each passage and how it relates to your life can facilitate a deeper understanding of the Gospels and their relevance to your personal journey.
In conclusion, reading the Gospels as a Catholic involves not only studying the text but also embracing the spiritual and devotional aspects of Scripture. By incorporating daily reading, reflection, and prayer, individuals can develop a deeper connection to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way is to just start reading. You can read the Bible in print, electronically, or via an audiobook. It is recommended to read the New Testament for your daily readings (starting with the Gospels) and to read the Old Testament on the weekends.
To understand the Gospels, it is important to have a knowledge of the history and culture of the times. For example, the monetary unit called a denarius is mentioned frequently in the Gospels. Knowing that this was a typical day’s wage for a common labourer helps us grasp the significance of the amounts of money discussed in certain parables.
It is recommended to read the Gospels in the order they were written: Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John. This helps to notice the ways in which the stories were changed over time, with details added or removed.
To interpret the Bible, Catholics should take an intelligent, spiritual approach. To get at the literal sense, it is important to be attentive to what the authors truly wanted to affirm and what God wanted to reveal through their words. To get at the author’s intention, consider the conditions of their time, the literary genres in use, and the modes of feeling, speaking, and narrating.
