The Role of the Bible in Catholicism: Encouragement or Discouragement?

One common misconception about Catholicism is that the Church discourages its members from reading the Bible. While it's true that there are certain reasons behind the selective reading of Bible passages, the overall stance of the Church is actually quite different.

Encouraged or Discouraged?

Let's put it this way: the Catholic Church does not necessarily discourage its members from reading the Bible, but it does advocate for careful and supervised reading. This is for several reasons. One being, the Church imagines that if everyone read the Bible freely, it could lead to division. However, the real reason often overlooked is that people would fully understand how far Catholicism has deviated from its original path.

A Case Study: My Mother's Bible Missal

I was recently given my mother's Bible missal, which was used at her wedding for decorative purposes. This missal, dated 1945, contained translations in English during a time when Bibles in Latin were the norm. Interestingly, it was an English translation of the Latin. This brings us to a discussion about the differences between Catholic and Protestant Bibles and the importance of properly contextualized scripture.

Protestant Complaints and Catholic Biblical Interpretation

The Protestant complaint with the Latin Bible was largely over the translation of 'Repent' into 'Do Penance'. This change led some to fear that they might not be forgiven and led to unnecessary anxiety. However, this concern is addressed by the Catholic Church which emphasizes the broader context and guided interpretation of scripture.

Strengthening the Faith through Biblical Study

In fact, Catholics are not discouraged from reading the Bible; quite the opposite. The Church encourages the study of one's faith's history and dogmatic teachings. For instance, a crucial part of Catholic faith is based on the triple witness of Matthew 16:18-19, 1 Timothy 3:14, and 2 Thessalonians 2:15. These passages together form the foundation upon which ALL Christianity builds, through Peter and his successors, to guide and manage scriptural interpretations and avoid heresy or schisms.

Examples of Biblical Inclusion in Catholic Mass

Contrary to popular belief, in Catholic Christian liturgy, you will hear more of the Bible proclaimed over a period than in most Protestant services. The first half of the Mass is dedicated to the Word of God, comprising various readings. For instance, during a regular Mass, you will hear about 15 Old Testament and 75 New Testament passages in three years, covering both related and opposing views. Furthermore, many of the prayers and responses during the Mass are also from scripture.

Encouragement to Study Groups

Catholics are also encouraged to attend Bible study groups, much like Protestants. I personally attend a men's Bible study every Thursday and study online with a Protestant coworker. These interactions allow us to share and understand different faith traditions, whether it involves interpretations of the tribulation, anabaptist beliefs, or the true nature of Communion. Both of us love and respect Jesus Christ regardless of our different perspectives.

Catholic and Early Church Fathers' Beliefs

Reading the Early Church Fathers like the Didache will show that the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches hold the authority of the Apostles and have beliefs rooted in scripture. The Didache teaches about early Christian practices and helps understand the guidance provided by the apostles and their successors.

The Canonization of the Bible

The Bible is deeply embedded in Catholicism, and the canon of Scripture was affirmed through various councils and synods. The Catholic Bible has many books compared to Protestant bibles but differs notably in numbering and content. For example, the Greek version of Esther is included in the Catholic and Orthodox Christian Bibles, which adds to the rich historical and spiritual context of the faith.

Comparing Protestant and Catholic Beliefs

While many Protestants may reject certain teachings that are clearly supported by scripture and the apostles, they still hold a deep love for and recognition of Jesus as the savior. Rather than tearing down one another as Christians, we should focus on praying for one another and encouraging each other, as St. Paul encourages in Ephesians.

Final Thoughts

I encourage you, if you have any questions about Catholic beliefs or practices, to ask. I may not know everything, but I have spent many years studying and growing in my relationship with Jesus. There is much to learn and share, and I am happy to contribute to this dialogue.