Understanding the Bible

OVERVIEW

The Bible is a library, a collection of the stories of faith of the Hebrew and Christian people

formed over many centuries through a process both human and divine. The Bible can be

interpreted in different ways, but it must be seen in its original context in order to obtain the

religious meaning intended by its author. The catechist's role is to help students appropriate this

religious meaning.

OBJECTIVES

1. To appreciate the Bible for what it is in order to understand its message.

2. To understand the process of formation that led to the Bible as we know it.

3. To employ principles for helping students to understand the Bible.

4. To become familiar with some specific approaches to teaching the Bible.

AIMS

1. The participants will be able to explain the nature of the Bible and how and why it was written.

2. The participants will be able to distinguish three common approaches to studying

the Bible and their implications for interpreting it.

3. The participants will gain fresh ideas for teaching the Scriptures.

Working with the Catechism

The following will help you gain a better

understanding of the Bible as stated in the Catechism of

the Catholic Church.

From the Catechism

"Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it

is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit" (#81).

Read the Catechism

Read #74 – #108.

Discuss the Catechism

1. How is the "breath of the Holy Spirit" recognized in the Scriptures?

2. How can Scripture be both the speech of God and the response of humankind to God?