Reading the Bible

OVERVIEW

The library known as the Bible contains a variety of writing. Knowledge of literary genres is

crucial to a proper understanding of the meaning of a text. There are discernable techniques for

reading and uncovering the meaning of a passage of Scripture. A catechist's approach to the

Bible with students also depends on the students' ages.

OBJECTIVES

1. To become familiar with some of the major literary forms found in the Bible.

2. To learn a technique for reading and interpreting the Bible that respects the integrity of

the text but also allows for personal application of its meaning to life.

3. To invite participants to develop a personal Bible reading plan.

4. To explore some approaches that can be used with students in helping them to read Scripture intelligently.

AIMS

1. The participants will be able to appreciate the various kinds of writing contained in the Bible.

2. The participants will be able to utilize

a method for reading Scripture that enables them to discover and apply its meaning to life.

3. The participants will gain some insight into the developmental nature of students' capacity to understand Scripture.

 

Working with the Catechism

The following will help you gain a better under-

standing of the disciplines necessary to read the Bible as

stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

From the Catechism

"In order to discover the sacred authors' intention, the reader must take into account the conditions of their time and culture, the literary genres in use at that time, and the modes of feeling, speaking, and narrating then current"

(#110).

Read the Catechism

Read #109-#141.

Discuss the Catechism

  1. How do the Scriptures touch our lives today?