bible study question

[Jesus15King]

This is my dilemna.... My local church does not offer a bible study class and I have been studying the bible on my own and I have been wanting to go to a bible study class. Do you think it is right for a Catholic to go to a baptist bible study, and would you recommend it to a fellow catholic friend to do this or would you tell him to continue to study on his own until a Catholic bible study came about? Please help with your suggestions/comments. Thanks and God bless.

 

[Metanoia02]

This is my dilemna.... My local church does not offer a bible study class and I have been studying the bible on my own and I have been wanting to go to a bible study class. Do you think it is right for a Catholic to go to a baptist bible study, and would you recommend it to a fellow catholic friend to do this or would you tell him to continue to study on his own until a Catholic bible study came about? Please help with your suggestions/comments. Thanks and God bless.

I think someone is being called to start one where one doesn't exist! Go for it!

 

[Jesus15King]

But I feel that i am more of a sheep than a shephard. I am not fluent enough in my bible knowledge to teach others that is why I am going to be attending one to increase my knowledge in the word of God.

 

[KennySe]

I agree with Met.

Why don't you speak to your pastor about wanting to start a Bible study for persons of certain years old (around your age).. and you'd like a little ad in the church bulletin?

*****

I caution you against joining a denomination's bible study, because I imagine they might use some of that time to discuss other topics like church doctrines.

You would have joined for Bible study, not for apologetics.

 

[nyj]

Personally, I would not suggest going to a Baptist bible study. I would recommend the Collegeville Bible Study materials (Catholic) and private study, or ask a couple of friends from Church to study alongside you, in a more informal setting.

At the parish I attend, we meet between the Masses on Sunday and read the readings for the following week and then reflect on them. A couple of people bring in historical information, everyone else chimes in with personal points of relevance.

 

[KennySe]

But I feel that i am more of a sheep than a shephard. I am not fluent enough in my bible knowledge to teach others that is why I am going to be attending one to increase my knowledge in the word of God.

Ok then, here's what you do.

Tell your priest you want to join a Bible Study and that if your Catholic Church doesn't form one.. you're going elsewhere, ... that'll shake him up!

(I meant this post to be read as a friendly, joking way, between friends.
Yes, I know this is a serious topic, just trying for some levity.)

 

[Metanoia02]

But I feel that i am more of a sheep than a shephard. I am not fluent enough in my bible knowledge to teach others that is why I am going to be attending one to increase my knowledge in the word of God.

Check out this site. They provide all the material for a fruitful Catholic Scripture Study. They have the text the questions and yes, even the answers for the group leader (You).

http://www.catholicexchange.com/css/index.asp

Don't be afraid. Be a Christian leader in your parish. By your willingness to learn and study, you will inspire others. Be bold and my Christ be with you!

 

[nyj]

The following is from Fr. John Corapi S.O.L.T. on how to have a successful Bible Study.

The Catechism (#113) reminds us of the three criteria which the Second Vatican Council (Dei Verbum 12) lays down for us to insure that we interpret Sacred Scripture in accordance with the same Spirit who inspired it in the first place:

1) Be especially attentive "to the content and unity of the whole of Scripture."

2) Read the Scripture within "the living Tradition of the whole Church." According to a saying of the Fathers, Sacred Scripture is written principally in the Church's heart rather than in documents and records, for the Church carries in her Tradition the living memorial of God's Word, and it is the Holy Spirit who gives her the spiritual interpretation of the Scripture.

3) Be attentive to the analogy of faith (Cf. Rom 12:6). By analogy of faith we mean the coherence of the truths of faith among themselves and within the whole plan of Revelation.

The very commendable growth in interest in the study of Sacred Scripture which often manifests itself in Bible study groups must take the teaching of Vatican II into account. These three principles must be used in order to insure that what we are really doing is interpreting the written Word of God in accordance with the Spirit who inspired it in the first place.

On a practical note, I highly recommend The Navarre Bible, a unique set of commentaries on the New Testament books published by Four Courts Press and distributed in the United States by Scepter Press. It is available from most good Catholic book stores, as well as direct from Scepter Press. This set, prepared by the Ecclesiastical Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, beautifully incorporates all of the principles above stated in a very simple, readable, and spiritually enriching presentation. It can be a great help to Scripture study groups or to individuals who desire to read the Bible as the Catholic Church does.

http://www.youngadultministry.net/c4.html

 

[Jesus15King]

Thanks, I think I will probably call my pastor and see if he would be interested in helping me start a bible study class. Maybe this is God's message to me to get involved in ministry; I have been praying to God to show me what I should do to get involved in the church and maybe this is the answer that I am looking for. I didn't see it until asking this question on the forum. Thanks and any additional suggestions or comments will be appreciated.

 

[Bruno]

Personally, I would not suggest going to a Baptist bible study.

Why not?

 

[nyj]

Why not?

Because, chances are high that one will be exposed to the misinterpretation and misapplication of Scripture. One should avoid such instances as much as they possibly can.

As Dei Verbum states: Sacred Scripture must be read and interpreted in the light of the same Spirit by whom it was written.

Only within the Catholic Church, can I be sure that this will occur.

 

[Bruno]

How do you know where the Holy Spirit is?

 

[nyj]

How do you know where the Holy Spirit is?

We know where the Holy Spirit is; we do not know where he is not. - Fr. Thomas Hopko

I know the Holy Spirit is within the Catholic Church. Why search the desert for water if one has already found an oasis?

 

[Bruno]

It matters not how big, or how old the oasis, if the water in it is polluted.

 

[nyj]

It matters not how big, or how old the oasis, if the water in it is polluted.

From the Catholic Church, the graces of God pour forth like water from the side of Christ.

Post-Script: So exactly what are you saying here Bruno? Need I remind you that you are in the Catholic Forum? Are you trying to pick a fight here?

 

[Benedicta00]

xaeniac

If God is calling you to do this, guess what? He will give you the grace to get it done. He always uses the least likely ones, don't worry about it, try to see if God is asking you to start one for him in your parish. I would not go to a protestant study because we differ on theological points of view, you would not be learning the catholic perspective and you may fall into error on some issues.

 

[edward]

It matters not how big, or how old the oasis, if the water in it is polluted.

Here's some bible study for you Bruno.....Mark 3:29. Study hard.....some people never get it!

 

[brewmama]

I recommend against a Baptist bible study too. I took a semester course with BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) which is a worldwide organization with a very organized curriculum and very in depth study. The OT Life of Moses study was very good and very informative, but I had to drop out of their NT studies, because I found them offensive. They misinterpreted things from Matthew (traditions of man) and John (eucharist).

I must admit though, that I might do another OT study.

Meanwhile, I have found a home bible study from an Orthodox source, and the St. James Devotional takes you through the entire Bible every year, not so much a rigorous study, but daily readings with commentary and prayer.

 

[Swoosh]

I would also have to recommend againts a Baptist bible study as well. My girlfriend's Baptist church is doing a study on Revelations that includes alot of "rapture talk", which I'm sure isn't what your looking for.

I will be praying for you in your journey to become a leader.

God Bless,
Swoosh

 

[KennySe]

But I feel that i am more of a sheep than a shephard. I am not fluent enough in my bible knowledge to teach others that is why I am going to be attending one to increase my knowledge in the word of God.

Exodus 4:10-12
Moses said: I beseech thee, Lord, I am not eloquent from yesterday and the day before; and since thou hast spoken to thy servant, I have more impediment and slowness of tongue.
The Lord said to him: Who made man's mouth? or who made the dumb and the deaf, the seeing and the blind? did not I?
Go therefore, and I will be in thy mouth; and I will teach thee what thou shalt speak.