Catholics and the Bible

Catholics and Protestants can sometimes get a bit bogged down when they talk about the Bible.  Why is it that we both believe that the Bible is the inerrant word of God, yet our approach and interpretation seems to diverge?  If you've ever wondered about such things, this podcast is a must-listen!

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Comments

[Dave Moody]

Are you guys sure you're not reformed? ;-) Promise-- that is the last parochial comment I'll make. A hearty 'Amen', to everything you said Tim.

I was reading today a piece in USA Today on what Calvin would say to us today, with the mess we're in economically and how we got here- about his speaking against idolatry- the market as god, not spending more than you make, being generous, etc... written by a Presbyterian minister. He said more than that, but you can read the article.

Not 2 minutes later I was reading an essay in First Things, about the Notre Dame situation- giving Pres. Obama an honorary doctorate. The essay was written by a '99 grad, who got pregnant, but stuck to her guns--and received the child she was carrying in her womb as a gift- and she spoke about how she went to the grotto at ND when she found out she was pregnant, and prayed to Mary, and then reflecting on Mary's response to Gabriel in Luke 1.

And what struck me, was not the differences between the two pieces and people- there were some, and they weren't insignificant. But, I couldn't help but notice the similarity- in looking to 'the communion of saints' for wisdom, for guidance, for inspiration. Granted, Mary is a bit more of a uniting person than Calvin-- but that impulse, between our two tribes-- has some, again, not insignificant parallels. It wouldn't give dignity to either tribe to brush over the differences, but I also would want to place those distinctions in their proper categories- not make more of them, than they are.

Timothy George, in a First Things essay, maybe two yrs ago, spoke of the Nicene shape of Christianity. How the various tribes, recognize 'the faith once delivered' as St. Paul tells Timothy, in each other- when it is there. Augustine's dictum- faith seeking understanding, along with St. Paul's observation that we only see in part, through a mirror darkly, and we'll know- one day- as we are known. But in the meantime, love.

So... thanks. And I look forward to hearing about the things we see differently, as your brother.

grace & peace in Christ,
dm

[Cyndi]

Dave Moody, I nearly always get teary-eyed when you write. You're quite a gift to the world, my brother.

Peace,
Cyndi

[Miz Booshay]

I don't mean to be contentious, I just can not figure out something.

You see, I believe that even the creation story is totally true. If God said that's the way it was. That's the way it was.
Jonah and the Arc and the garden and Joseph and his brothers.
I believe it all happened.

Is there an easier way to explain to me why when Jesus says. "This is my body given for you." You believe with all your heart that he is speaking literally. But when God says He created the earth in seven days and Eve came from Adam's side. It is not literal.

I guess I am just simple minded.

If one is true. Then the other is true.
If one is not true, the other is not true.

To me they are both mysteries taken by faith.

[Deacon Tim]

Dear Miz: There is a big difference between the actual words of Jesus in the New Testament and the inspired writings of an author of an Old Testament book, in the case you mention, the Book of Genesis. Was the author of Genesis attempting to write a scientific account of how creation actually took place? How many authors contributed to the Book of Genesis? Which of the two creation accounts given by the author or authors is the scientifically correct one? They can't both be right.

In the New Testament, we have varying accounts of the resurrection of Jesus? Which is the most accurate? The truth is what the authors in each case were communicating about who God is, how God relates to humanity, and related issues. It's not always easy to separate actual fact from theological fact. That's why we have a Church!

[Miz Booshay]

Thank you Deacon Tim. That helps me understand a little better.