How to Read the Bible? Catholic Approaches to Biblical Interpretation

How to Read the Bible?How to Read the Bible?Catholic ApproachesCatholic Approaches

to Biblical Interpretationto Biblical Interpretation

Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.Loyola Institute for Spirituality – Orange, CALoyola Institute for Spirituality – Orange, CA

http://catholic-resources.org

Should Catholics read the Bible?Should Catholics read the Bible? Common Warning before Vatican IICommon Warning before Vatican II

– DON’T read the Bible!DON’T read the Bible! Why Not?Why Not?

– Too dangerous! Too easy to misunderstand!Too dangerous! Too easy to misunderstand!– Just listen to what Sister or Father tells you about it.Just listen to what Sister or Father tells you about it.

New Emphasis since just before Vatican II:New Emphasis since just before Vatican II:– DODO read the Bible, read the Bible, but humbly, carefully, prayerfully!but humbly, carefully, prayerfully!

How?How?– In Liturgy & Sacraments, communally & individuallyIn Liturgy & Sacraments, communally & individually

A Key Question:A Key Question:

• Should Catholics Read the Bible Literally?– Do we accept the Literal Interpretation of the Bible?

• Answer: YES! (Are you surprised?)

• Distinctions:– “Literal” but not “literalistic” (not naively; not as fundamentalists)

– “Literal” means “according to the letter” Bible is literature!– “Literally” AND “spiritually” (not either/or)

What Is “Fundamentalism”?What Is “Fundamentalism”?• Five “Fundamentals” of Christian Doctrine (1890’s, Prot.)

1. Literal Inerrancy of the Bible (interpreted 100% factually)

2. Virgin Birth & Deity of Jesus3. Substitutionary Atonement (Jesus’ death)4. Bodily Resurrection of Jesus5. Imminent Return of Jesus

• Popular Appeal of Fundamentalism:– simplistic answers to complex questions– meaning of texts is obvious?– people crave certainty (don’t want ambiguity or complexity)

5 Principles of Catholic Biblical Interp.5 Principles of Catholic Biblical Interp.1. “Incarnational Theology” Core (God’s Self-Revelation!)

vs. bibliolatry, over-emphasis on Bible as text

2. “Both / And” Approach to Christian Theologyvs. one-sided over-emphasis or neglect

3. “Ecclesial Guidance” for Proper Understandingvs. individualistic mis-interpretations

4. “Literary Genres” are Diverse/Complexvs. modernist / historicist assumptions

5. “Historical-Critical” Exegesis is Essentialvs. fundamentalist / literalist fallacies

Principles of Catholic Interpretation (1)Principles of Catholic Interpretation (1)Incarnational Principle: God’s Self-Revelation

• “Revelation” = God’s “self-communication” in/to world– In multiple stages: more and more explicit over time

• “Tradition” = “passing on” God’s revelation to future– In multiple stages: gradually more explicit and established

Principles of Catholic Interpretation (1)Principles of Catholic Interpretation (1)Incarnational Theology is the Core & Climax• “Word of God” is not just a book (Bible), but Jesus!

– Jesus is the Pinnacle of God’s Self-Revelation to the World– “God sent his only-begotten Son…” (John 3:16)

• Incarnation: “The Word became Flesh…” (John 1:14)

– Jesus of Nazareth = both Son of God and Son of Mary– Word of God (God speaks, things happen; cf. Gen 1)– Word made Flesh (God speaks in human languages)

– See New Testament Christology (FJ)

Principles of Catholic Interpretation (2)Principles of Catholic Interpretation (2)The “BOTH / AND” Approach is Foundational:

– Applies to Theology in general, Scripture in particular– Heads/Tails, Positive/Negative, North/South

Examples from Theology:– God is both transcendent and immanent– Jesus is both fully human and fully divine– The Eucharist is both a meal and a sacrifice

Problems/Errors with One-Sided Over-emphases:– Ex: Blind people touching different parts of an Elephant

Principles of Catholic Interpretation (2)Principles of Catholic Interpretation (2)The “BOTH / AND” Approach is Foundational:

– Bible is both the Word of God and authored by humans– Bible contains both Old Testament and New Testament– Bible is both studied academically and prayed liturgically– Bible is used both individually and communally– Bible has both literal and spiritual meanings (4-fold meaning)

Caution: Read it literally (as literature of various types), but not literalistically (mere historical facts)

– See “BOTH/AND: The Essential Key to Catholic Theology” (FJ)

Principles of Catholic Interpretation (3)Principles of Catholic Interpretation (3)

“Ecclesial” Guidance is Necessary• Jesus, Disciples, Holy Spirit, Church:

– All came before the Bible was written and compiled!– The Church (guided by the Holy Spirit) created the Bible,

not only vice-versa!

• Church community helps us understand the texts:– Homilies, Books, Courses, Bible Study, Scripture Sharing Groups, etc.– Personal interpretation should not conflict with Church Tradition– Popes and Bishops are the guarantors of the Church’s Tradition

(assisted by theologians & exegetes)

Official Church Documents:Official Church Documents:

• Pope Pius XII: Divino Afflante Spiritu (1943)• Second Vatican Council: Dei Verbum (1965)

• Pontifical Biblical Commission: – “Historical Truth of the Gospels” (1964)– “The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church” (1993)

• Catechism of Catholic Church (1994; 2nd ed. 1997)– In section on “The Profession of Faith” (par. 51-141)

• [ Online versions of these and related documents - FJ]


Awareness of Literary Genres is Crucial:• “GENRE”= category or type of literature (or art, music, etc.)

– characterized by a particular form, style, or content. • Many publications contain multiple genres:

– Ex: Newspapers have news articles, editorials, comics, obituaries, sports results, financial reports, classified ads, movie reviews, etc.

• The Bible is not just one “book,” but a whole “library”– It contains many different literary genres, not just “history”– See “An Introduction to Literary Genres & Form Criticism” (FJ)

Hebrew Bible GenresHebrew Bible Genres• Myths & Legends (Genesis, parts of Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy)• Legal Codes (Leviticus, parts of Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy)• Genealogies (parts of Genesis, much of Numbers)• Annals (Josh, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, etc.)• Prophetic Books (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, etc.)• Psalms/Odes/Songs (Psalms)• Prayers/Laments (Lamentations)• Proverbs (Proverbs)• Wisdom Literature (Job, Wisdom, etc.)• Apocalypse (Daniel)

New Testament GenresNew Testament Genres• Gospels (Mark, Matthew, Luke, John)• Acts (Acts of the Apostles)• Letters (esp. Paul's)• Church Orders (1 Timothy, Titus)• Testament (2 Timothy & 2 Peter)• Homily/Sermon (Hebrews)• Wisdom Collection (James)• Epistles/Encyclicals (1 & 2 Peter)• Apocalypse (Revelation to John)• Many more sub-genres, esp. within the Gospels

What is “Truth”?What is “Truth”?

• There are different KINDS of “Truth”:– Historical: Pearl Harbor was bombed on Dec. 7, 1941.– Conventional: My name is Felix.– Scientific: The earth revolves around the sun.– Mathematical: 2 + 3 = 5– Theological: God is love.

• All of these are “true” – but not all are “historical”– So, the whole Bible is true, but not all the Bible is historical!

Literary GenresLiterary Genres - Applications - Applications

• Did God create the whole world in only six days?– What is the literary genre of Genesis 1?

• Was Jonah really in the belly of a whale for 3 days?– What is the literary genre of the Book of Jonah?

• Was Daniel really thrown into a Lion’s Den?– What is the literary genre of the Book of Daniel?

• Is the “Parable of the Vineyard Workers” really fair?– What is the literary genre of Jesus’ parables?


Historical-Critical Exegesis is Essential:• Ex-egesis = “leading out” (drawing the intended meaning out of the text)

– Vs. eis-egesis (putting your own pre-formed opinions into the text)– “Critical” = asking analytical questions (not just “critiquing”)

• Consider multiple levels of both Content and Context:– Historical / Literal Content & Spiritual / Theological Content– Historical Context (surrounding world) & Literary Context (surrounding text)

• Openness to Development (historical, literary, theological): – Development from oral preaching/tradition to written texts/scriptures– Growth in our understanding and application of texts over time


Results of Exegesis available to non-specialists:• Study Bibles:

– Catholic Study Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, HarperCollins SB• Bible Dictionaries:

– HarperCollins, Eerdmans, Anchor, Interpreter’s, etc.• Bible Commentaries:

– One-Vol: New Jerome BC, HarperCollins, Collegeville, etc.– Multi-Vol: Sacra Pagina, Anchor BC, many others


Biblical Exegesis shows Theological Developments, even within the Bible itself. For example:

Polytheism (there are many gods, with different roles) Henotheism (our God is better than all other gods) Monotheism (there is one and only one true God) Trinitarian Monotheism (one God is Father, Son, Spirit)


Biblical Exegesis also shows Moral Developments:• Ancient Cultures: escalating retribution

– Strike back hard! If you kill one of us, we’ll kill ten of you!• Hebrew Bible: limited retribution

– “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, life for life”?– Exod 21:23-24; Lev 24:19-20; Deut 19:21– Literal meaning? Historical context?

• New Testament: NO retribution!– Matt 5:38-48 – turn the other cheek, love your enemies…– Literal meaning? Modern application?

Applications to “Difficult Texts”Applications to “Difficult Texts”

• The Bible says, “There is no God!” – At least three times! Ps 10:4; 14:1; 53:1– Literary context?– Literal meaning?


• Does the Bible contradict itself?– “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their

spears into pruning hooks…” (Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3)

– “Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears…” (Joel 3:10)


• Did Jesus have “Brothers & Sisters”? (Mark 6:3)– Literal meaning?– Historical context?


• “Pluck out your eyes, cut off your hands/feet?” (Matt 5:29-30 & 18:8-9)– Literary genre / form / type?– Literal meaning?– Historical context?


• “Don’t call anyone on earth ‘father’ ”? (Matt 23:8)– Literary genre / form / type?– Literal meaning?– Literary and Historical context?


• Should women wear veils in church? (1 Cor 11:4-10)– Literal meaning?– Historical context?


• Your Examples?– Literal/original meaning?– Spiritual/theological meaning?– Literary genre/type?– Historical context?– Literary context?– Canonical context?

Summary / ReviewSummary / Review1. “Incarnational Theology” Core (God’s Self-Revelation!)

vs. bibliolatry, over-emphasis on Bible as text

2. “Both / And” Approach to Christian Theologyvs. one-sided over-emphasis or neglect

3. “Ecclesial Guidance” for Proper Understandingvs. individualistic mis-interpretations

4. “Literary Genres” are Diverse/Complexvs. modernist / historicist assumptions

5. “Historical-Critical” Exegesis is Essentialvs. fundamentalist / literalist fallacies

Catholic TeachingsCatholic Teachingson Biblical Interpretation:on Biblical Interpretation:

Vatican II: Vatican II: Dei VerbumDei VerbumFr. Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.Fr. Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.

Loyola Institute for Spirituality, Orange, CALoyola Institute for Spirituality, Orange, CAhttp://catholic-resources.orghttp://catholic-resources.org

Dei VerbumDei Verbum (Vatican II)(Vatican II)

“Preface”“Preface” The WORD of GOD!The WORD of GOD! Hearing Hearing it with Reverence; it with Reverence; Proclaiming Proclaiming it with Faithit with Faith Quotation of Quotation of 1 John 1:2-31 John 1:2-3 In the footsteps of In the footsteps of Trent Trent and and Vatican IVatican I Authentic doctrine on divine revelationAuthentic doctrine on divine revelation

“and how it is handed on” (Lat. “and how it is handed on” (Lat. transmissionetransmissione)) Hearing Hearing Believe Believe Hope Hope Love Love

Ecumenical Councils & The Bible:Ecumenical Councils & The Bible: Council of Trent (1545-63) – Council of Trent (1545-63) – Session IV (4/8/46)

– Q: Biblical Q: Biblical CanonCanon & Authorized & Authorized Translations?Translations?

– vs. Protestants who omitted books & made vernacular transl.vs. Protestants who omitted books & made vernacular transl.

First Vatican Council (1869-70) – First Vatican Council (1869-70) – Dei FiliusDei Filius

– Q: Relationship between Q: Relationship between Scripture & REASON?Scripture & REASON?

– vs. both Fideists vs. both Fideists (faith alone) (faith alone) & Rationalists & Rationalists (reason alone)(reason alone)

Second Vatican Council (1962-65) – Second Vatican Council (1962-65) – Dei VerbumDei Verbum

– Q: Relationship between Q: Relationship between Scripture & TRADITION?Scripture & TRADITION?

Official Catholic Documents:Official Catholic Documents: Pope Pius XII: Pope Pius XII: Divino Afflante SpirituDivino Afflante Spiritu (1943)(1943)

Vatican II: Vatican II: Dei VerbumDei Verbum (1965)(1965) Pontifical Biblical Commission:Pontifical Biblical Commission:

– ““Historical Truth of the Gospels” (1964)Historical Truth of the Gospels” (1964)– ““The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church” (1993)The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church” (1993)

Catechism of the Catholic ChurchCatechism of the Catholic Church (1994; 2(1994; 2ndnd ed. 1997) ed. 1997)– In section on “The Profession of Faith”In section on “The Profession of Faith” (par. 51-141) (par. 51-141)

Synod of Bishops: “Word of God in Life/Mission of Church (2008)Synod of Bishops: “Word of God in Life/Mission of Church (2008)– Benedict XVI, Post-Synodal Exhortation: Benedict XVI, Post-Synodal Exhortation: Verbum Domini Verbum Domini (2010)(2010)

Online versions of these and related documents - - FJ

Council of Trent: Council of Trent: Session IV (1546)Session IV (1546)

First Conciliar List of the Canon of the Bible:First Conciliar List of the Canon of the Bible:

– 46 OT books (incl. 7+ “Deutero-canonicals”) 46 OT books (incl. 7+ “Deutero-canonicals”)

– 27 NT books (luckily, same as Protestants!)27 NT books (luckily, same as Protestants!)

– Official: Latin Vulgate!Official: Latin Vulgate!

Norms for Translations:Norms for Translations:

– Done by Catholic scholarsDone by Catholic scholars

– Approved by Bishop(s)Approved by Bishop(s)

– Esp. Douay-RheimsEsp. Douay-Rheims

Vatican I Vatican I (1869-70) – Dei Filius(1869-70) – Dei Filius SCRIPTURE & REASON are COMPATIBLE:SCRIPTURE & REASON are COMPATIBLE:

– Vs. Vs. Rationalists Rationalists (reason alone)(reason alone)

– Vs. Fideists Vs. Fideists (faith alone)(faith alone)

BOTH/AND Approach!BOTH/AND Approach!– Heads & TailsHeads & Tails– Science & ReligionScience & Religion– Creation & EvolutionCreation & Evolution– Etc.Etc.

Vatican II Vatican II (1962-65)(1962-65) Four Main “Constitutions”Four Main “Constitutions”

– Sacrosanctum ConciliumSacrosanctum Concilium::Const. on the Sacred LiturgyConst. on the Sacred Liturgy

– Lumen GentiumLumen Gentium::Dogmatic Const. on the ChurchDogmatic Const. on the Church

– Dei VerbumDei Verbum::Dogmatic ConstitutionDogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation on Divine Revelation

– Gaudium et SpesGaudium et Spes::Pastoral Const. on the Church in the Modern WorldPastoral Const. on the Church in the Modern World

Vat II: Vat II: Dei VerbumDei Verbum – very short! – very short!GS: Church in Mod. World (24,076)

LG: Dogm. Church (17,489+912)

AG: Mission Activity (9961)

SC: Sacred Liturgy (8,066+182)

PO: Ministry & Life of Priests (8112)

AA: Apostolate of the Laity (7254)

CD: Past. Office of Bishops (6216)

UR: Ecumenism (4932+897)

DV: Dogm. Divine Revelation (3,420)

PC: Religious Life (3406)

DH: Religious Freedom (3307)

OT: Priestly Training (3118)

OE: East. Rite Churches (1911+912)

GE: Christian Education (2735)

IM: Social Communications (2312)

NA: Non-Christian Religions (1217)

Dei VerbumDei Verbum = “Word of God”= “Word of God” (Vatican II, 1965)(Vatican II, 1965)

Preface Preface (§1)(§1)

1) Revelation Itself 1) Revelation Itself (§§2-6)(§§2-6)

2) Transmission of Divine Revelation 2) Transmission of Divine Revelation (§§7-10)(§§7-10)

3) Sacred Scripture, Its Divine Inspiration3) Sacred Scripture, Its Divine Inspiration and Interpretation and Interpretation (§§11-13)(§§11-13)

4) The Old Testament 4) The Old Testament (§§14-16)(§§14-16)

5) The New Testament 5) The New Testament (§§17-20)(§§17-20)

6) Sacred Scripture in the Life of the Church 6) Sacred Scripture in the Life of the Church (§§21-26)(§§21-26)

Dei Verbum"Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation"

(Second Vatican Council - Nov. 18, 1965)

Chapters:

Preface (§1)

1) Revelation Itself (§§2-6)

2) The Transmission of Divine Revelation (§§7-10)

3) Sacred Scripture, Its Divine Inspiration and Interpretation (§§11-13)

4) The Old Testament (§§14-16)

5) The New Testament (§§17-20)

6) Sacred Scripture in the Life of the Church (§§21-26)

Catechism of the Catholic ChurchThe Profession of Faith: "I Believe" - "We Believe"

(Part One, Section One, Chapter Two - §§ 51-141)

Article 1: The Revelation of God (§§ 51-73)1. God Reveals His "Plan of Loving Goodness" 2. The Stages of Revelation 3. Christ Jesus - "Mediator and Fullness of All Revelation" Article 2: The Transmission of Divine Revelation

(§§ 74-100)

1. Apostolic Tradition 2. The Relationship between Tradition & Sacred Scripture 3. The Interpretation of the Heritage of Faith Article 3: Sacred Scripture (§§ 101-141)1. Christ - The Unique Word of Sacred Scripture 2. Inspiration and Truth of Sacred Scripture 3. The Holy Spirit, Interpreter of Scripture 4. The Canon of Scripture 5. Sacred Scripture in the Life of the Church

FJ

Dei VerbumDei Verbum (Vatican II) (Vatican II) – Chap. 1, Par. 2-6– Chap. 1, Par. 2-6

“Revelation Itself”“Revelation Itself” God reveals HIMSELF to us, in deeds & wordsGod reveals HIMSELF to us, in deeds & words Four Main Stages of GOD’s SELF-Revelation: Four Main Stages of GOD’s SELF-Revelation: 1)1) God’s Revelation through all of CreationGod’s Revelation through all of Creation

2)2) God’s Revelation to / through the Human RaceGod’s Revelation to / through the Human Race

3)3) God’s Revelation to / through the Chosen PeopleGod’s Revelation to / through the Chosen People

4)4) God’s Revelation in / through Jesus of NazarethGod’s Revelation in / through Jesus of Nazareth Obedience of Faith Obedience of Faith Understand Truth Understand Truth Salvation Salvation


“Transmission of Divine Revelation” “Transmission of Divine Revelation” StagesStages in the in the TRANSMISSION of God’s Self-TRANSMISSION of God’s Self-

Revelation:Revelation:

1)1) Historical EventsHistorical Events (Jesus’ words & deeds) (Jesus’ words & deeds)

2)2) Oral TraditionsOral Traditions (apostles preach, hand on; (apostles preach, hand on; Lat. Lat. traditiotraditio))

3)3) Written AccountsWritten Accounts (scriptures composed; (scriptures composed; Lat. Lat. scriptusscriptus))

4)4) Biblical Collections gradually canonized, interpreted, Biblical Collections gradually canonized, interpreted, translated, taught, preached, applied…translated, taught, preached, applied…

UnityUnity of of TraditionTradition & & ScriptureScripture & & MagisteriumMagisterium

Dei VerbumDei Verbum (Vatican II) (Vatican II) – Chap. 3– Chap. 3

“Sacred Scripture…” “Sacred Scripture…”

Sacred Sacred = holy, dedicated, “set apart”= holy, dedicated, “set apart”– ““Inspired” by God; religious purpose: goal of salvationInspired” by God; religious purpose: goal of salvation

Scripture Scripture = “writings” (esp. religious)= “writings” (esp. religious)– Broader term than “Bible” (for Jews & Christians)Broader term than “Bible” (for Jews & Christians)– Other religions have other “scriptures”Other religions have other “scriptures”

Sacred Scripture Sacred Scripture = foundational religious documents= foundational religious documents– Hebrew Bible = Tanak, Old TestamentHebrew Bible = Tanak, Old Testament– Christian Bible = OT + NTChristian Bible = OT + NT

Scripture < Tradition < RevelationScripture < Tradition < Revelation

Not separate or opposed to each otherNot separate or opposed to each other Revelation Revelation Tradition Tradition Scripture Scripture

Bible contains Rev., but not all Rev. is in the Bible !Bible contains Rev., but not all Rev. is in the Bible !– Bible is “core” revelation; so no conflicts with other revs.Bible is “core” revelation; so no conflicts with other revs.– We don’t need more “public” revs. (but “private” revs. OK)We don’t need more “public” revs. (but “private” revs. OK)

What is the “Word of God” ?What is the “Word of God” ?– Not just the Bible, but primarily Not just the Bible, but primarily JesusJesus himself ! himself !

Community (Church) Community (Church) preceded preceded Scriptures (Bible)Scriptures (Bible)

Revelation

Tradition

Scripture

ScriptureAlone?

Scripture and Tradition?

Tradition

and

Scripture

Scripture Scripture vs.vs. Tradition? Tradition?

Not really Not really separateseparate or next to each other: or next to each other:– Scripture on one side?Scripture on one side?– Tradition on the other?Tradition on the other?

Rather, Scripture is a Rather, Scripture is a part ofpart of Tradition: Tradition:– ““Tradition” existed Tradition” existed beforebefore the Bible was written the Bible was written– ““Tradition” continued Tradition” continued afterafter the Bible was written the Bible was written– The Bible is an important “Core” of TraditionThe Bible is an important “Core” of Tradition– Scripture & Tradition interact with each otherScripture & Tradition interact with each other


Biblical “Inspiration” Biblical “Inspiration” Application of “BOTH / AND” Approach:Application of “BOTH / AND” Approach:

– Bible is Bible is bothboth “Word of God” “Word of God” andand written in human language written in human language– God is the author God is the author and and human writers were “true authors”human writers were “true authors”

Implications of “Human” Language:Implications of “Human” Language:– Limitations of all language; difficulties of translationsLimitations of all language; difficulties of translations– Note literary forms; characteristic modes of expressionNote literary forms; characteristic modes of expression

““Inspired by the Holy Spirit”Inspired by the Holy Spirit” (not mere dictation) (not mere dictation)

– Purpose: Truth for the sake of our salvationPurpose: Truth for the sake of our salvation– Inspiration at multiple historical stagesInspiration at multiple historical stages


“The Old Testament” “The Old Testament” 14: For Salvation of ALL, God chose a special people14: For Salvation of ALL, God chose a special people

– Covenant with AbrahamCovenant with Abraham– Covenant, thru Moses, with people of IsraelCovenant, thru Moses, with people of Israel– God speaks thru ProphetsGod speaks thru Prophets– OT remains permanently valuableOT remains permanently valuable

15: Purpose of OT: to prepare for the coming of Christ15: Purpose of OT: to prepare for the coming of Christ– OT books “contain some things which are incomplete and temporary”OT books “contain some things which are incomplete and temporary”– Divine Pedagogy: sense of God, teachings, wisdom, prayers, mysteryDivine Pedagogy: sense of God, teachings, wisdom, prayers, mystery

16: God is inspirer and author of BOTH Testaments16: God is inspirer and author of BOTH Testaments– NT is hidden in the OT; OT is made manifest in the NTNT is hidden in the OT; OT is made manifest in the NT


“The New Testament” “The New Testament” 17: Word of God = Word made Flesh17: Word of God = Word made Flesh

– Jesus’ words and deeds; death, resurrection, ascension, Holy SpiritJesus’ words and deeds; death, resurrection, ascension, Holy Spirit 18: Within Bible, the Gospels have a special preeminence18: Within Bible, the Gospels have a special preeminence

– Four Gospels are of “apostolic origin”Four Gospels are of “apostolic origin”– Four-fold Gospel (sg.!), Four-fold Gospel (sg.!), according toaccording to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

19: Historical Character of the Gospels19: Historical Character of the Gospels– Gospels “faithfully hand on what Jesus Christ… really did and taught”Gospels “faithfully hand on what Jesus Christ… really did and taught”– After Ascension, Apostles gain “clearer understanding”After Ascension, Apostles gain “clearer understanding”– Evangelist’s Role: select, reduce, explain, preserveEvangelist’s Role: select, reduce, explain, preserve

20: NT Canon: Epistles of Paul & other Apostolic Writings20: NT Canon: Epistles of Paul & other Apostolic Writings– Christ’s teachings are confirmed, more fully stated, preached, etc.Christ’s teachings are confirmed, more fully stated, preached, etc.


“Scripture “Scripture in the in the Life Life of the of the Church”Church” 21: Church venerates Scriptures just as she venerates 21: Church venerates Scriptures just as she venerates

the Lord’s body (!); she receives & offers “bread of life the Lord’s body (!); she receives & offers “bread of life from the table both of God’s word & of Christ’s body”from the table both of God’s word & of Christ’s body”

22: Provide “easy access” thru translations:22: Provide “easy access” thru translations:Greek LXX; Latin Vulgate; modern langs.Greek LXX; Latin Vulgate; modern langs.

23: Deeper understanding; study; exegesis23: Deeper understanding; study; exegesis 24: Scripture is foundation for all theology, 24: Scripture is foundation for all theology,

preaching, catechesis, etc.preaching, catechesis, etc. 25-26: All Christians must read, study, & pray scripture!25-26: All Christians must read, study, & pray scripture!


“Scripture “Scripture in the in the Life Life of the of the Church”Church” Communal / Liturgical:Communal / Liturgical:

– Esp. Eucharist; other sacraments, “Liturgy of the Hours”Esp. Eucharist; other sacraments, “Liturgy of the Hours”– Preaching, Theology, Religious Ed, Group PrayerPreaching, Theology, Religious Ed, Group Prayer

Lectionary for MassLectionary for Mass: Three-year Sunday cycle:: Three-year Sunday cycle:– A: Matthew; B: Mark; C: Luke; ? John ?A: Matthew; B: Mark; C: Luke; ? John ?

Individual:Individual:– Study, Reading, Prayer, MeditationStudy, Reading, Prayer, Meditation– Lectio DivinaLectio Divina

DEI VERBUM:DEI VERBUM: Summary / Review Summary / Review

1)1) GOD’s Self-REVELATIONGOD’s Self-REVELATION (in many ways) (in many ways)

2)2) TRADITION: Transmission of Divine RevelationTRADITION: Transmission of Divine Revelation3)3) SCRIPTURE, Inspiration, InterpretationSCRIPTURE, Inspiration, Interpretation

4)4) The Old TestamentThe Old Testament5)5) The New TestamentThe New Testament6)6) Scripture in the Life of the ChurchScripture in the Life of the Church

Biblical References: Caution! Book Names &

Abbreviations Ex vs. Ez vs. Ezr Hb vs. Heb Jon vs. Jn Phil vs. Phlm Ti vs. Tim Jn 1 vs. 1 Jn 1 Cor vs. Cor 1 ?

Chapter & Verse Numbers John 9:12 John 9, 12 John 9:1, 12 John 9:1-12 John 9:1; 12:36 John 9:1-12, 36 John 9:1—12:36

Official Catholic DocumentsOfficial Catholic Documentson Biblical Interpretation:on Biblical Interpretation:

PBC: “The Interpretation PBC: “The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church”of the Bible in the Church”

Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.http://catholic-resources.orghttp://catholic-resources.org

““The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church”The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church”Pontifical Biblical Commission, 1993Pontifical Biblical Commission, 1993

• Preface • Introduction • I. Methods and Approaches for Interpretation • II. Hermeneutical Questions • III. Characteristics of Catholic Interpretation • IV. Interpretation of the Bible in the Life of the Church • Conclusion

““The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church”The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church”PBC, 1993PBC, 1993

Part I – “Methods and Approaches for Interpretation”

A) The Historical-Critical MethodB) New Methods for Literary AnalysisC) Approaches Based on TraditionD) Approaches That Use Human SciencesE) Contextual ApproachesF) Fundamentalist Approach

Methods of ExegesisMethods of Exegesis (in PBC-IBC) (in PBC-IBC)

A) The Historical-Critical Method• Composition Historical Questions• Traditional Literary Criticism• Comparison of Translations• Textual Criticism• Source Criticism• Form Criticism• Redaction Criticism• Socio-Historical Criticism

Methods of Exegesis Methods of Exegesis (in PBC-IBC)(in PBC-IBC)

B) New Methods of Literary Analysis• Rhetorical Analysis• Narrative Analysis• Semiotic AnalysisC) Approaches Based on Tradition• Canonical Approach• Using Jewish Interpretative Traditions• History of Interpretation (Wirkungsgeschichte)

Methods of Exegesis Methods of Exegesis (in PBC-IBC)(in PBC-IBC)

D) Approaches Using the Human Sciences• Sociological Approach• Cultural Anthropology Approach• Psychological/Psychoanalytical Apps.E) Contextual Approaches• Liberationist Approach• Feminist Approach

Methods of ExegesisMethods of Exegesis

• Question:– Which of these Methods is the “Catholic” Approach?

• Answer:– All of them, but none of them exclusively– Each approach has advantages & benefits– Each approach has drawbacks, esp. if used in isolation

• One Exception:– The Fundamentalist Approach: But WHY?

F) Critique of FundamentalismF) Critique of Fundamentalism

• It’s not really an “exegetical method”– but basically the rejection of any historical-critical exegesis

• Critique in PBC’s “Interp. of the Bible in the Church”– surprisingly strong language: “intellectual suicide”

• Other critiques by U.S. Bishops– USCCB, 1987– Mississippi & Alabama, 1989– For texts, see http://catholic-resources.org/ChurchDocs/

Response to FundamentalismResponse to Fundamentalism

• Useless to argue about specific texts– Fundamentalism has lots of seemingly easy answers

• Rather, address the foundational principles:– Both/and approach, vs. fundamentalism’s one-sidedness– Acceptance of mystery, ambiguity, complexity– Basis in faith / trust in God (vs. desire for absolute “proof”)

• Or else, agree to disagree, but with mutual respect

Questions? Discussion?Questions? Discussion?

• Reminder / Caution:– Not: Catholic vs. Protestant!– But: Historical-Critical Study vs. Fundamentalism!

• Questions from Participants?– Your experiences with Fundamentalists?

• For more information:– Ronald D. Witherup, Biblical Fundamentalism: What Every

Catholic Should Know (Liturgical Press, 2001).– Also available in Spanish: Fundamentalismo Biblico

Biblical Interpretation:Biblical Interpretation:Fundamentalism vs.Fundamentalism vs.

Scientific / Historical / CatholicScientific / Historical / CatholicApproaches to the BibleApproaches to the Bible

Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.Loyola Institute for Spirituality – Orange, CALoyola Institute for Spirituality – Orange, CA

http://catholic-resources.org

Fundamentalist Biblical InterpretationFundamentalist Biblical Interpretation• Sola Scriptura – Bible is the sole authority

– Bible contains all we need for life– Bible plainly says what it means, and means what it says– Bible is inerrant: it contains no errors of any kind– Bible authority remains valid for all time, for all people– Bible prophecy is intended primarily for our own time

• Critique: Is “sola scriptura” a biblical doctrine?– Where in the Bible itself does it say that all life, all religion,

everything should be based only on the Bible?

Fundamentalism vs. Catholicism:Fundamentalism vs. Catholicism:Ronald D. Witherup, Ronald D. Witherup, Biblical FundamentalismBiblical Fundamentalism (p. 47) (p. 47)

Fundamentalist Perspective: Catholic Perspective:

The Bible is the Word of God The Bible is God’s Word in human words

Scripture alone Scripture and Tradition

Emphasis on literalist reading of the Bible

Emphasis on literal (not literalist) reading and deeper meanings

Tends to view inspiration narrowly

Tends to take a broad view of inspiration

Fundamentalism vs. Catholicism:Fundamentalism vs. Catholicism:Witherup, Witherup, Biblical FundamentalismBiblical Fundamentalism (p. 47) – cont. (p. 47) – cont.


Inerrancy of the Bible in all matters

No errors in the Bible only on matters of faith & morals

Lack of historical perspective in interpretation

Historical perspective is essential for interpretation

Frequent interpretations out of context

Need interpretations in context, esp. the context of the canon

Direct & immediate applicability of most biblical passages

Mostly indirect applicability of biblical passages

Fundamentalism vs. Catholicism:Fundamentalism vs. Catholicism:Witherup, Witherup, Biblical FundamentalismBiblical Fundamentalism (p. 47) – cont. (p. 47) – cont.


Denies role of the Church in canonization of Scripture

Recognizes role of Church in canonization process

Tends to ignore history of interpretation

History of interpretation is essential

Narrow & precise prophetic eschatology, linked to a timeline

Broad & imprecise eschatology not linked to a specific timeline

Rejects scientific historical-critical methods of interpretation

Accepts scientific historical-critical methods of interpretation(among others)

Caution: Caution: -isms -isms vs. vs. -ists-ists• Fundamental-ISM is not compatible with Catholicism

– Fundamentalism uses the Sola/Only/One-Sided Approach– Catholicism stresses the Both/And Approach

• BUT: Fundamental-ISTS can still be good people!– Not all Fundamentalists adopt strict Fundamentalism– Just like not all Catholics embody Catholicism 100%– Some Fundamentalists are quite “reasonable”

Responding to FundamentalistsResponding to FundamentalistsWitherup, Witherup, Biblical FundamentalismBiblical Fundamentalism (pp. 65-73) (pp. 65-73)

• Some suggested DO’s and DON’Ts• First the DO’s

1. DO educate yourself on the Bible2. DO always read the Bible in context3. DO recognize the limitations of talking with fundamentalists4. DO capitalize on the Catholic tradition5. DO encourage good preaching from the Bible6. DO promote a good community spirit in your parish7. DO become comfortable with expressing your faith in

personal terms

Responding to FundamentalistsResponding to FundamentalistsWitherup, Witherup, Biblical FundamentalismBiblical Fundamentalism (pp. 65-73) (pp. 65-73)

• DON’Ts1. DO NOT succumb to the temptation to make apologetics the

answer (i.e., not the main or only response)2. DO NOT make your interpretation THE interpretation

(i.e., not the one and only interpretation)3. DO NOT ridicule fundamentalism4. DO NOT take fundamentalism lightly5. DO NOT give up hope

Date post:	19-Jan-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	evita
View:	87 times
Download:	1 times