Some Thoughts on Bible Studies

“Prayer should accompany the reading of Sacred Scripture, so that a dialogue takes place between God and man. For ‘we speak to him when we pray; we listen to him when we read the divine oracles.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2653)

There is a tension between the spiritual and intellectual approach to reading the Bible that deserves a brief note. Over the past 200 years, both Christians and even non-Christians have engaged with the Sacred Scriptures using the “historical-critical method.” They have many types of analysis exploring the oral tradition behind the Old Testament as well as the handwritten copies made over the centuries. The various translations of the scriptures from the original Hebrew and Greek into modern languages also have been explored. This is called “exegesis.”

It is not against Catholic doctrine to do “exegesis.” The Second Vatican Council document on Scripture, The Word of God, Dei Verbum, states:

“To search out the intention of the sacred writers, attention should be given, among other things, to "literary forms." For truth is set forth and expressed differently in texts which are variously historical, prophetic, poetic, or of other forms of discourse. The interpreter must investigate what meaning the sacred writer intended to express and actually expressed in particular circumstances by using contemporary literary forms in accordance with the situation of his own time and culture. For the correct understanding of what the sacred author wanted to assert, due attention must be paid to the customary and characteristic styles of feeling, speaking and narrating which prevailed at the time of the sacred writer, and to the patterns men normally employed at that period in their everyday dealings with one another.” (Dei Verbum 12)

At the same time, we acknowledge that exegesis by some scholars has actively sought to deter Christians from faith, and to present false teachings. Faithful Christians have rightly questioned the use of exegesis, when it leads to doubt and disunity.

The skepticism of some scholars about the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Faith should not stop us from learning as much as we can to understand Sacred Scripture. We are not spiritual orphans – we have a Church dedicated to the truth. The primary point of reading the Bible, for us as Christians, is to know, love and serve God. Thus, the main purpose of Bible study is to deepen our faith.

The Bible studies found in My Secret is Mine Newsletter begin with some notes on the context, translation and vocabulary of the scripture passage, and the meditation is deliberately brief and leads to questions. Our sole aim is to provide interesting and relevant information that we hope will spark creative and inspiring discussions in a group setting. We sincerely seek to love Jesus more, each and every day.

The team at My Secret is Mine encourages you to put Jesus first. To the extent that our Bible studies are helpful, you will know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:16). And to the extent that knowing the “exegetical” details only obscures God’s love for you, we encourage you and your study group to simply focus on the Word of God.

“All scripture, inspired of God, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice, that the man of God may be perfect, furnished to every good work."

2 Tim. 3:16-17

A Prayer Before Reading Scripture

Spirit of wisdom, enlighten us to read your Word with the intention of both love and understanding, that we might do God’s will. Help us to remember the Word as an inspiration to charity and justice. Unite our hearts with Your heart, that we might attain greater union with You. And, with Your grace, may our study benefit the souls of others with whom we share what You wish us to learn. Amen.