The Literary Context of the Bible. How do Catholic s s Approach the OT?

Transcription

1 The Literary Context of the Bible How do Catholic s s Approach the OT?

2 Inerrancy of the Bible All Christians believe the Bible contains no fundamental errors. But, what they mean by this differs

3 The Fundamentalist believes the Bible is inerrant in all details; science, history, geography.

4 Catholics believe that... what the Bible teaches about God, faith and morals is free from error, but does not extend the same belief to scientific, or historical details. WHY NOT? Because it was written by humans who are fallible, capable of error.

5 Is it True that God created the world in 6 days? Adam lived to be 930 yrs. old? Noah built an ark and in 7 days gathered 2 of every animal created on board? Jonah was swallowed by a large fish? Samson lost his strength when his hair was cut? David slew a giant with a sling shot?

6 The Bible is a time capsule Written thousands of years ago In a different language In a land far, far away In a variety of literary styles

7 Understanding the role of sacred stories in non- Western cultures A vehicle for passing on the most essential and sacred truths of a culture. Focus is on TRUTH without our literal approach to FACT. In fact, in Hebrew, there is no word which corresponds to our modern notion of truth as fact.

8 Difference between Truths and Facts Facts are verifiably correct. Science, math, and history are cited as evidence for facts. Truths are correct, but not necessarily factual or provable.

9 The authors of the Bible -Did not intend to simply give a factual account of history. -They wanted to express their understanding of what it meant to be a member of God s s chosen people.

10 So what is the Catholic approach to understanding Scripture? Everything in the Bible is TRUE but not necessarily FACT!

11 How can something be TRUTH without being FACT? He s s driving me up the wall. The children are tearing up the place. I m m pulling my hair out. It s s raining cats and dogs. Now, you re up a creek without a paddle. There were a billion cars on the train.

12 Language that expresses TRUTH without relying on FACT is called FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE.

13 EXAMPLE 1: Did Adam live to be 930 years old? In Jewish culture, to live a long life is a blessing from God. Adam, the father of all, was truly blessed. As Genesis continues, the life spans decrease as sin increases. The TRUTH conveyed is that God s s blessing is gradually being rejected by men and women in need of salvation.

14 EXAMPLE 2: Did Noah build an ark? Belief among ancient people that a flood did cover the world. Humankind lived on. The TRUTH conveyed is that humankind will drown in sinfulness. The only thing to keep us afloat is to live an upright life, like Noah.

15 EXAMPLE 3: Did God create the world in 6 days? Stories of creation and scientific theories are not mutually exclusive. The Bible is a religious text, revealing religious TRUTHS like: -Creation comes from God. -Creation is good and blessed. -Humans are made in God s s image and called to be stewards of the earth. -The idea of resting once per week is divine.

16 EXAMPLE 4: Was Jonah really swallowed by a large fish? Not about surviving in the stomach of a whale. It is about what happens when you and I try to run away from God. When we run away from God we experience storms, darkness and isolation. However, God does not give up on us. His love endures.

17 How do we know when figurative language is being used in the Bible? Rely on: -Biblical footnotes -Bible commentaries -Bible dictionaries -Magesterium

18 The Bible is NOT to be read as a: Textbook Encyclopedia Novel

19 The Bible is meant to be prayed It is a living word. It is the story of your life and mine. How am I blind? Paralyzed? Lost? In exile? Deaf? Enslaved?

20 OPEN HOUSE AT GOD S LIBRARY You are cordially invited: 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a year Feel free to bring a friend!! Your borrowing privileges are unlimited: -any book for any occasion -no limit of books per customer -no overdue charges