Unit 2: Reading Scripture within the Catholic Tradition

Section 3: Approaches for Reading Scripture

Approaches for Reading Scripture Three Ways of Interpreting Scripture Biblical Skepticism –The approach to Scripture in which people have the mistaken notion that, because the Scriptures were written by believers, the accounts are unreliable sources of information that lack accuracy and objectivity. Biblical Literalism –The approach to Scripture in which people believe that, because the Scriptures were written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the accounts are exact factual accounts of the people and events they describe. Biblical Contextualism –The approach to Scripture that focuses on the deeper meaning and significance contained in the stories of Scripture, rather than on the objective facts and details contained in the story.

Approaches for Reading Scripture Apply the Three Ways of Interpreting Scripture to the Story of Elijah and the Prophets of Baal How would a Biblical Skeptic interpret this story? How would a Biblical Literalist interpret this story? How would a Biblical Contextualist interpret this story?

Approaches for Reading Scripture Apply the Three Ways of Interpreting Scripture to the Aesop’s Fable that you read a few days back How would a Biblical Skeptic interpret this story? How would a Biblical Literalist interpret this story? How would a Biblical Contextualist interpret this story?

Approaches for Reading Scripture Apply the Three Ways of Interpreting Scripture to some of the famous Old Testament stories such as Adam & Eve, Noah & the Ark, Moses crossing the Red Sea, and David defeating Goliath How would a Biblical Skeptic interpret this story? How would a Biblical Literalist interpret this story? How would a Biblical Contextualist interpret this story?

Approaches for Reading Scripture Three Levels of Understanding Scripture First Level: Basic Understanding of the Passage –The student should have a basic understanding of the plot of the story with attention paid to key people, places, events, and important details. Students should be able to retell the passage in their own words. Second Level: The Religious Truth (deeper meaning) Understanding of the Passage –The student should explore the Religious Truth (deeper meaning) that God (or the author) intends to reveal to his people through the story. Third Level: A Personal, Spiritual Understanding of the Passage –The student should prayerfully reflect upon the passage with a special focus on the Religious Truth (deeper meaning) revealed in the story. Students should try to connect the passage to an experience in their life, apply the passage to their relationship with God, or relate the passage to an event occurring in the world.

Approaches for Reading Scripture What does it mean to read a passage from Scripture at Three Levels of Understanding? –Let’s explore the Story of Elijah and the Prophets of Baal What is a basic understanding (the plot) of the passage? What is the religious truth (deeper meaning) understanding of the passage? What is a personal, spiritual understanding of the passage?

Approaches for Reading Scripture What does it mean to read a passage from Scripture at Three Levels of Understanding? –Let’s explore the Aesop’s Fable that you read a few days back What is a basic understanding (the plot) of the passage? What is the religious truth (deeper meaning) understanding of the passage? What is a personal, spiritual understanding of the passage?

Approaches for Reading Scripture What does it mean to read a passage from Scripture at Three Levels of Understanding? –Let’s explore some of the famous Old Testament stories such as Adam & Eve, Noah & the Ark, Moses crossing the Red Sea, and David defeating Goliath What is a basic understanding (the plot) of the passage? What is the religious truth (deeper meaning) understanding of the passage? What is a personal, spiritual understanding of the passage?

Approaches for Reading Scripture