catechist formation session 2. scripture: god’s revelation passing on the gospel message

Catechist FormationCatechist Formation

Session 2Session 2

Scripture: God’s RevelationScripture: God’s Revelation

Passing On the Gospel Passing On the Gospel MessageMessage

ScriptureScripture

A privileged mode of revelation;A privileged mode of revelation;

It is held above all others.It is held above all others.

The Catholic Approach to ScriptureThe Catholic Approach to Scripture

• We interpret Scripture in context.

The Catholic Approach to ScriptureThe Catholic Approach to Scripture

• We interpret Scripture in context.

• We interpret Scripture communally.

The Context of ScriptureThe Context of Scripture

• The human authors are inspired by the Holy Spirit.

The Context of ScriptureThe Context of Scripture

• The human authors are inspired by the Holy Spirit.

• They write in– Different times.

The Context of ScriptureThe Context of Scripture

• The human authors are inspired by the Holy Spirit.

• They write in– Different times.– Different literary genres (types of literature).

The Context of ScriptureThe Context of Scripture

• The human authors are inspired by the Holy Spirit.

• They write in– Different times.– Different literary genres (types of literature).– Different historical and social circumstances.

The Context of ScriptureThe Context of Scripture

• The human authors are inspired by the Holy Spirit.

• They write in– Different times.– Different literary genres (types of literature).– Different historical and social circumstances.

• Therefore, the authors write in a way appropriate to their abilities, their time and their culture.

The Context of Scripture: The Context of Scripture: InerrancyInerrancy

• Catholic definition is different from some Christian denominations.

The Context of Scripture: The Context of Scripture: InerrancyInerrancy

• Catholic definition is different from some Christian denominations.

• Inerrancy means that Scripture is without error in that which God has revealed to us for our salvation.

The Context of Scripture: The Context of Scripture: InerrancyInerrancy

• Catholic definition is different from some Christian denominations.

• Inerrancy means that Scripture is without error in that which God has revealed to us for our salvation.

• It does not mean that Scripture is without error in all its aspects, such as science or its accounts of historical events.

The Context of Scripture: The Context of Scripture: Deeper MeaningDeeper Meaning

• Christianity, like Judaism and Islam is a historically based religion.

The Context of Scripture: The Context of Scripture: Deeper MeaningDeeper Meaning

• Christianity, like Judaism and Islam is a historically based religion.

• The events of salvation history actually happened.

The Context of Scripture: The Context of Scripture: Deeper MeaningDeeper Meaning

• Christianity, like Judaism and Islam is a historically based religion.

• The events of salvation history actually happened.

• However, the Bible is not a history book, so those accounts may not be correct in all details.

The Context of Scripture: The Context of Scripture: Deeper MeaningDeeper Meaning

• Christianity, like Judaism and Islam is a historically based religion.

• The events of salvation history actually happened.

• However, the Bible is not a history book, so those accounts may not be correct in all details.

• Events not considered part of salvation history may or may not have happened.

The Context of Scripture: The Context of Scripture: Deeper MeaningDeeper Meaning

• Christianity, like Judaism and Islam is a historically based religion.

• The events of salvation history actually happened.

• However, the Bible is not a history book, so those accounts may not be correct in all details.

• Events not considered part of salvation history may or may not have happened.

• Catholic interpretation looks to the deeper meaning of Scripture.

The Context of Scripture: The Context of Scripture: Deeper MeaningDeeper Meaning

• Christianity, like Judaism and Islam is a historically based religion.

• The events of salvation history actually happened.• However, the Bible is not a history book, so those

accounts may not be correct in all details.• Events not considered part of salvation history may or

may not have happened.• Catholic interpretation looks to the deeper meaning of

Scripture.• The inerrancy of Scripture is not denied in any way by

this approach.

Scriptural Context aids in Scriptural Context aids in interpretation in two ways:interpretation in two ways:

1. Understanding the times, the culture, the literary genre, and the specific circumstances that produced the text.

Scriptural Context aids in Scriptural Context aids in interpretation in two ways:interpretation in two ways:

1. Understanding the times, the culture, the literary genre, and the specific circumstances that produced the text.

2. Making the connection to the present.

Scriptural Context aids in Scriptural Context aids in interpretation in two ways:interpretation in two ways:

1. Understanding the times, the culture, the literary genre, and the specific circumstances that produced the text.

2. Making the connection to the present.

If we fail to do the first, we risk misunderstanding the text.

If we fail to do the second, we render the text irrelevant. The text has nothing to say to us.

Catholics Interpret in CommunityCatholics Interpret in Community

• A rich, 2,000 year history of interpretation which shows a diversity of approaches.

Catholics Interpret in CommunityCatholics Interpret in Community

• A rich, 2,000 year tradition of interpretation which shows a diversity of approaches.

• We learn about it through commentaries and reading guides found in Bibles.

Catholics Interpret in CommunityCatholics Interpret in Community

• A rich, 2,000 year tradition of interpretation which shows a diversity of approaches.

• We learn about it through commentaries and reading guides found in Bibles.

• We do not decide as individuals how Scripture is interpreted.

Catholics Interpret in CommunityCatholics Interpret in Community

• A rich, 2,000 year tradition of interpretation which shows a diversity of approaches.

• We learn about it through commentaries and reading guides found in Bibles.

• We do not decide as individuals how Scripture is interpreted.

• The Church keeps us from error.

A Ridiculously Brief SummaryA Ridiculously Brief Summary

• The Old Testament:– A long oral tradition.

A Ridiculously Brief SummaryA Ridiculously Brief Summary

• The Old Testament:– A long oral tradition.– A long editing tradition.

A Ridiculously Brief SummaryA Ridiculously Brief Summary

• The Old Testament:– A long oral tradition.– A long editing tradition.– The majority of books are in Hebrew, some

are in Greek.

A Ridiculously Brief SummaryA Ridiculously Brief Summary

• The Old Testament:– A long oral tradition.– A long editing tradition.– The majority of books are in Hebrew, some

are in Greek.– Sometimes called “The First Testament” or

“The Hebrew Scriptures.”

A Ridiculously Brief SummaryA Ridiculously Brief Summary

• The New Testament– A more literate period, therefore a much

shorter oral tradition.

A Ridiculously Brief SummaryA Ridiculously Brief Summary

• The New Testament– A more literate period, therefore a much

shorter oral tradition.– Also a much shorter editing tradition.

A Ridiculously Brief SummaryA Ridiculously Brief Summary

• The New Testament– A more literate period, therefore a much

shorter oral tradition.– Also a much shorter editing tradition.– Written entirely in Greek

Passing on the Gospel TraditionPassing on the Gospel Tradition

Jesus IS the WordJesus IS the Word

Jesus IS the WordJesus IS the Word

• A person lies at the core of our beliefs. We preach Christ and all that is related to him.

Jesus IS the WordJesus IS the Word

• A person lies at the core of our beliefs. We preach Christ and all that is related to him.

• We do not just learn about Christ, we grow in relationship with him.

Jesus IS the WordJesus IS the Word

• A person lies at the core of our beliefs. We preach Christ and all that is related to him.

• We do not just learn about Christ, we grow in relationship with him.

• Christ is the apex of revelation; everything points to him.

Jesus IS the WordJesus IS the Word

• A person lies at the core of our beliefs. We preach Christ and all that is related to him.

• We do not just learn about Christ, we grow in relationship with him.

• Christ is the apex of revelation; everything points to him.

• We faithfully pass on the Gospel message in all its fullness, not our own interpretation.

Jesus IS the WordJesus IS the Word

• A person lies at the core of our beliefs. We preach Christ and all that is related to him.

• We do not just learn about Christ, we grow in relationship with him.

• Christ is the apex of revelation; everything points to him.

• We faithfully pass on the Gospel message in all its fullness, not our own interpretation.

• Christ leads us to the Trinity, since he exists in communion with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Salvation and LiberationSalvation and Liberation

• The Good News: in Christ we are saved and set free.

Salvation and LiberationSalvation and Liberation

• The Good News: in Christ we are saved and set free.

• God is not distant and inaccessible.

Salvation and LiberationSalvation and Liberation

• The Good News: in Christ we are saved and set free.

• God is not distant and inaccessible.

• God offers us salvation: we are His children.

Salvation and LiberationSalvation and Liberation

• The Good News: in Christ we are saved and set free.

• God is not distant and inaccessible.

• God offers us salvation: we are His children.

• The Reign of God is one of love, justice an peace.

Salvation and LiberationSalvation and Liberation

• The Good News: in Christ we are saved and set free.

• God is not distant and inaccessible.• God offers us salvation: we are His

children.• The Reign of God is one of love, justice an

peace.• The Reign of God is brought to life in

Jesus Christ.

Salvation and LiberationSalvation and Liberation

• The Church is at the service of the Reign of God.

Salvation and LiberationSalvation and Liberation

• The Church is at the service of the Reign of God.

• We are in pilgrimage to God’s house where the Reign will be fully realized.

Salvation and LiberationSalvation and Liberation

• The Church is at the service of the Reign of God.

• We are in pilgrimage to God’s house where the Reign will be fully realized.

• Liberation follows from the Reign of God; Christ is the Liberator.

Salvation and LiberationSalvation and Liberation

• The Church is at the service of the Reign of God.

• We are in pilgrimage to God’s house where the Reign will be fully realized.

• Liberation follows from the Reign of God; Christ is the Liberator.

• We are called to address conflict and injustice, in love.

Catechesis Takes Place in the Catechesis Takes Place in the ChurchChurch

• The faith is passed on in the community of believers:– Through writings, the testimony of the saints,

the Church’s teaching tradition.

Catechesis Takes Place in the Catechesis Takes Place in the ChurchChurch

• The faith is passed on in the community of believers:– Through writings, the testimony of the saints,

the Church’s teaching tradition.

• We focus on:– Salvation history in Scripture and Church

history: the history of the people of God.

Catechesis Takes Place in the Catechesis Takes Place in the ChurchChurch

• The faith is passed on in the community of believers:– Through writings, the testimony of the saints,

the Church’s teaching tradition.

• We focus on:– Salvation history in Scripture and Church

history: the history of the people of God.– We examine today in the light of our tradition

and history.

Catechesis Takes Place in the Catechesis Takes Place in the ChurchChurch

• The faith is passed on in the community of believers:– Through writings, the testimony of the saints, the

Church’s teaching tradition.

• We focus on:– Salvation history in Scripture and Church history: the

history of the people of God.– Examining today in the light of our tradition and

history.– Situating the sacraments in the realm of human

experience.

Catechesis Takes Place in the Catechesis Takes Place in the ChurchChurch

• The faith is passed on in the community of believers:– Through writings, the testimony of the saints, the

Church’s teaching tradition.• We focus on:

– Salvation history in Scripture and Church history: the history of the people of God.

– Examining today in the light of our tradition and history.

– Situating the sacraments in the realm of human experience.

– Deeper meaning in events past and present, to find the mystery of God in them.

The Good News in All CulturesThe Good News in All Cultures

• Two principles to help decide whether dimensions of culture are fitting:

The Good News in All CulturesThe Good News in All Cultures

• Two principles to help decide whether dimensions of culture are fitting:– Compatibility with the Gospel.

The Good News in All CulturesThe Good News in All Cultures

• Two principles to help decide whether dimensions of culture are fitting:– Compatibility with the Gospel.– Communion with the universal Church.

The Good News in All CulturesThe Good News in All Cultures

• Two principles to help decide whether dimensions of culture are fitting:– Compatibility with the Gospel.– Communion with the universal Church.

• The demands of the Gospel should not be reduced for fear of rejection.

A Complete Message, Ordered for A Complete Message, Ordered for UnderstandingUnderstanding

• “The very purpose of catechesis is to help the person live in communion with Jesus Christ.”

A Complete Message, Ordered for A Complete Message, Ordered for UnderstandingUnderstanding

• “The very purpose of catechesis is to help the person live in communion with Jesus Christ.”

• Must be related to human life and understanding, otherwise just a set of concepts.

A Complete Message, Ordered for A Complete Message, Ordered for UnderstandingUnderstanding

• “The very purpose of catechesis is to help the person live in communion with Jesus Christ.”

• Must be related to human life and understanding, otherwise just a set of concepts.– The Gospel satisfies the longing of the human

heart.

A Complete Message, Ordered for A Complete Message, Ordered for UnderstandingUnderstanding

• “The very purpose of catechesis is to help the person live in communion with Jesus Christ.”

• Must be related to human life and understanding, otherwise just a set of concepts.– The Gospel satisfies the longing of the human

heart.– We interpret human life in the light of Christ.

A Complete Message, Ordered for A Complete Message, Ordered for UnderstandingUnderstanding

• “The very purpose of catechesis is to help the person live in communion with Jesus Christ.”

• Must be related to human life and understanding, otherwise just a set of concepts.– The Gospel satisfies the longing of the human heart.– We interpret human life in the light of Christ.– The themes of the Creed illuminate human life.

A Complete Message, Ordered for A Complete Message, Ordered for UnderstandingUnderstanding

• “The very purpose of catechesis is to help the person live in communion with Jesus Christ.”

• Must be related to human life and understanding, otherwise just a set of concepts.– The Gospel satisfies the longing of the human heart.– We interpret human life in the light of Christ.– The themes of the Creed illuminate human life.– Great human experiences are liturgical moments as

well.

A Complete Message, Ordered for A Complete Message, Ordered for UnderstandingUnderstanding

• “The very purpose of catechesis is to help the person live in communion with Jesus Christ.”

• Must be related to human life and understanding, otherwise just a set of concepts.– The Gospel satisfies the longing of the human heart.– We interpret human life in the light of Christ.– The themes of the Creed illuminate human life.– Great human experiences are liturgical moments as

well.• Must be integrated fully. Difference between

catechesis and instruction.

The CCC: Its Nature and RoleThe CCC: Its Nature and Role

• The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a compendium of Catholic beliefs intended for the universal Church.

The CCC: Its Nature and RoleThe CCC: Its Nature and Role

• The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a compendium of Catholic beliefs intended for the universal Church.

• Episcopal Synods encouraged to produce local catechisms to present the Catholic faith in a way suited to society and culture.

The CCC: Its Nature and RoleThe CCC: Its Nature and Role

• The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a compendium of Catholic beliefs intended for the universal Church.

• Episcopal Synods encouraged to produce local catechisms to present the Catholic faith in a way suited to society and culture.

• USCCB produced the U.S. Catechism for Adults.

At our next meeting…At our next meeting…

• The Art of Teaching the Faith

• The Gift of the Sacraments