“Learn the heart of God from the word of God.”
(St Gregory)
Why study the Bible?
The Church has always venerated God’s Word in Sacred Scripture, and all are encouraged to study and reflect on that Word.
“The sacred synod also earnestly and especially urges all the Christian faithful, especially Religious, to learn by frequent reading of the divine Scriptures the ‘excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ’ (Phil. 3:8)”
By reading, reflecting, and studying God’s Word in Scripture, we can discover more deeply who Christ is. We learn how the story of Jesus makes more sense when seen in the light of the Old Testament texts. We begin to see and understand the story of the Bible as the story of our family of faith, and where we ourselves fit into that story.
Deep Misunderstanding about the Bible
by Bishop Robert Barron
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htxOjJHB5-8
In this short video, Fr Barron explains how there are many genres in the Bible, and how easy it is to misunderstand this.
Bible Study Opportunities and Resources
Office for Evangelisation
The Office for Evangelisation provides opportunities throughout the year to study Scripture, including a Bible Conference. Please check the Calendar of Events for details.
The Office for Evangelisation also holds a number of resources, such as Little Rock and The Great Adventure resources. Books and resources can also be borrowed from the David L. Walker Library at the Caroline Chisholm Centre, Pennant Hills.
Suggestions on the study of the Gospel of Mark can be downloaded below.
Little Rock Scripture Study
Little Rock Scripture Study is a small-group Bible study program. Participants use a study guide and a commentary book. Studies include books of the Bible, as well as Bible overview programs.
The main elements of the program are:
- Daily personal reading of text and commentary
- Weekly small group sharing, which includes a wrap-up lecture available on CD or DVD
Purchase at: https://www.garrattpublishing.com.au
The Great Adventure
The Great Adventure is a series of Bible Study resources which give an overview of the Bible. ‘The Bible Timeline’ tells the story of the whole Bible over 24 weeks, whilst ‘Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible’ is a shorter 8-week program. Other studies are Matthew and Acts, and studies are also available for teens and children.
The program includes video input and small-group discussion, with a study guide and leaflet/bookmark of the periods of the Bible. Resources are available at http://ascensionpress.com/t/category/study-programs/catholic-bible-study
Broken Bay Institute
Adult Faith Online Topics
- The Word of the Lord - Introducing the Scriptures
- Introduction to the Old Testament
- The Gospel of Mark
Each course of 4-5 sessions is offered online. Sessions include video input and creative prayer experiences, and are suitable for individual or group use.
Catholic Correspondence Courses
- Introduction to the Old Testament; Introduction to the New Testament;The Psalms; The Prophets; The Gospel of Mark; The Teaching of St John; Letters of St Paul
These courses offer more in depth study, with teaching notes and readings provided for each topic. Written work is required to be submitted. Biblical courses at academic level are also offered.
E-Conference resources
Several BBI e-conferences have focused on biblical content. The material can be purchased on DVD.
- St Luke – Come to the Table
- Following Jesus – Matthew
- The Gospel of John: the Love of God Made Visible
- The Gospel of Mark: a Crucified and Risen Messiah
- The Man and his Mission – The Year of St Paul
Find out more about the above BBI courses and materials by phoning 9847 0540 or http://www.bbi.catholic.edu.au/site/Shop---DVDs/
Light of Torah
Light of Torah is an initiative which aims to awaken Catholics to the beauty and riches of the Hebrew Scriptures. It is a network of people who engage in studying the Torah (the first 5 books of the Old Testament), and so grow in appreciation of these foundational texts. Light of Torah groups are operating in several parishes. Weekly leaflets are available online.
Find more information on Light of Torah at http://lightoftorah.net
Studying Hebrew
A knowledge of Hebrew allows us to read books of the Old Testament in their original language. Courses, including online options, are available at Easy Learn Hebrew at http://www.easylearnhebrew.com/
Other resources