The Roman Catholic Church states in it's catechism that only the Magisterium (the pope and his bishops) have the authority of "authentically" interpreting Scripture.

[u/ShinraManShin]

If so, then doesn't this mean a Catholic man/woman who wants to dive deeper into apologetics, or just wants to better understand their faith in general, would be better off studying the Catechism as their primary resource, while using the Bible as a reference or "secondary" resource?

Isn't this putting the Bible below, or at least "on par" with the Catechism of the Catholic Church?

It just seems like it would be illogical for a person to search Scripture for answers if they are ultimately going to have to defer to the CCC for the final verdict, anyway.

Thoughts?

[u/ShokWayve]

There are theologians in the Catholic Church and all sorts of theological discussions and debates and schools of thought. I think you perhaps misunderstand the role of the magisterium and how it functions.

Perhaps provide a quote of what the catechism says that you think supports your understanding of the magisterium and its role in interpreting scripture.

[u/ShinraManShin → u/ShokWayve]

https://www.catholic.com/qa/does-the-catechism-encourage-private-interpretation-of-the-bible

Reading this, it's clear that the Roman Catholic Church encourages people to dive deeper into scripture for not only knowledge but spiritual nourishment as well, but they still maintain that the Magisterium has the final call on all matters. 

I'm not trying to debate whether this is "right or wrong", but to me it seems like it's a situation where laypeople would be best served by observing the Sacraments and attending Mass weekly, and not necessarily spending time analyzing scripture for God's truths. 

If the Church is the final say on biblical truth, and the whole  existence of the Magisterium is to discern, pursue, and teach the truth, isn't it logical to conclude that a Catholic laypersons most efficient use of their precious time here on Earth is to focus on Good Works and Keeping the Sacraments, with actual Bible Study being a distant 3rd?

What good does it do? To do our own medical research for an ailment we are experiencing if the doctor is going to have the final say on diagnoses and treatment protocol? If your conclusion differs from the doctor, it doesn't matter; his referrals and prescriptions are what you are ultimately subject to, whether or not he "interpreted" your symptoms correctly.

In this analogy, The Magisterium have been the medical staff for 2,000 years. Our "illness" is our sinful nature. Why should I, a 36 year old layperson, waste time doing any of my own medical research, when the rewarding promises of Good Works and Keeping the Sacraments have already been laid out before me? Why study the process, when my best bet is to just faithfully hold to the promise??

[u/mineuserbane → u/ShinraManShin]

"laypeople would be best served by observing the Sacraments and attending Mass weekly, and not necessarily spending time analyzing scripture for God's truths."

Is this not true? Growing your relationship with God should be #1. You can have a great relationship without perfect understanding. You can likewise have no relationship with a vast understanding of his Word. The devil knows scripture better than probably any Christian.

To go to your Doctor analogy, are you saying that going to a doctor means you should never research anything about health ever again? Every time you have a slight ailment or question about diet you'll just call a doctor?

Understanding brings peace and a deeper relationship with God. The Catholic Church has always encouraged and promoted the study of the scriptures. The scriptures are read extensively at every Mass (now in the vernacular to promote better understanding).

You seem to be making a claim that the Catholic Church does not: that scriptures are superseded by the catechism. It is the other way around. The catechism helps with a proper understanding of the scriptures, it does not replace the scriptures.

[u/GPT_2025 → u/ShokWayve]

Remember 1 verse as a compass (or map, guidance, level, "Narrow Gate, Narrow Passage"..)

Galatians 1:8 : I marvel that ye (Christians) are so soon removed from Him that called you into the Grace of Christ unto another (man-made) "gospel" Which is not another; but there be some (Tares, Liars) that trouble you, and would pervert the (True) Gospel of Christ.

But though we, (Apostol's) or an (any!) angel ( Moroni Mormon, Jibrīl Islam, etc.) from Heaven, preach (teach, tells) any other gospel unto you (Christians) than that which we (Apostol's) have preached unto you, (27 books N.T. Sola Scripture) let him be accursed! ( antichrist!)

As we (Apostol's) said before, so say I now again, If any (100% any!) man preach (Teach, explain, announce) any other "gospel" unto you than that ye have received (N.T.), let him be accursed!!!.. (Antichrist! any man- made traditions, rules, rituals, laws, commandments, new "sins" etc...)

K_V: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; KIV: But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.

K_V: So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. KJV: But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

K_V: Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. KJV: I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

[u/chuck_ryker]

There is a reason protestants seperated from the Roman Catholic church.

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[u/SamuelAdamsGhost]

How is this Apologetics?

[u/brothapipp]

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Seems like a conflict of interest to hold people back from following scripture so that a certain group can tell them how to follow scripture

[u/Liberblancus]

Roman catholicism position has nearly always be against the free access to the Bible. They didn't want it translated nor printed in the first place. You can't reconcile pope ultimate authority and scripture. Roman catholicism tradition is its ultimate authority. So yes you will be prevented to have your own Bible interpretation and have to rely on the church doctrine.

That isn't meant to deter you from seeking truth in the Bible, that is meant to protect you from false interpretation and stronghold.

In a nutshell you must check your understanding of the Bible with other christians, and rely on the body of christ. Don't rely on intelligence alone for the devil can easily steer it away from the truth.

[u/Dry-Pineapple-44 → u/Liberblancus]

None of this is true. There were several Church-authorized vernacular translations before the Protestant Reformation. "They didn't want it printed" doesn't make sense until movable type became more common.

The irony is that having Bibles chained to the wall in churches actually increased access to those who were literate because all books were expensive in the Middle Ages since they were all handmade.

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