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February 19, 2007
Scripture Study?
As I mentioned below, I get regular questions about Scripture study materials for Catholic adults and youth. I think a page with a collection of such resources would be useful to people. If you could post suggestions here - with a note or two about why you think they're good, if they're good for individual or group study or both...etc.
I'm most interested in printed materials, because people are really looking for books and booklets to use in parish settings, to really beef up adult ed and spiritual formation in their parishes. But if there are good web-based Scripture study resources (not just collections of links or information, but actual studies), go ahead and let us know about those as well.
Let's see what we come up with!
Posted by Amy Welborn | Permalink
Comments
Dr. Scott Hahn and his St. Paul Center have really good online stuff and print material available, like this one on St. Matt's gospel. Actually those are part of a big set which are all listed here.
Posted by: Pauli at Feb 19, 2007 9:38:32 AM
I cannot recommend enough the Navarre Bible Commentary. It comes in various forms-individual books, groupings etc. I have the 'whole Bible' in roughly ten volumes. It gives an excellent English translation (with other Scripture references in the margins which are related to the specific verse. The commentary is both 'modern' and ancient. It gives a solid 'modern' [literary-historical however all seen within the canon of Scripture] interpretation. Then gives commentaries from the Fathers, CCC, Encyclicals and writings of Popes and contemporary saints.
Dr Scott Hahn's works are excellent! I would also recommend the Ignatius Bible Commentary series
Another commentary series is the Collegeville Bible Commentary
Posted by: Father Elijah at Feb 19, 2007 10:32:27 AM
The Collegeville Bible Commentary is still one of the most accessible and solid things around. It is available in one volume booklets which are very inexpensive. The New Testament has just be re-published with new commentaries.
I used the new Gospel of Mark commentary to lead a Bible study on Mark last summer in our parish. The folks who participated loved the book and thought that it was both informative and accessible.
I also put together a summer course (two years ago) called "The Big Story" - basically just taking folks through the 'plot line' of the Bible. Two resources I could recommend that follow that path are From Earth's Creation to John's Revelation by Barbara Green, OP, published by Liturgical Press and From Genesis to Apocalypse by Roland Faley, TOR, published by Paulist.
Invitation to the Gospels is a re-issue of Gospel commentaries published separately. The authors are Paul Achtemeier, Daniel Harrington, Robert Karris, George MacRae and Donald Senior. With that line up, who could go wrong? The writing is clear and includes study questions throughout. It is published by Paulist.
For a sound, thorough and balanced approach to the New Testament, nothing beats Raymond Brown's Introduction to the New Testament, published by Doubleday. It isn't "Bible Study" material, per se, but it should be on the shelf of anyone leading a Bible study.
Posted by: anon at Feb 19, 2007 10:36:49 AM
Amy,
1) I work with young adults and college students and I highly recommend the "Come and See" Catholic Bible study series by Fr. Ponessa and Laurie Manhardt. It is published by Emmaus Road. I have used their editions on "John" and "Prophets and Apostles." They integrate the Bible with the CCC in a very effective way. Also, the introductions are very helpful for both the veteran and rookie to Bible Study.
2) I would also add to your section a part about selecting a Bible. I wouldn't necessarily focus on translations (which is always a debatable subject) but also just how to feel comfortable with the type-setting, extra materials, and notes.
God Bless!
Posted by: Tim at Feb 19, 2007 10:58:35 AM
I would recommend the Ignatius Bible Study series from Ignatius Press.
Also, the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture series provides quotatiosn from the Church Fathers for each book of the Bible (they aren't finished yet but are well on their way).
Posted by: Fr. Daren Zehnle at Feb 19, 2007 11:08:54 AM
There's the Catholic Home Study Service, available on the 'net. They offer free correspondance courses. I'm about done with the one on Scripture.
The textbook provided is "A Catholic Guide to the Bible", by Fr. Oscar Lukefahr.
I have to say though, that it is primarily influanced by the historico-critcal method, and has almost no reference to the Fathers, Doctors or Councils of the Church--I found it almost indistinguishable from the course in scripture I took at Methodist College of Fayetteville. Perhaps a little more secularized.
For what it's worth.
Posted by: Mitch S. at Feb 19, 2007 11:13:07 AM
The Ignatius Bible Study series, mentioned above, is the best resource I've found. And while I concur with Fr. Elijay that the Navarre Bible is excellent, its frequent quotations from St. Josemaria Escriva in the notes and commentaries may be a turn-off to those who don't like his brand of spirituality.
Posted by: Rich Leonardi at Feb 19, 2007 11:27:10 AM
Fr. Elijah, obviously.
Posted by: Rich Leonardi at Feb 19, 2007 11:29:15 AM
I would be careful about what Fr. Raymond Brown is saying about the Bible.
http://ic.net/~erasmus/RAZ323.HTM
http://www.catholicculture.org/docs/doc_view.cfm?recnum=525
Posted by: Ian at Feb 19, 2007 11:44:22 AM
Are there any books out there with Bible studies from the medievals? Having to translate stuff from Latin just so I can read it is... um... slow. Especially since my Latin skills are pretty bad. (And if I keep up with my tiny podcast empire, I don't seem to have the time or energy to translate.)
But the little bits of stuff I've read has been pretty mind-blowing, and I know the medievals were writing whole books on particular scriptures, just as the Fathers did, so obviously this sort of thing could be done. (Whether or not it's _being_ done.)
I'd like to know especially what kinds of different approaches folks took, and something about how favorite interpretations varied from century to century or country to country. Preferably in not too scholarly a format, though I'll take scholarly if that's what you've got.
Posted by: Maureen at Feb 19, 2007 11:54:53 AM
One more thing ...
I posted the following review to my site the other day:
My brief Amazon review of Trigilio and Brighenti's 101 Things You Should Know About the Bible:Trigilio and Brighenti's '101 Things' is an abbreviation of their successful 'Everything Bible Book.' With this new palm-sized volume, they've broken down the core teachings of the book into several-hundred-word mini-essays with titles like 'Who wrote the Bible?', 'How does inspiration take place?', and -- my favorite -- 'Who was Rudolph Bultmann?' The answers the authors provide are clear, concise, and orthodox. Although it is not a Bible study per se, time spent with this book will provide additional context and understanding for the reading of Scripture. Written at a Readers' Digest level of sophistication, '101 Things' is suitable for high school students and adults. The only drawback is the translation the authors were forced to use by the publisher: the inelegant New International Version.From the book:
Rudoph Bultmann (1884-1976) was a liberal theologian and Bible scholar who proposed the "demythologization" of Scripture. According to him, miracles were impossible; hence, any mention of them in the Bible was not intended to be a report of objective fact. He had great influence in modern biblical research as may abandoned the notion of inerrancy and began to use the historical method of interpreting the Bible. Although many scholars before and after him used literary and form criticism to interpret Scripture, this radical break with the adherence to inerrancy caused great divisions among Christians and their view of the Bible.In order to preserve the inerrancy of Scripture, some Christians interpret the entire Bible literally. If that method is not part of your faith tradition, however, does that mean you must choose to follow the ideas of Bultmann, discarding any supernatural or miraculous event as being pure myth?
Not necessarily. A middle ground is possible and it is one that sees the Bible as a mosaic of different types of literary styles or genres. Metaphors, allegories, idioms, hyperboles, and parables are all present throughout the Bible, in both Old and New Testaments, and are not meant to be taken literally.
Posted by: Rich Leonardi at Feb 19, 2007 12:07:00 PM
Fr. Brown's "Introduction...." has a nihil obstat and imprimatur.
I forgot to mention in an earlier post "How Do Catholics Read the Bible" by Fr. Daniel Harrington, SJ and also the "The Bible Documents:A Parish Resource" published by Liturgy Training Publications.
The former is written by one of the most erudite Scripture scholars out there, but he writes in an accessible and clear manner for the general public. The latter is a collection of the major documents that have guided Catholic scholarship over the last century, along with a commentary. Again, it would not be the stuff of Bible study in the parish, per se, but should be on the shelf of anyone leading a Bible study.
Posted by: anon at Feb 19, 2007 12:26:25 PM
I think "A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture" by Bernard Orchard is the best single volume commentary. Out of print, but there might be some used copies out on bookfinder.com.
Posted by: TSO at Feb 19, 2007 12:44:15 PM
I have been collecting the Ancient Christian Commentary on the Scriptures issued by Intervarsity. All the books of the Bible and comments upon them by the Church Fathers. No Protestant bias that I can see, and I have found the series useful.
Posted by: Donald R. McClarey at Feb 19, 2007 12:54:48 PM
Ian wrote: "I would be careful about what Fr. Raymond Brown is saying about the Bible."
You probably should be careful, Ian......my guess is you haven't read much by Fr. Brown at all.
The Pope's homilist, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, described Fr. Brown in a homily last Lent in the presence of the Pope and members of the Curia as "an eminent Catholic exegete... who was able to combine scientific rigor and spiritual sensitivity in an exemplary way in the study of the Bible..."
Posted by: Jim at Feb 19, 2007 12:59:39 PM
Re: Raymond Brown.
My sense is that some folks are troubled by the "old Fr. Brown," i.e., his earlier works that perhaps were more speculative. His later books, including his terrific (albeit long) Introduction to the New Testament, are more rigorous and reliable.
Posted by: Rich Leonardi at Feb 19, 2007 1:12:17 PM
Take a look at the Six Weeks with the Bible series from Loyola Press. These small books cover almost all the New Testament and the most popular books of the Old Testament, as well as thematic studies.
They're designed for group use; hundreds of parishes use them. But they can be used by individuals as well. Full disclosure: I've worked on this series as an editor at Loyola Press. But I've also used them personally for four years as part of a couples' Bible study group. They're very good. Check the link:
http://loyolabooks.org/seriesdetail.asp?prodcatname=Six%20Weeks%20with%20the%20Bible%2C%20Adults
Posted by: Jim Manney at Feb 19, 2007 1:25:19 PM
Click here for the link to the Six Weeks with the Bible Page.
Posted by: Jim Manney at Feb 19, 2007 1:34:39 PM
Last year I started leading a Bible study in my parish. I've used the Little Rock program which uses the Collegeville Bible Study booklets, and the Scott Hahn on line studies available at St. Paul Center's web site.
I've fleshed out the provided resources with my own purchases of the appropriate Navarre Bible book, Ignatius Study Bible (if available), Ancient Christian Commentary, and assorted other books, depending on which Biblical book is being studied this time.
Personally, I have been massively unimpressed with the Collegeville commentaries. I'm always arguing with them; or thinking they take a very limited view of interpretation; and are written on a very simple level.
And in the current study, Book of Revelation, the commentator is Episcopal, not Catholic.
I may have picked up an Orthodox commentary (Paul Tarazi's Johannine Writings) for my own expansion of the study, but that's my choice. For a Catholic Bible Study to offer something that isn't Catholic surprised me. And, as usual I'm arguing with it. Example (from memory) "this scroll obviously is described this way to refer to the scroll in Ezekiel." Oh, yeah? I read the official commentary last, and NO ONE ELSE thought much of that angle. The ancients all saw things like the OT, the Ten Commandments, etc. it in.
OTOH, participants in the studies find them acceptable, only one other person has grumbled to me about them being 'sophmoric.' So their level is probably aimed about right.
I've not used the 30 week Catholic Scripture Study from St. Paul Ctr, although I'd like to. No one else wants to commit to 30 weeks at a shot.
The on-line program we used last spring for the Bible and the Mass study was very good. Thorough, detailed, could have been fleshed out, but was illuminating in all sorts of ways. A bit simply written again, but it didn't give me the sophmoric air the Collegeville ones have.
Posted by: Elaine at Feb 19, 2007 2:17:58 PM
I wholeheartedly concur with many of the recommendations already mentioned, especially for the "Come & See" studies and the Ignatius Study Bible & Navarre Bible; I also recommend the "Six Weeks with the Bible" series.
I'd also recommend the Threshold Bible Study series, written by Stephen Binz, editor of God's Word Today.
I also think it's helpful to remember that there's a difference between a commentary and a bible study. I've found (as a diocesan director of adult catechesis) that most people aren't content with a great commentary... they want a concrete, step-by-step bible study.
Posted by: Chris Burgwald at Feb 19, 2007 2:19:00 PM
Ditto on the Ignatius--just superb, all over. One caveat though--some members of our study found the footnoting to be a little daunting--a lot of stuff there to mine through. Read the text once, then start straying through the footnotes.
Also, I second the recommendation of the Orchard Commentary--very, very excellent.
Though it's a bit of a distraction, Rich has hit it dead on re: the late Fr. Brown. His later works are far more temperate than his early period. Intro to the NT is a magnificent survey, if really, really pricey.
The revised Collegeville study is all right from what I have seen (we are using it for Acts). The caveats are that the historical-critical concerns are paramount, and it reflects some of the staid conceits of contemporary Catholic scholarship. E.g., the group had a bad reaction to the commentary's assertion that the speeches in Acts were whole cloth creations of the writer, which were soothed over by emphasizing the fact scholarship, even scholarly "consensus," isn't binding.
The Collegeville is otherwise decent--the study questions are often very incisive and they do focus you on the major themes of each section quite well.
Posted by: Dale Price at Feb 19, 2007 3:04:30 PM
Ditto on the Ignatius--just superb, all over. One caveat though--some members of our study found the footnoting to be a little daunting--a lot of stuff there to mine through. Read the text once, then start straying through the footnotes.
Also, I second the recommendation of the Orchard Commentary--very, very excellent.
Though it's a bit of a distraction, Rich has hit it dead on re: the late Fr. Brown. His later works are far more temperate than his early period. Intro to the NT is a magnificent survey, if really, really pricey.
The revised Collegeville study is all right from what I have seen (we are using it for Acts). The caveats are that the historical-critical concerns are paramount, and it reflects some of the staid conceits of contemporary Catholic scholarship. E.g., the group had a bad reaction to the commentary's assertion that the speeches in Acts were whole cloth creations of the writer, which were soothed over by emphasizing the fact scholarship, even scholarly "consensus," isn't binding.
The Collegeville is otherwise decent--the study questions are often very incisive and they do focus you on the major themes of each section quite well.
Posted by: Dale Price at Feb 19, 2007 3:05:48 PM
I wasn't saying not to read him, I was just providing some information about some of his commentary. I'm glad to hear that he righted his ship later in life.
A nihil obstat and imprimatur are really not a guarantee of anything as Fr. Mc'Brien's catechism had it and one time and it was later revoked.
Posted by: Ian at Feb 19, 2007 3:40:07 PM
How about Catholic Scripture Study?
http://css.catholicexchange.com/
Posted by: Mark Shea at Feb 19, 2007 4:29:54 PM
Little Rock gets my vote since it's really quite flexible and varied. Lots to choose from and *inexpensive* for many in the parish:
http://www.littlerockscripture.org/en/Studies.aspx
They recently did one the Rosary, "Touching the Mysteries," that was just great..
Posted by: Brigid at Feb 19, 2007 5:01:19 PM
I've been impressed by what I've seen by Michaelann Martin, who has a few different themed scripture study books out. They are published by Emmaus Road publishing.
I'm preparing to work on "Woman of Grace: A Bible Study for Married Women" as part of my Lenten preparation.... it looks really good!!
Posted by: TiaKay at Feb 19, 2007 5:08:57 PM
I'm hopping on the Ignatius Study Bible praise train here too. I've used them for personal study and also am using them in a home Bible study group. I love the large number of footnotes. They provide great depth in the way that many Protestant study Bibles do -- often more footnotes on a page than scripture. In fact, the Ignatius series countered what some Catholic friends told me a few years ago, "That there aren't any Catholic study Bibles the way Protestants have study Bibles." Mr. Hahn and Mr. Mitch have outdone the Protestant study Bibles by revealing the much deeper Catholic resources that create a larger, older treasure of footnotes than are possible in the Protestant world. (They include Greek/Hebrew word studies, comments by church Fathers, the Catechism's statements on various passages, and of course the usual maps, history, references to physical objects or customs of the Bible times, and so on.)
Now a question: Does anybody know of any used Ancient Christian Commentaries that might be for sale? I'd like the CD Rom version, ideally, but the individual books would be fine too.
Mark in Ann Arbor
Posted by: MarkAA at Feb 19, 2007 5:09:24 PM
Is there a decent Catholic bible study by topic (specifically, e.g., the parables)?
Posted by: Trubador at Feb 19, 2007 6:54:32 PM
One of the best books on the parables is by John R. Donahue, S.J., The Gospel in Parables:Metaphor, Narrative, and Theology in the Synoptic Gospels.
http://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Parable-Metaphor-Narrative-Theology/dp/0800624807/sr=8-7/qid=1171930598/ref=sr_1_7/002-9871906-7108041?ie=UTF8&s=books
I do not understand the distinction between the "early" and the "late" Raymond Brown. His work has been solidly consistent. I think the dissatisfacton may be over his book on the virginl conception, which is carefully nuanced, superbly researched, and fully within the Catholic tradition. Many Catholics do not like to see a serious and comprehensive treatment of this topic. Nothing in that book is heretical. Unfortunately, he was seriously maligned by ill-informed conservative Catholics. He has always represented the best in Catholic biblical interpretation and dedicated himself to combatting one of the biggest problems in the post-Vatican II Church, biblical fundamentalism among Catholics. These are Catholics who do not know their own tradition on the interpretation of Scripture, which attends to the literal and historical sense without devolving into literalism. On this topic I concur with the earlier post that the book by Fr. Daniel Harrington, S.J. is superb regarding how Catholics read the Bible.
In my opinion, Scott Hahn is not really an exegete, but is rather a dogmatic theolgian, who uses the Bible as proof text for Catholic doctrine.
Posted by: EH at Feb 19, 2007 7:37:07 PM
i would suggest a different take...a more liturgical/biblical approach. this way one can study the weekly scriptures that are proclaimed and encoutered in the Sunday readings.
Litugical press has a series out called: DAYS OF THE LORD, THE LITURGICAL YEAR.
Also Lucien Deiss has a good series out called: GOD'S WORD IS OUR JOY.
The unique purpose of the Catholic approach to the bible is to initiate people into the communal 'lectio' that is done in the liturgy and that is supported by our private lectio.there are some excellent books on lectio and the liturgy that show a real catholic tradition of bible study.
Pope Benedict has made the next synod's topic on the Bible so I am sure many good resources will come and old gems will be re-discovered.
Posted by: annonymous at Feb 19, 2007 7:37:29 PM
He has always represented the best in Catholic biblical interpretation and dedicated himself to combatting one of the biggest problems in the post-Vatican II Church, biblical fundamentalism among Catholics.
Right. The theology departments at our Catholic universities are chock-full of Bible-thumping literalists.
Posted by: Rich Leonardi at Feb 19, 2007 8:52:42 PM
For people with little familiarity with the bible I would recommend starting with Mark Shea's 'Four Senses of Scripture' and Scott Hahn's 'A Father Who Keeps His Promises'. I also recommend the Salvation History website; the units there gave me a good background for the study of the bible. I worked through some of Catholic Exchange bible study when it was free and it was great.
For my bible study I use the Ignatius series backed up by the Navarre, Bernard Orchard's 'A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture' (the 1950's version - I bought it second hand), and Haydock's Commentary which is available online at http://haydock1859.tripod.com/
I have also read about Jeff Cavins' 'Great Adventure Bible Timeline Series' Has anyone used it and what did they think of it?
Posted by: Sharon at Feb 19, 2007 9:13:49 PM
I like the Luke Timothy Johnson book on the the New Testament; his argument against being solely based in the historio-critical method is quite good. Before anyone makes any comments on him, remember I'm recommending his scripture study...not any personal opinions he has outside of Scripture (which I know very little about except that there is some controversy). Its a good book to work through with a class, but Lent would be kind of short.
Posted by: nab at Feb 19, 2007 9:21:07 PM
The Ray Brown comments are interesting. As someone who has always found his writing anything *but* faith-building, I was a bit surprised to see a different side of him in the Neuhaus edited 'Biblical Interpretation in Crisis.' Nonetheless, I believe he approaches the text in an overly skeptical manner. Check out George Kelly's "The New Biblical Theorists, a book Kelly said that von Balthasar told him was the best thing he had ever done.
As for commentaries, the Brazos series edited by R. Reno looks very promising. The Word Biblical Commentary is also very helpful, albeit Evangelical.
Posted by: Joe at Feb 19, 2007 10:11:15 PM
I haven't seen the Ignatius commentary, but I can tell you that the commentary in their Ignatius RSV bible ("catholic 2nd Ed") is written by somebody who sees the bible as just another old book. One example: psalm 22 is noted as "clearly an influence for the passion narrative". This type of commentary won't do much for your faith. Save your money.
The Oxford Catholic Study Bible is worse. This book is a great gift for your athiest friend taking a "bible as lit" class.
Also to be avoided is the Oxford edition of the NAB. The commentary before each gospel successfully dismantles any belief that these events actually happended. This should be shelved in stores next to Edith Hamilton's Mythology.
The NAB itself is unworthy of any devotion. It is simply not scripture. It is however dull, dry, devoid of any literary merit, and translated by people who come across as if they don't believe in christ.
The King James bible, or an English Standard Version, with little or no commentary in it, is the best to use to study scripture, IMO.
Posted by: Joel at Feb 20, 2007 10:28:21 AM
Mark Shea asked: How about Catholic Scripture Study?
http://css.catholicexchange.com/
I'd love to use it - I can't get anyone else to go for the 30 week commitment. So all I can judge on are the sample lessons, and they look good.
And on Joel's comments on Ignatius, I hve their RSV Bible 2nd Catholic edition and use it simple as a reading & carrying to Bible study book. The Ignatius Study Bible is different. Each book is published as a separate volume and copius notes are on each page. ummm... grabs a handy volume which turns out to be Gospel of Mark... After the introductory texts the Gospel itself starts with Ch1 1-9 in the top half of the page, and the rest of the page is notes on verses 1:1, 1:2-3, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:9-11, 1:10 that last spills over into the next page. The notes for 1:1 discuss the 'good news, what it is, how Jesus accomplishes it, look forward to more events, references various other bits and the Catechism.
It's pretty good, in other words. There are also topical essays and other educational bits strewn throughout.
Also, if one is intending to use it for an organized Bible study, at the back there are study questions for each chapter. (whew! dragged this back on topic!)
Another book about the Bible and reading it in a Catholic way is Pathways in Scripture by Damasus Winzen. I guess it would fall under 'one volume commentaries". I've found it very insightful.
Posted by: Elaine at Feb 20, 2007 11:14:20 AM
I would recommend the commentaries of Erasmo Levia-Merikakis on Matthew: "Fire of Mercy, Heart of the Word." So far two volumes have come out from Ignatius Press covering chapters 1-18 (the first volume is out of print according to Amazon). It is basically a verse by verse meditation sticking very close to the Greek with marvelous insights from the whole of tradition, both East and West. The author's penetration of the meaning of Greek words and expressions is particularly revealing, as his is focus on the structure of the various passages as a way in which the evangelist reveals Jesus as God in human flesh. It treats the gospel as what it really is: a revelation from God and as such is less concerned with scholarly issues related to text, sources, etc.
Posted by: Sam Schmitt at Feb 20, 2007 1:34:24 PM
