I am a little fuzzy on the spiral arguement about the bible and the Church. Where you look at the bible as just any other book and then see that there is a religion that teaches what the bible teaches which sort of prooves the realiability of the bible.

Could anyone clear this up and state the true purpose of the spiral arguement?

Thanks a bunch!

-- Jacob (jacobrainey@hotmail.com), October 24, 2003

Answers

Jacob, it may take you ten minutes to read carefully, but this essay at the "Catholic Answers, Inc" site, is really outstanding and should help you to understand this subject (and at least one other).

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@Hotmail.com), October 24, 2003.

John, that is a good essay.

However, for me it leads to another question....

Why should Catholics read the Bible at all when it is already interpreted for us? Many of those in other Christian religions can quote the Bible chapter and verse, but many Catholics cannot, and I can only surmise that it is because Catholics are not generally encouraged to read the Bible because it would naturally lead to interpretation....

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), October 24, 2003.

Nothing can be read without interpretation. Interpretation is the cognitive process which produces mental images from little black marks on paper. Even a STOP sign has to be interpreted before we can respond to it. Therefore, it is expected that we will interpret scripture as we read it. However, we interpret it within the higher context of the teaching of the Church. We do not define our own personal doctrinal beliefs by interpreting the Bible. We receive our beliefs from the Magisterial teaching of the Church. However, while adhering to that context, indeed living our lives firmly within that context, there is still ample room for valid personal interpretation at many levels. Perhaps I have seen a homeless man several times in my neighborhood, and have prayed for him. Then I read the parable of the Good Samaritan, and interpret it to mean that God is calling me to take some direct action to help that man. This interpretation is entirely within the context of the Church's teaching. The Bible is not a dead book. It is the living Word of God, and God can speak to us through it in many personal ways - but only if we read it and interpret it in personal ways, within the broader context of revealed doctrinal truth.

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), October 24, 2003.

Quite a read! let us all just through out Jesus and the Holy Spirit. When you take all that is spewed out by any church as truth, your in serious trouble.I think somebody ought to READ and do yourself a favor, don't ask any man or infallable church for the interpretation. Reminds me of the blind leading the blind! Take off the blinders and wake up!!!!!This has to do with YOUR relationship with Jesus and God, not some church sponsored or dictated dogma!!! The deception runs very deep. If this infallible church had its way, you would be illeterate, and possesing a bible a capital offence. Reminds me of days of old...Just do as they say and shut up..

-- ms (inconsequential@hotmail.com), October 25, 2003.

"When you take all that is spewed out by any church as truth, your in serious trouble."

A: I couldn't agree more. That would be just a step up from trying to define the truth yourself. Unless of course, God Himself had told that particular Church "the Holy Spirit will guide you to all truth; whatsoever you bind on earth is bound in heaven; he who hears you hears me". In that case it would be foolish indeed to fail to accept the teaching of that Church as truth.

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), October 25, 2003.

A nicer post we've never received; tell us about ''throughing out'' Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit!!! Makes one wanta through up. Lol!

Yes, Paul. There IS such a state as invincible ignorance. There but for the grace of God goes Paul, or Gene.

Ave Maria Purisima--

-- eugene c. chavez (loschavez@pacbell.net), October 25, 2003.