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Lenten ApologeticsLenten ApologeticsBible Study SeriesBible Study Series

Steve CliffordSteve [email protected]@transporter.com

http://http://www.transporter.comwww.transporter.com

3/7/20063/7/2006 Lenten Apologetics Bible Study SeriesLenten Apologetics Bible Study Series 22

Weekly TopicsWeekly Topics

•• March 7thMarch 7th–– ““Why do I need the Church when I have the Bible?Why do I need the Church when I have the Bible?””

•• March 14thMarch 14th–– "Is the Papacy in the Bible?""Is the Papacy in the Bible?"

•• March 21stMarch 21st–– "Why do Catholics Pray to Mary and the Saints?" "Why do Catholics Pray to Mary and the Saints?"

•• March 28March 28thth

–– "Is the Eucharist Truly the Body and Blood of Christ?""Is the Eucharist Truly the Body and Blood of Christ?"

•• April 4April 4thth

–– "Is Purgatory in the Bible?""Is Purgatory in the Bible?"

•• April 11April 11thth

–– "Why the Catholic Church?" "Why the Catholic Church?"

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Why do I need the ChurchWhy do I need the Churchwhen I have the Bible?when I have the Bible?

•• Definition of ApologeticsDefinition of Apologetics

•• The ChurchThe Church

•• Canon of the BibleCanon of the Bible

•• Bible Alone (Bible Alone (SolaSola ScripturaScriptura))

•• Faith Alone (Faith Alone (SolaSola Fide)Fide)

•• Interpreting ScriptureInterpreting Scripture

•• The Church and the BibleThe Church and the Bible


ApologeticsApologetics

•• ““In the beginningIn the beginning……God.God.”” (Gen. 1:1)(Gen. 1:1)

•• Greek word for Greek word for ““defensedefense”” is is apologiaapologia–– ““ApologyApology”” is derived from itis derived from it

•• Admission of wrong (modern English)Admission of wrong (modern English)

•• Defense or justification of a belief (classical Defense or justification of a belief (classical definition)definition)

•• ““ApologeticsApologetics”” refers to refers to the reasonable the reasonable defense of the Christian faithdefense of the Christian faith

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Apologetics (Cont.)Apologetics (Cont.)

•• Faith is not opposed to reasonFaith is not opposed to reason•• Reason, rightly understood, is a support to Reason, rightly understood, is a support to

faith faith –– Love God with all our mind (Luke 10:27)Love God with all our mind (Luke 10:27)

•• Jesus laid the foundation for Christian Jesus laid the foundation for Christian apologeticsapologetics–– He presented many He presented many ““proofsproofs”” of His resurrection of His resurrection

(Acts 1:3)(Acts 1:3)–– Appeared to Appeared to ““doubtingdoubting”” Thomas (John 20:24Thomas (John 20:24--2929


Apologetics (Cont.)Apologetics (Cont.)

•• Eyewitness (legal or scientific) testimony Eyewitness (legal or scientific) testimony used to proclaim the gospel (Luke 1:1used to proclaim the gospel (Luke 1:1--4; 4; Acts 2:32)Acts 2:32)

•• Saint Paul engaged in apologeticsSaint Paul engaged in apologetics–– Sermon on the Sermon on the AreopagusAreopagus (Acts 17:22(Acts 17:22--34)34)–– He was determined to He was determined to ““become all things to all, become all things to all,

to save at least someto save at least some”” (1 Corinthians 9:22)(1 Corinthians 9:22)

•• We should seek to follow his example in We should seek to follow his example in sharing and defending our Catholic faithsharing and defending our Catholic faith

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Apologetics Apologetics –– Related ScriptureRelated Scripture

•• ApologiaApologia (apology/apologetics)(apology/apologetics)–– Acts 22:1; 25:16; 1 Corinthians 9:3; Philippians 1:7, 16Acts 22:1; 25:16; 1 Corinthians 9:3; Philippians 1:7, 16

•• DialegomaiDialegomai (dialogue)(dialogue)–– Acts 17:2, 17; 18:4, 19; 19:8Acts 17:2, 17; 18:4, 19; 19:8--1010

•• SuzeteoSuzeteo (disputing, debating about the truth of (disputing, debating about the truth of Christianity)Christianity)–– Mark 12:28 (Jesus) Acts 9:29 (Paul); 15:7 (Church Mark 12:28 (Jesus) Acts 9:29 (Paul); 15:7 (Church

council at Jerusalem)council at Jerusalem)

•• CCC, paragraphs 31CCC, paragraphs 31--49 and 15649 and 156--159159


The ChurchThe Church

•• Council of Council of NicaeaNicaea in A.D. 325 in response to the in A.D. 325 in response to the Arian heresy: Arian heresy: ““We believe in one holy catholic and We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Churchapostolic Church”” (Nicene Creed)(Nicene Creed)

•• Four marks (qualities or characteristics) which Four marks (qualities or characteristics) which help to identify the true Church of Jesus Christ:help to identify the true Church of Jesus Christ:–– The Church is OneThe Church is One

((JnJn 10:16, 17:1710:16, 17:17--23; Eph 4:323; Eph 4:3--6; 1Cor 1:10, 4:4, 12:13; CCC 866)6; 1Cor 1:10, 4:4, 12:13; CCC 866)

–– The Church is Holy The Church is Holy (John 17:17, 19; Titus 2:14; CCC 867)(John 17:17, 19; Titus 2:14; CCC 867)

–– The Church is Catholic (Greek = Universal)The Church is Catholic (Greek = Universal)(Mt 24:14; Mk 16:15; Acts 1:8; CCC 868)(Mt 24:14; Mk 16:15; Acts 1:8; CCC 868)

–– The Church is ApostolicThe Church is Apostolic((JnJn 15:16, 20:21; Mt 16:18, 28:1815:16, 20:21; Mt 16:18, 28:18--20; Eph 4:11; Tit 1:5; CCC 869)20; Eph 4:11; Tit 1:5; CCC 869)

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The Church is OneThe Church is One

•• Unity in beliefUnity in belief–– Same teachings and traditions that were given to the Same teachings and traditions that were given to the

Twelve Apostles (John 10:11Twelve Apostles (John 10:11--16, John 21:1516, John 21:15--17)17)

•• Unity in worshipUnity in worship–– Christ prayed Christ prayed ““that they may be onethat they may be one”” (John 17:11, John (John 17:11, John

17:2217:22--23)23)

•• Unity in government or leadershipUnity in government or leadership–– One visible head of government and leadership, the One visible head of government and leadership, the

Apostolic College with Peter and his successors as its Apostolic College with Peter and his successors as its head (head (LkLk 22:32; 22:32; JnJn 21:17; Eph 4:11; CCC 813)21:17; Eph 4:11; CCC 813)


The Church is HolyThe Church is Holy

•• Holiness in its founder Holiness in its founder -- Jesus ChristJesus Christ•• Holiness in its principlesHoliness in its principles

–– Jesus prayed for the holiness of His Church, to Jesus prayed for the holiness of His Church, to ““Sanctify Sanctify themthem”” (John 17:17), (John 17:17), ““consecrated in truthconsecrated in truth”” (John 17:19)(John 17:19)

•• Holiness in its membersHoliness in its members–– Consisting of His own sheep who have been purified for Consisting of His own sheep who have been purified for

Him as an acceptable people (Titus 2:14)Him as an acceptable people (Titus 2:14)–– There will be both holy and unholy people in the Church There will be both holy and unholy people in the Church

until the end of times (Mt 13:3until the end of times (Mt 13:3--8, 248, 24--30)30)

•• Holiness in its miracles Holiness in its miracles –– (Healings, Eucharistic miracles, the (Healings, Eucharistic miracles, the IncorruptiblesIncorruptibles, etc.), etc.)

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The Church is CatholicThe Church is Catholic

•• From the Greek word From the Greek word katholikoskatholikos meaning general meaning general or universalor universal–– St. Ignatius of Antioch to the St. Ignatius of Antioch to the SmyrnaeansSmyrnaeans around A.D. around A.D.

110: 110: ““WheresoeverWheresoever the bishop shall appear, there let the bishop shall appear, there let the people be, even as where Jesus is, there is the the people be, even as where Jesus is, there is the Catholic ChurchCatholic Church””

•• The Catholic Church consists of a universality in The Catholic Church consists of a universality in time and in placetime and in place–– The gospel will continue to be preached throughout the The gospel will continue to be preached throughout the

whole world until the end of time (Mt. 24:14), to the whole world until the end of time (Mt. 24:14), to the whole creation throughout all the world (Mk. 16:15), and whole creation throughout all the world (Mk. 16:15), and by the power of the Holy Spirit to the end of the earth by the power of the Holy Spirit to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8)(Acts 1:8)


The Church is ApostolicThe Church is Apostolic

•• The true church must always teach the identical The true church must always teach the identical doctrines that were originally delivered to it by doctrines that were originally delivered to it by Peter and the Apostles Peter and the Apostles (Mt. 28:18(Mt. 28:18--20)20)

•• Her ministers must derive their powers from the Her ministers must derive their powers from the Apostles by an uninterrupted chain of successionApostles by an uninterrupted chain of succession

•• Peter is the rock upon which Christ built His Peter is the rock upon which Christ built His Church Church (Mt. 16:18) (the successor of Peter is the Bishop (Mt. 16:18) (the successor of Peter is the Bishop of Rome)of Rome)

•• Any church claiming to be ChristAny church claiming to be Christ’’s own must be s own must be able to trace its lineage in unbroken continuity able to trace its lineage in unbroken continuity back to the apostles back to the apostles (only the Catholic Church can (only the Catholic Church can make this claim)make this claim)

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Catholic Priesthood AuthorityCatholic Priesthood Authority

•• Priesthood of the faithfulPriesthood of the faithful(Heb 5:1(Heb 5:1--5; Rev 1:6, 54:95; Rev 1:6, 54:9--10; 1 Pet 2:5, 9; CCC 784, 1119, 1546)10; 1 Pet 2:5, 9; CCC 784, 1119, 1546)

–– Christ gives the faithful a share in His priesthood through the Christ gives the faithful a share in His priesthood through the Sacraments of Baptism and ConfirmationSacraments of Baptism and Confirmation

•• Ministerial priesthoodMinisterial priesthood(Rom 12:4; (Rom 12:4; JnJn 20:2120:21--23; 23; LkLk 24:47; Mt 28:1824:47; Mt 28:18--20; CCC 1547)20; CCC 1547)

–– The priesthood of Christ is made present in a special way in theThe priesthood of Christ is made present in a special way in theChurch through the ministerial priesthood, conferred through theChurch through the ministerial priesthood, conferred through theSacrament of Holy Orders (CCC 1539, 1544, 1547, 1554)Sacrament of Holy Orders (CCC 1539, 1544, 1547, 1554)

•• True priesthood offers sacrificeTrue priesthood offers sacrifice(Heb. 5:1, 8:3)(Heb. 5:1, 8:3)–– Catholic priests offer the sacrifice of the Mass for the salvatiCatholic priests offer the sacrifice of the Mass for the salvation of on of

souls and for the glory of Godsouls and for the glory of God


Catholic ChurchCatholic ChurchHoly Sacrifice of the MassHoly Sacrifice of the Mass

•• All gather together All gather together –– Eucharistic assembly presided invisibly by ChristEucharistic assembly presided invisibly by Christ–– Bishop or priest acting in the person of Christ the head Bishop or priest acting in the person of Christ the head

(all present participate in some way)(all present participate in some way)

•• Liturgy of the WordLiturgy of the Word–– Readings from OT/NT and Gospels, homily, prayersReadings from OT/NT and Gospels, homily, prayers

•• Liturgy of the EucharistLiturgy of the Eucharist–– Transubstantiation: The substance of bread and wine Transubstantiation: The substance of bread and wine

change into the substance of the Body and Blood of change into the substance of the Body and Blood of Christ under the appearances or Christ under the appearances or ““speciesspecies”” of bread and of bread and winewine

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Canon of the BibleCanon of the Bible

•• Greek word Greek word bibliabiblia–– The BooksThe Books

•• Collection (Library) of many books or Collection (Library) of many books or writings (Scriptures)writings (Scriptures)

•• Genesis (1300 BC) Genesis (1300 BC) –– First Book of OTFirst Book of OT

•• Revelation (100 AD) Revelation (100 AD) –– Last Book of NTLast Book of NT

•• Hebrew, Greek, and AramaicHebrew, Greek, and Aramaic


Hebrew and Christian BiblesHebrew and Christian Bibles

•• NT contains the same 27 booksNT contains the same 27 books

•• Books in OT are differentBooks in OT are different–– Jews = 24 booksJews = 24 books

•• ““The TwelveThe Twelve”” minor prophets = 1 bookminor prophets = 1 book

–– Protestants = 39 booksProtestants = 39 books

–– Catholics = 46Catholics = 46

–– Different names usedDifferent names used

–– Categorization of some books is differentCategorization of some books is different

–– Order of books is differentOrder of books is different

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Old Testament Old Testament Comparative ChartComparative Chart


Old Testament Old Testament Comparative Chart (Cont.)Comparative Chart (Cont.)

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ManuscriptsManuscripts

•• No originals exist todayNo originals exist today–– Early persecutors destroyed some of the sacred writingsEarly persecutors destroyed some of the sacred writings–– Written on papyrus (from the bark of a reed) which Written on papyrus (from the bark of a reed) which

perished over timeperished over time

•• Greek (parchment Greek (parchment –– sheepskin):sheepskin):–– SinaiticSinaitic Manuscript (fourth century)Manuscript (fourth century)–– Vatican Manuscript (fourth century)Vatican Manuscript (fourth century)–– Alexandrine Manuscript (fifth century)Alexandrine Manuscript (fifth century)–– Parisian Manuscript (fifth century)Parisian Manuscript (fifth century)

•• Oldest Hebrew Manuscript (tenth century)Oldest Hebrew Manuscript (tenth century)


How was the Bible Compiled?How was the Bible Compiled?

•• Council of Rome, 382 AD, under direction of Pope Council of Rome, 382 AD, under direction of Pope DamasusDamasus I, compiled first list of OT & NT books I, compiled first list of OT & NT books

•• Council of Hippo, 393 AD, approved same listCouncil of Hippo, 393 AD, approved same list•• Council of Carthage, 397 AD, under direction of Council of Carthage, 397 AD, under direction of

St. Augustine, confirmed and approved work of St. Augustine, confirmed and approved work of previous two Councilsprevious two Councils

•• Settled and declared the OT & NT booksSettled and declared the OT & NT books•• OT was Alexandrian Canon (Septuagint including OT was Alexandrian Canon (Septuagint including

DeuterocanonicalsDeuterocanonicals))•• Pope St. Innocent I approved and closed the 73Pope St. Innocent I approved and closed the 73--

book canon in 405 ADbook canon in 405 AD

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Alexandrian Canon Alexandrian Canon -- SeptuagintSeptuagint

•• Septuagint (LXX Septuagint (LXX -- Latin), Latin), ““the work of the seventythe work of the seventy””

•• Reportedly translated from Hebrew to Greek by 70 Reportedly translated from Hebrew to Greek by 70 (or 72) scholars for the Greek(or 72) scholars for the Greek--speaking Jews of speaking Jews of Alexandria (third century BC)Alexandria (third century BC)

•• Greek was the common language of the Greek was the common language of the Mediterranean Mediterranean –– NT written in GreekNT written in Greek

•• Quoted by Jesus and NT writers (300 quotes from Quoted by Jesus and NT writers (300 quotes from Septuagint)Septuagint)

•• Used by Catholics and Orthodox in their BiblesUsed by Catholics and Orthodox in their Bibles


Hebrew (Pharisaical) CanonHebrew (Pharisaical) Canon

•• OT used by HebrewOT used by Hebrew--speaking Jews in speaking Jews in PalestinePalestine

•• Canon produced in the city of Canon produced in the city of JamniaJamnia in 90 in 90 ADAD

•• Excluded the 7 books of the Excluded the 7 books of the DeuterocanonicalsDeuterocanonicals (Wisdom, (Wisdom, SirachSirach, Judith, , Judith, Baruch, Baruch, TobitTobit, and 1 & 2 , and 1 & 2 MaccabeesMaccabees plus plus portions of Daniel and Esther)portions of Daniel and Esther)

•• Used by Protestants in their BiblesUsed by Protestants in their Bibles

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TranslationsTranslations

•• Original text was Hebrew (Semitic language), Original text was Hebrew (Semitic language), Greek, and Aramaic (branch of Semitic)Greek, and Aramaic (branch of Semitic)

•• Latin (St. Jerome, fourth century) called the Latin (St. Jerome, fourth century) called the VulgateVulgate

•• Other approved vernacular translations as early as Other approved vernacular translations as early as the seventh centurythe seventh century

•• First book ever printed (1456 AD) First book ever printed (1456 AD) –– Gutenberg Gutenberg Bible in LatinBible in Latin

•• RheimsRheims NT (1582), NT (1582), DouayDouay OT (1609)OT (1609)•• King James (1611)King James (1611)


New TestamentNew Testament

•• 27 books (the same in virtually all Christian Bibles)27 books (the same in virtually all Christian Bibles)

•• First book (1 Thessalonians) First book (1 Thessalonians) –– 50 AD50 AD

•• Last book (Revelation or Apocalypse) Last book (Revelation or Apocalypse) –– 100 AD 100 AD

•• Four Gospels Four Gospels –– Good News (Matthew, Mark, Good News (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)Luke, John)

•• Acts of the Apostles (written by Luke) Acts of the Apostles (written by Luke)

•• ““EpistlesEpistles”” are letters of various kindsare letters of various kinds

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The Bible AloneThe Bible Alone

•• solasola scripturascriptura (Latin: by Scripture alone)(Latin: by Scripture alone)

•• Protestant principle advanced during the Protestant principle advanced during the Reformation (revolution)Reformation (revolution)

•• Notion of Notion of solasola scripturascriptura is not found in is not found in Scripture itselfScripture itself–– Nowhere does the Bible claim to be the sole, Nowhere does the Bible claim to be the sole,

sufficient rule of faith for Christianssufficient rule of faith for Christians

•• Goes against history and common senseGoes against history and common sense


The Bible Alone?The Bible Alone?

•• Where did your Bible come from and does it Where did your Bible come from and does it contain all the books?contain all the books?

•• Who decided which books should be Who decided which books should be included and which should be excluded?included and which should be excluded?

•• How were the people saved before the Bible How were the people saved before the Bible was canonized in the fourth century?was canonized in the fourth century?

•• How did the people receive the Word of God How did the people receive the Word of God in Sacred Scripture prior to the invention of in Sacred Scripture prior to the invention of the printing press?the printing press?

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The Bible Alone? (Cont.)The Bible Alone? (Cont.)

•• Why didnWhy didn’’t Christ command His disciples to t Christ command His disciples to write down what He taught?write down what He taught?

•• Why did only five of the twelve apostles Why did only five of the twelve apostles write books of the Bible?write books of the Bible?

•• If the Catholic Church is If the Catholic Church is notnot an infallible an infallible teacher, how do you know which writings teacher, how do you know which writings are divinely inspired and which translation are divinely inspired and which translation speaks divine truth?speaks divine truth?



•• Why did Christ tell the apostles to go forth Why did Christ tell the apostles to go forth and and preachpreach (Mt 28:20) rather than (Mt 28:20) rather than writewrite His His gospel?gospel?

•• If each individual reader is guided by the If each individual reader is guided by the Holy Spirit to interpret correctly, why are Holy Spirit to interpret correctly, why are there 30,000+ denominations disagreeing there 30,000+ denominations disagreeing with each other about what the Sacred with each other about what the Sacred Texts mean?Texts mean?

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•• If you believe one translation is the word of If you believe one translation is the word of God and your neighbor believes a different God and your neighbor believes a different translation is, how do you know which (if translation is, how do you know which (if either) speaks for God?either) speaks for God?


Justification by Faith AloneJustification by Faith Alone

•• solasola fidefide (Latin: by faith alone)(Latin: by faith alone)

•• Principle advanced by Martin Luther during Principle advanced by Martin Luther during the Protestant Reformation (revolution)the Protestant Reformation (revolution)

•• Martin Luther added the word Martin Luther added the word alleinallein (alone (alone in English) to his German translation of in English) to his German translation of Romans 3:28 (viz., Romans 3:28 (viz., ““we maintain that a man we maintain that a man is justified by is justified by faith alonefaith alone without works of without works of lawlaw””))

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Faith Alone (Cont.)Faith Alone (Cont.)

•• Martin LutherMartin Luther’’s response to the Catholic hierarchy s response to the Catholic hierarchy when accused of deliberately adding to Scripture:when accused of deliberately adding to Scripture:–– ““If your Papist makes much useless fuss about the word If your Papist makes much useless fuss about the word

solasola, , alleinallein, tell him at once: , tell him at once: ‘‘Dr. Martin Luther will have Dr. Martin Luther will have it so,it so,’’ and says, and says, ‘‘Papist and donkey are one thingPapist and donkey are one thing……For For we do not want to be pupils and followers of the Papist, we do not want to be pupils and followers of the Papist, but their masters and judges.but their masters and judges.’’ ””

–– ““Therefore the word Therefore the word alleinallein shall remain in my New shall remain in my New Testament, and though all the popeTestament, and though all the pope--donkeys should get donkeys should get furious and foolish, they shall not take it out.furious and foolish, they shall not take it out.””


Not by Faith AloneNot by Faith Alone

•• ““You see that a man is justified by works You see that a man is justified by works and and not by faith alonenot by faith alone..”” (James 2:24)(James 2:24)

•• LutherLuther’’s Bible eliminated the books of s Bible eliminated the books of Hebrews, James, Jude, and Revelation Hebrews, James, Jude, and Revelation because they didnbecause they didn’’t square with his theologyt square with his theology

•• It is not faith alone, but faith working in love It is not faith alone, but faith working in love (formed by charity) which brings about (formed by charity) which brings about pleasing obedience that is meritorious in pleasing obedience that is meritorious in God's eyes God's eyes

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Justification by Grace AloneJustification by Grace Alone

•• solasola gratiagratia (Latin: by grace alone)(Latin: by grace alone)

•• "Our justification comes from the grace of "Our justification comes from the grace of God. Grace is favor, the free and God. Grace is favor, the free and undeserved help that God gives us to undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call to become children of respond to his call to become children of God, adoptive sons, partakers of the divine God, adoptive sons, partakers of the divine nature and of eternal life." nature and of eternal life." (CCC, paragraph 1996) (CCC, paragraph 1996) (Ephesians 2:8(Ephesians 2:8--9)9)


Justification by Christ AloneJustification by Christ Alone

•• solo solo ChristoChristo (Latin: by Christ alone)(Latin: by Christ alone)

•• "No one can merit the initial grace of "No one can merit the initial grace of forgiveness and justification". (CCC, forgiveness and justification". (CCC, paragraph 2010)paragraph 2010)

•• "Salvation comes from God alone". (CCC, "Salvation comes from God alone". (CCC, paragraph 169) paragraph 169) (Acts 4:12)(Acts 4:12)

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Interpreting ScriptureInterpreting Scripture

•• Paul says to follow his sound words; guard Paul says to follow his sound words; guard the truth (2 Tim 1:13)the truth (2 Tim 1:13)

•• No prophecy is a matter of private No prophecy is a matter of private interpretation (2 Pet 1:20)interpretation (2 Pet 1:20)

•• PaulPaul’’s letters can be difficult to grasp and s letters can be difficult to grasp and interpret (2 Pet 3:15interpret (2 Pet 3:15--16)16)

•• Chair of Moses (Church authority); observe Chair of Moses (Church authority); observe whatever they tell you (Mt 23:2whatever they tell you (Mt 23:2--3)3)


The Church and the BibleThe Church and the Bible

•• Sacred ScriptureSacred Scripture (Holy Bible)(Holy Bible)–– The books (46 in OT and 27 in NT) which contain the The books (46 in OT and 27 in NT) which contain the

truth of Godtruth of God’’s revelation, composed by human authors s revelation, composed by human authors inspired by the Holy Spiritinspired by the Holy Spirit

•• TraditionTradition (capital (capital ““TT””))–– The living transmission of the message of the Gospel in The living transmission of the message of the Gospel in

the Church (the oral preaching of the Apostles the Church (the oral preaching of the Apostles conserved and handed on as the deposit of faith conserved and handed on as the deposit of faith through the apostolic succession in the Church)through the apostolic succession in the Church)

•• MagisteriumMagisterium (teaching authority)(teaching authority)–– The living, teaching office of the Church, whose task it is The living, teaching office of the Church, whose task it is

to give authentic interpretation of the Word of Godto give authentic interpretation of the Word of God

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Why do I need the ChurchWhy do I need the Churchwhen I have the Bible?when I have the Bible?

•• The Catholic Church existed for 300 years before The Catholic Church existed for 300 years before the Canon of Scripture was determined by the the Canon of Scripture was determined by the Catholic Councils of Rome, Hippo, and CarthageCatholic Councils of Rome, Hippo, and Carthage

•• The Bible is a Catholic book, thus the Church can The Bible is a Catholic book, thus the Church can authoritatively interpret it in the light of Traditionauthoritatively interpret it in the light of Tradition

•• The Bible itself points to Tradition and the Church The Bible itself points to Tradition and the Church as authoritative as authoritative –– not Scripture alonenot Scripture alone(Mt 16:18(Mt 16:18--19, 18:1719, 18:17--18, 28:1818, 28:18--20; Mk 16:1520; Mk 16:15--16; 16; LkLk 10:16; 10:16; JnJn 14:16, 26, 16:13; 1 Tim 3:15; 1 14:16, 26, 16:13; 1 Tim 3:15; 1 CorCor 11:2; 2 11:2; 2 ThessThess 2:15, 2:15, 3:6; Acts 20:35)3:6; Acts 20:35)


Why do I need the ChurchWhy do I need the Churchwhen I have the Bible? (Cont.)when I have the Bible? (Cont.)

•• Scripture is not fully selfScripture is not fully self--interpretinginterpreting(2 Peter 3:15(2 Peter 3:15--16; Acts 8:2716; Acts 8:27--30)30)

•• Scripture needs both a wider context of Scripture needs both a wider context of Tradition and a living, authoritative Tradition and a living, authoritative interpreter (the Church) if it is to be rightly interpreter (the Church) if it is to be rightly understoodunderstood

•• The Church is the pillar and foundation of The Church is the pillar and foundation of truth (1 Tim 3:15)truth (1 Tim 3:15)

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ReferencesReferences

•• This is the Faith This is the Faith –– A Complete Explanation of the A Complete Explanation of the Catholic FaithCatholic Faith by Canon Francis Ripley, Tan Booksby Canon Francis Ripley, Tan Books

•• Where is that in the Bible?Where is that in the Bible? by Patrick Madrid, Our by Patrick Madrid, Our Sunday VisitorSunday Visitor

•• Can You Trust the Bible?Can You Trust the Bible? by Frances Hogan, Servant by Frances Hogan, Servant PublicationsPublications

•• Where We Got the Bible Where We Got the Bible –– Our Dept to the Catholic Our Dept to the Catholic ChurchChurch by Henry G. Graham, Catholic Answersby Henry G. Graham, Catholic Answers

•• A Biblical Defense of CatholicismA Biblical Defense of Catholicism by Dave Armstrong, by Dave Armstrong, 11stst Books LibraryBooks Library

•• More Biblical Evidence for CatholicismMore Biblical Evidence for Catholicism by Dave by Dave Armstrong, 1Armstrong, 1stst Books LibraryBooks Library


References (Cont.)References (Cont.)

•• One, Holy, Catholic, and ApostolicOne, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic by Kenneth D. by Kenneth D. Whitehead, Ignatius PressWhitehead, Ignatius Press

•• Introduction to the BibleIntroduction to the Bible by Fr. John by Fr. John LauxLaux, M.A., Tan , M.A., Tan BooksBooks

•• A Guide to the BibleA Guide to the Bible by A. Fuentes, Four Courts Pressby A. Fuentes, Four Courts Press•• Making Senses Out of ScriptureMaking Senses Out of Scripture by Mark P. by Mark P. SheaShea, ,

Basilica PressBasilica Press•• The New Catholic Answer Bible (NAB)The New Catholic Answer Bible (NAB), Our Sunday , Our Sunday

VisitorVisitor•• Catechism of the Catholic ChurchCatechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition, , Second Edition,

LibreriaLibreria EditriceEditrice VaticanaVaticana•• The Holy Bible The Holy Bible –– Revised Standard Version Catholic Revised Standard Version Catholic

EditionEdition, Ignatius Press, Ignatius Press

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Question and AnswerQuestion and Answer

Steve CliffordSteve [email protected]@transporter.com

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