Expert: Fr. Michael - 2/25/2010

Question
why does the church not endorse more intense bible study?  When I visit a non denominational church they always focus on scripture.  The Catholic church offers very little in this area.

Answer
You are quite wrong.  From the early Church, Sacred Scripture has been stressed.  The traditional Divine Office, if you have been praying it, is filled with Scripture and the commentaries of the Fathers.  Perhaps you were not even aware of the Divine Office, the Church's official prayer and resource.  Many Catholics are woefully ignorant.

The problem with Protestant-style Bible study is that you have the blind leading the blind.  The Scriptures, as St. Peter writes, are difficult to understand.  The Ethopian asked St. Philip:  How can I understand if no one should teach me?  The Divine Office would be an important step for you in that direction because it contains the commentaries of the Fathers as well.

The Fathers had read the actual Scriptures, not someone's "translated" idea of what they should mean.  Very few Protestants have ever read the real Bible, so much of their "studies" are worthless, even on an academic basis.

To be a Christian, you do not have to be a Bible expert.  You should be getting doctrinal and moral guidance every Sunday and Holyday from your traditional priest in his sermons to you.  That and the Sacraments should be your guidance in leading the Christian life.