Expert: Charlie B - 8/28/2010

Question
Do Catholics take a literal (fundamentalist) view towards the Bible?

Answer
Jessica,
Thanks for your question.  In my opinion, the answer is "yes" to your question that Catholics take a literal and orthodox (fundamentalist) view of the Bible.  

Of course, it depends on which Bible you're speaking:  King James version (King James of England) or which version?

I'm a former Protestant (Methodist) and as such, truly love all of my protestant brothers and sisters.  According to the numerous studies, there's somewhere between 25,000 and 30,000+ Protestant dominations.  Did God split the Church so many ways or did man?

Catholics believe that when Jesus said, "Take this bread and eat it; this is my Body.." that he meant what He said... literally.  He didn't say this is "like" my body or my blood, right?

The question becomes who can and should interpret Scripture?  Rather than relying on my minister, the Magisterium and Catholic Church says a few things clearly:
- contraception is not God's way, and replace with NFP (Natural Family Planning) {look for local classes}
- divorce is only under certain circumstances and it's a COVENANT, not a contract.  Be aware:  families are under ATTACK.
- abortion is wrong, period; the millions we've slaughtered now affect the world economy simply due to demographics
- we seek Him where he exists:  in the Tabernacle and in the Eucharist, literally.  :-)

Here's a few verses that might explain more about literal versus non-fundamentalists or non-orthdox views:
Acts 2:42 ... doctrine, community, sacred rite (bread).
Eph 5:25-26 ... Christ loved the Church.
1 Tim 3:15 ... church is pillar & foundation of truth.
Mt 16:19 ... whatever you bind on earth is bound in Heaven, and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven.
Mt 18:17-18 ... church as final authority.
Jn 20:23 ... If you forgive; the sins of any, they are forgiven,
if you retain them, they are retained.

Lastly, I'd recommend any book or audio CD by Australia's own Matthew Kelly (www.matthewkelly.org), such as Rediscovering Catholicism.  He says, "Become the best version of yourself!"  I agree.  I hope that I answered your question.. if not, reply back.
God bless,
charlie

PS - be sure to complete an evaluation & thanks again for your question, Jessica.