The Bible
Christians believe that the Bible is different from any other book because it is God鈥檚 word.
In the The second part of the Christian Bible containing 27 books consisting of four types of literature: letters (epistles), gospels, history and prophecy., Paul writes:
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
This passage points to four main ways the Bible is particularly useful:
- teaching 鈥 about God and what He wants for, and expects from, His people
- rebuking 鈥 challenging people about what is wrong
- correcting 鈥 putting people on the right track
- training 鈥 helping people to be the best they can
The passage also says the Bible is 鈥淕od-breathed鈥. Christians believe this means the Bible was given to human beings to write down, by God. Some Christians refer to this as the Bible being inspired by God.
As a result, Christians believe that the Bible is not just an ordinary human book but it is exactly what God wants to communicate to them and cannot be changed.
How is the Bible used in the Catholic Church?
The Bible is central during the Mass where there is a reading from the The first part of the Christian Bible which corresponds to the Hebrew Bible but is arranged differently. and The second part of the Christian Bible containing 27 books consisting of four types of literature: letters (epistles), gospels, history and prophecy..
Prayers and creeds (statements of faith) which are said during the Sunday service often refer to passages from the Bible
After the Bible reading, there will usually be a homily or sermon to explain what the Bible means for people in their daily lives and how they can apply its lessons. This is usually delivered by the priest.
Catholics use a lectionary (a collection of Bible readings) to help them read relevant parts of the Bible throughout the year.