A Holy Fool  declares,   "The map to the Kingdom is ours.   Do we dare use it?    Do we dare not?"  And I ask, which map  in your glove compartment helps you find the Kingdom?  Do you ever feel lost?

     Jonathan Bennett challenges a circulating  myth,  I've actually  heard first hand, stating, "Catholics aren't allowed to read the Bible!"   Some Christian brothers and sisters have been taught that Catholics don't believe in the Bible as the inspired Word of God.    I've also heard Catholic teachings aren't biblical.  Oh and here's a good one,  the Catechism (CCC) is their Bible.

     The CCC states, "Catachesis is an education in the faith ....".  In regards to handing on the Faith, the CCC explains, "Quite early on, the name catechesis was given to the totality of the Church's efforts to make disciples, to help men believe that Jesus is the Son of God so that believing they might have life in his name, and to educate and instruct them in this life, thus building up the body of Christ."

     So, is our map to the Kingdom found in Sacred Scripture?  Absolutely!   In 2 Timothy we read, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine and reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."   Note he specifically states ALL Scripture, not ONLY Scripture.   How could he mean ONLY Scripture when the Bible as we know it did not yet exist?   Timothy  exhorted early Christians,  "continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of,  knowing from whom you have learned them."   [2 Tim 3:14]    In other words, the apostolic teaching and preaching or catachesis Timothy prescribes  is Scriptual.

     My map to the Kingdom IS Sacred Scripture.  But once in awhile I get lost.  I have found asking individuals to help me interpret the meaning of certain biblical tenets has confused me more.   For example,  asking if divorce is EVER biblical,  asking if adult or infant baptism is dictated by Scripture or questioning the authenticity  of the communion of saints results in various disagreements.   I have a precious group of Christian friends, whom I KNOW are filled with the Holy Spirit, but there is no concensus on these issues. 

     My map to the Kingdom IS Sacred Scripture.  For me,  it is a large atlas.   I base my worldview on what I've learned from this beautiful map to the Kingdom.  As many times as I've read it,  I know I'll always have to look up more information there for further knowledge and understanding.  But when I'm really lost, I have another map....more like a local road map!  The  CCC helps me find my way home.

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Posted by Anonymous

The one I always hear is, "Catholics burn Bibles!" and I'm always amazed at people's ignorance! They do, but it's a respectful way of disposing of old and damaged ones, if I understand it correctly (not being Catholic myself.) That's how you're supposed to dispose of American flags, too, by burning. You don't want to just put important things like those in a trash can.

I liked your blog entry. I haven't been here before but I thought it was very thought-provoking, that analogy about the road map. I read the Bible and come up with very different conclusions from other people almost all the time, and it makes me wonder that even if we are all reading the same map, maybe we're NOT all supposed to end up in the same place? Maybe HE wants us to have these differences of opinion, to learn tolerance? Who knows maybe that's nuts, but it's just a thought I came to by reading what you wrote. Thanks from HouseMouse (I forgot to log in.)

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Posted by Anonymous

Maureen, thanks so much for visting and commenting at the new group blog. Holyfool's post, I agree, is a gem. When I began the group blog and invited a writing team in I had no idea what an itch we were about to scratch. The readerships is growing daily and we've only been online since Sunday. Pray that with wisdom and charity we may also grow in humility. Our primary goal is to encourage people to read their own copy of the C.C.C. daily. God bless you and your family.
Owen

luminousmiseries.ca
onionboy.typepad.com/catholic_catechism_dialog

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Posted by holyfool

Thank you for your encouraging and supportive feedback!

I'm glad I inspired you. I'm even happier that Jesus receives the praise that you offer me; I'm simply passing on the message.

The Catechism truly has helped me to better understand the terrain of Faith and life. It truly can guide us home!

Yours in Christ,

A Holy Fool
http://holyfool69.blogspot.com

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Posted by Theresa

I enjoy reading my Bible, but when I have questions about it, why wouldn't I go to the Church who put it together and has been diligently studying it for nearly 2000 years? And how convenient for them to have written it all down for me in the CCC! This book is a tremendous resource and a real treasure.

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Posted by LadyMother

Well I've always heard that "they" don't read the Bible! but I also hear that about the rest of us too! :>) ...And very few of us read the number one best seller as we should. Whatever the denominational lable, it covers a bunch of imperfect people. At least I don't know any perfect person in or out of a church, no matter what the family name is. I go to a Foursquare Church and people wonder what in the world THAT is! -- it's part of the family of Believers! and I love the whole family. LOL...
Be blessed, Miss Meg

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Posted by TRINITYPREPSCHOOL

Yes....I have lots of Foursquare friends here in IL....and they're all on fire for Jesus! People who love the Lord can grow from hearing each other's testimony and sharing in one another's spiritual journey. We find more common ground when we dialogue with one another and pray together! I count myself privileged to have had both opportunities. In the process, I've been surprised to find how many misconceptions prevail about Catholics. And you're right, without labeling any one group of people, we are ALL imperfect and ALL need to be more faithful about reading our Bible and being open to God's Will in our lives. The CCC is an additional tool to help me discern God's nature and the moral code Jesus asks us to live by.

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Posted by ktneis

What a crazy notion " We do not read the bible. " How did we know what scripture to quote or how to follow Jesus and where do we get the faith in God that we have? Our CCC is similar to other religeons reference books. People just need to pick on the good things instead of being happy with them.

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