Lesson 1

Read "Dei Verbum", the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation.

Paragraph 1:  Preface

There are correct and incorrect ways of interpreting Scripture.  This study will help to clarify them.  There is no such creature as a "non-denominational Bible Study".  All interpretation comes from the perspective of the leader's background.  

If the leader is a fundamentalist, his or her interpretation of Scripture will be based upon a "literal" understanding that makes no room for recognizing "literary forms".  If the leader is a liberal, his or her interpretation of Scripture will tend to make everything "figurative".

Dei Verbum is basic to understanding how we as catholics read and understand the Scriptures.

Paragraph 5 reminds us we should start with a proper disposition.  Always pray before reading Scripture, asking the Holy Spirit to guide us.  In Scripture, we expect to encounter God's Self-Revelation and Truth.  

The constitution first defines the meaning of REVELATION, then speaks of HOW REVELATION IS HANDED ON.  We will deal with these in future lessons.  The constitution explains INSPIRATION and INTERPRETATION.  Technical concepts like Revelation, Inspiration, and Interpretation need to be defined correctly to avoid errors.