How should Catholics read the Bible?

God's Word in human words

"All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). God truly speaks through Scripture — and he does so through human authors writing in real languages, cultures and literary forms (CCC 109-110).

Three rules for reading

The Catechism gives three principles (CCC 112-114):

1. Read the whole. Scripture is a unity centred on Christ; read each passage in light of the rest.
2. Read within the living Tradition of the whole Church.
3. Pay attention to the "analogy of faith" — the harmony of the truths of faith with one another.

Literal and spiritual senses

The literal sense is what the human author meant. From it flow spiritual senses: how a text points to Christ, guides how we live, and points to our eternal destiny (CCC 115-118). For example, the crossing of the Red Sea is history — and a sign of Baptism.

Pray it: lectio divina

An ancient method of prayerful reading:

• Read a short passage slowly.
• Meditate — what word or phrase stands out?
• Pray — speak to God about it.
• Contemplate — rest silently in his presence.

Where to start

• The Gospel of Mark — short and vivid — or Luke.
• The daily Mass readings, which take you through much of Scripture over the years.
• A Catholic study Bible with notes.

"Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ" — Saint Jerome.