How important is the Old Testament for Catholics?
The short answer
Very. It is an indispensable, divinely inspired part of Scripture of permanent value, ordered to prepare for and prophesy Christ, and a treasury of teaching on God, wisdom for life and prayer. The Church has always rejected discarding it.
Indispensable
The Old Testament is an indispensable part of Scripture; its books are inspired and keep a permanent value, for the Old Covenant has never been revoked (CCC 121).
Preparing for Christ
Its economy was ordered to prepare for and prophesy Christ. Though containing things imperfect and provisional, its books witness to God's saving love and are a storehouse of teaching on God, wisdom on human life and prayer, with the mystery of salvation present in a hidden way (CCC 122).
Never rejected
Christians venerate it as the Word of God, and the Church has always opposed rejecting it as void (Marcionism) (CCC 123).
Continue exploring
- How should Catholics read the Bible?Q&A
- Should we call the Old Testament "the Hebrew Scriptures"?Q&A
- Why doesn't the Catholic Church emphasize reading the Bible?Q&A
- Are Catholics free to interpret Bible verses without the Church's approval?Q&A
- Do our beliefs and traditions come from God or from human beings?Q&A
- In Numbers 20, why did Moses and Aaron sin when they struck the rock?Q&A