TH121: An Introduction to Doing a Catholic Theology (3 units)

Sections E, EE, FF
Instructor: Luis Carmelo M. Julian
WEEK 6 & 7
SCRIPTURE
How do I interpret the Bible properly?
Is the Bible still relevant in today's world?

SOURCE:
Natividad, Ma. Lucia. Sacred Scripture: Soul of Theology. In An Introduction to Doing Catholic
Theology, edited by Edilberto Jimenez, 71-89. Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University, 2006.
I. INTRODUCTION
a.) A review. The Sacred Scriptures profoundly express the Word of God. We have seen that this
collection of sacred texts which expresses our religious community's non-negotiables is not just any
other piece of literature, but is the revealed Word of God written down by inspired authors so that we
may know and experience salvation (DV 11). The Sacred Scriptures may not be completely accurate as
far as historical and scientific matters are concerned, but it's inerrant in salvific matters.
b.) So what is Scripture in the context of Revelation? It's God's love-driven communication to us
through the authentic works of inspired human writers who testify to His divine involvement in their
lives. It's us telling God's story and God telling us our story, as if in a constant conversation.
II. WARNING
a.) It's dangerous to think in extremes! In order for us to partake of the rich bounty of the Sacred
Scriptures, we must move beyond a surface-level reading that consequently brings about a deficient
interpretation of the text. This surface-level reading could swing along two dangerous poles: 1.) an
absolutist reading that is divorced from facts and context and 2.) a relativist reading that makes the
reader the ultimate arbiter of meaning and interpretation ("It's true because I say it's true").
b.) Remember: there is an objective and subjective dimension to Biblical interpretation. It's not
either-or.
c.) Let's do justice to Sacred Scripture by reading it with due depth.
III. THE FOUR SENSES
a.) Literal Sense - using the historical-critical method.
i.) Historical Context (Sitz-im-Leben) - What is the "setting-in-life" of the author and text?
ii.) Form (or Genre) - What kind of text are we dealing with?
iii.) Source - Where did this text come from?
b.) Spiritual Sense
i.) Allegorical Sense - paying attention to symbols.
a.) Images, Gestures, and Symbols - What could they mean?
b.) Christological Implications - How does the text relate to the Christ mystery?

c.) Ecclesial Implications - How does this text speak about the community of believers?
ii.) Moral Sense - directing us to live better lives.
a.) What is the text telling us today in light of our moral decision-making?
b.) How can a particular text help us become better people?
iii.) Anagogic Sense - leading us to our ultimate destiny.
a.) What is this text telling us about the ultimate meaning of our lives?
b.) How is this text encouraging us to become more like Christ so that we can "see Him more
clearly, love Him more dearly, and follow Him more nearly?"

IV. EXERCISES
a.) Genesis 3 - The Fall of Man
b.) Exodus - Crossing of the Red Sea
c.) Selected Psalms
d.) Isaiah
V. RELEVANCE
a.) Avoid fundamentalist readings of Scripture.
b.) Sacramentality of Scripture
c.) Work of Art
d.) Performance Hermeneutics
e.) Scripture has the power to change the world. But whether or not the world changes for
the better depends on the one who interprets Scripture.