How to Read and Interpret The Word of God in Scripture

Monday, December 13 1999

Prepared by the Theology Commission of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB).

Together with the Eucharist, the Word of God contained in the sacred Scriptures represents what is most sacred for Christians. The sacred Scriptures, being inspired by God, truly are the Word of God.

The Word of God is living and active (Heb 4:12), as new today as it was when the Scriptures were originally written: “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps 119:105). God wants that Word to be expressed in human languages and historical events. Thus, while these sacred texts are to be received by faith, they are also to be read and interpreted in relation to particular times and places.

In order to help with the interpretation of the Scriptures, the Theology Commission of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has prepared an easy and informative guide. The guide first explains the importance of the written Word of God and the place it occupies in the whole of the Christian life. It then presents the requirements and a plan for fruitful reading, as well as a list of tools —books and periodicals— to use for deeper study.

24 pages, illustrated (English or French text).

$3.00 – 1 copy; $5.00 – 2 copies; $10.00 – 5 copies; (taxes and shipping fees included). Cheque payable to:

Theology Commission Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops 90 Parent Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7B1 Tel.: (613) 241-9461, ext. 249 Fax: (613) 241-8117