Gospel Simplicity Podcast The Place of Scripture in Catholicism | Dr. Michael Peppard
Dec 29, 2025
Dr. Michael Peppard, a Fordham University professor and author specializing in Catholic biblical engagement, dives into the unique relationship Catholics have with Scripture. He discusses how liturgy shapes this connection, emphasizing that the lectionary serves as the Bible for most Catholics. Peppard critiques the exclusion of women's voices in readings and highlights the role of art in biblical encounters. He also explores the future of Scripture in an image-driven culture and the growing interest among Gen Z in Eastern Orthodoxy and diverse Catholic traditions.
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Cloisters Apocalypse Inspired The Cover
- The book cover comes from the Cloisters Apocalypse, showing a Marian image from Revelation 12.
- Peppard picked it because Mary visually links Catholic devotional art and biblical encounter.
Choosing 'Encounter' Over 'Read'
- Peppard recounts declining the editor's initial title and persuading them to use 'encounter' instead of 'read.'
- He chose 'encounter' to capture liturgy, art, devotion, pilgrimage, and other non‑reading engagements.
Lectionary As The Functional Bible
- For many Catholics the lectionary is functionally their Bible because Sunday worship delivers recurring readings.
- Michael Peppard estimates only about 5% of Catholics read the Bible in a Protestant-style private devotional way.