Catholic Doctrine Bible Study

The discussion focuses on the pivotal moment of Adam and Eve's sin, highlighting their lack of confession and the necessity of seeking forgiveness. Listeners learn about the 'proto-Gospel,' where God promises a savior for a fallen world and how Mary's acceptance counters Eve's disobedience. The conversation also touches on the idea that this life is temporary, evidenced by the phrase 'to dirt you shall return.' Interestingly, it suggests that despite their transgressions, Adam and Eve may still have found mercy and eternal life with God.

The discussion dives into the concept that God did not create evil, but allows it through free will. Satan blurs the truth, leading to the first example of pride and the desire to be one's own God. The woman adds to God's prohibition, highlighting how we can misinterpret divine commands. There's a warning against succumbing to superficial temptations that can lead to sin. Ultimately, it emphasizes the need for prayer before acting and taking personal responsibility for our choices rather than blaming others.

The podcast dives into the fascinating dual narratives of creation in Genesis, highlighting the distinct portrayals of God as both distant and intimate. Listeners learn about the importance of free will, as God desires love based on choice. The creation of woman symbolizes companionship, establishing foundational themes of marriage that echo throughout scripture. The conversation emphasizes how these stories work together to deepen our understanding of God's nature and our relationship with Him.

Discover how God created everything from nothing with just a word in the first creation account. The podcast emphasizes the presence of the Holy Spirit right from the beginning and showcases the ordered nature of creation. Intriguingly, even mosquitoes are deemed 'good'! Humanity’s remarkable role reflects our value as God's creations. It also highlights the importance of resting on the seventh day, encouraging gratitude and communal worship every Sunday. Tune in for insights into the significance of the creation narrative and our responsibility to protect the environment.

Who wrote the Pentateuch, and when? Moses obviously provided much of the material. He was not an eyewitness to anything in Genesis!  He could not have written about his death, or his humility, in Deuteronomy! Moses lived sometime between 1600-1250BC.  Importance of oral tradition! Final editing of the material was during the 500’s BC, during the Babylonian Captivity. Editors would typically take 2 accounts and put them side-by- side, instead of choosing one or the other. (2 Creation Accounts, 2 Flood Stories, etc. Historical-Critical Method of researching the Bible has identified at least 4 different contributing editors, each with their own viewpoint. Though they certainly have their differences, they have a remarkably similar view of God’s relationship with Man....their Timeless Truths are equivalent.

The connections between the OT and the NT:  Both show God’s love, desire for a relationship with, willingness to lead and  forgive.  The OT looks for a Messiah; the NT presents the Messiah.  (“What is concealed in the OT is revealed in the NT.”) Are the stories of the OT “true?”  (See CCC paragraph 107, and Dei Verbum 11.)  All true for the sake of our salvation.  A given story may or may not be literally true (listen to senses of scripture) but is ALWAYS true as it describes the relationship between God and Mankind.  These books are not intended as science texts or history texts:  again, they are intended to describe the relationship between God and Man. 2 errors in studying the OT: “God COULDN’T have done it that way...science disproves it.”  (God is God, he is Omnipotent.) “God MUST have done it that way, because that’s what the Bible literally says.”  (This ignores the way truths were communicated long ago.  Remember the senses of scripture.)

V. 1-5 The Payoff!  (continued.) v. 10 Share the Good News!  (It’s what you’re here for!) v.12 “I will give to each according to his....DEEDS.” (!!)

21:3-7  THE PAYOFF!!  We become not slaves, not employees, but the adopted Children of God.  We’re family! v.8 Again, there is a Hell. V.9-21 John’s vision of Heaven borrows heavily from Old Testament prophet Ezekiel’s vision of Heaven, described in Ezekiel  Chapters 40-48.  Ezekiel was writing during Judah’s captivity in Babylon to encourage the captives to persevere following God.  Once again, in Revelation, John is saying “See? God has a great plan to save His people, always.” v.22 Jesus is the new temple. v. 27 “Nothing unclean will enter (Heaven)”   That’s why God created Purgatory.  (Few, if any of us are totally clean at the moment of death.)

What is the “1000 years?” Theories: Premillennial (Christ returns to reign on earth for 1000 years (literal or symbolic) BEFORE the final, final judgement....many with this view believe in a rapture of God’s People before Christ returns (a 3rd time!) with them to rule on earth. (Rejected by the Church for 2 reasons: A) No pre-tribulation rapture...Christians don’t get to avoid suffering. B)Christ will not rule visibly on earth again.....he next comes to judge, then it’s heaven or  hell. Postmillennial : Christ will reign on earth for 1000 years after the world is all Christianized and good.  Was a popular idea in the 19th century, but the world got LESS Christian, less “good” (2 World Wars) in the 20th Century, so not as popular idea today.  Also, rejected by Church, again because it says Christ will visibly reign on earth. Amillennialism- The time between Christ’s 1st and 2nd coming, the Church Age, (now!) is the “millenium” (a long time), in which the Devil is subdued (somewhat!) by the Church, Her Teachings, her Sacraments.  Christ reigns on earth through the Church; through the hearts of those on earth who love Him. Though not an official doctrine of the Church, this Church Age idea is the teaching of Augustin and a majority of Catholic fathers throughout history.  (The Holy Spirit has not revealed definitively very much about the end times.....except a refutation of premillenianism and the idea of a visible earthly reign by Christ at His 2nd Coming (see CCC paragraph 676-677. Read “The Rapture Trap” by Paul Thigpen, (Ascension Press) especially Chapter 8 for a more in-depth look at the theories 20:12 We will be judged according to our DEEDS!! 20:15 Again, there is a Hell!

Much of Chapter 18 is borrowed from Jeremiah Ch. 51, which deals with the fall of actual Babylon (persecutors of God’s people) centuries before.  John’s message?  “We’ve seen this before, and God has saved and will save his people.” (With eternal life.) Chapter 19- “Alleluia” 4X in 1st 6 verses. (like Mass before consecration; the wedding feast of the lamb (v. 7and 9) The big battle (Armageddon)lasted 2 verses...19:20-21. Not even close!!!