Bible Reading By The Laity, Restrictions On.
I. The Ancient Church
It is indisputable that in Apostolic times the Old Testament was commonly read (John v, 47; Acts viii, 28; xvii, 11; II Tim. iii, 15). Roman Catholics admit that this reading was not restricted in the first centuries, in spite of its abuse by Gnostics and other heretics. On the contrary, the reading of Scripture was urged (Justin Martyr, xliv, ANF, i, 177-178; Jerome, Adv. libros Rufini, i, 9, NPNF, 2d ser., iii, 487); and Pamphilus, the friend of Eusebius, kept copies of Scripture to furnish to those who desired them. Chrysostom attached considerable importance to the reading of Scripture on the part of the laity and denounced the error that it was to be permitted only to monks and priests (De Lazaro concio, iii, MPG, xlviii, 992; Hom. ii in Matt., MPG, lvii, 30, NPNF, 2d ser., x, 13). He insisted upon access being given to the entire Bible, or at least to the New Testament (Hom. ix in Col., MPG, lxii, 361, NPNF, xiii, 301). The women also, who were always at home, were diligently to read the Bible (Hom. xxxv on Gen. xii, MPG, liii, 323). Jerome recommended the reading and studying of Scripture on the part of the women (Epist., cxxviii, 3, MPL, xxii, 1098, NPNF, 2d ser., vi, 259; Epist., lxxix, 9, MPG, xxii, 730-731, NPNF, 2d ser., vi, 167). The translations of the Bible, Augustine considered a blessed means of propagating the Word of God among the nations (De doctr. christ., ii, 5, NPNF, 1st ser., ii, 536); Gregory I recommended the reading of the Bible without placing any limitations on it (Hom. iii in Ezek., MPL, lxxvi, 968). . .
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Amen-Amein!!
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Amen-Amein!
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Thanks, Maria. When I began reading the Bible it became abundantly clear why the Catholic church withheld it from us. The gig was up.
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True, Tom! I went to Schaff to learn about this history after reading a blog post at The Catholic Thinker which listed quotes to prove that the Church of Rome historically encouraged reading the Bible. He had invited me to see it but my comments are blocked at his blog. It’s a more complex history than I knew.
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don’t forget the past -but- by all means – get over it
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Hi, apocalypse 2. I will have to take your comment with a grain of salt. From your blog I see that you too are interested in the past which is a good thing.
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history is the key to understanding
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very true!
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Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
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Thank you, brother! Enjoy your day!
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You’re very welcome Sister and likewise 😍
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Thank you!
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You’re very welcome Maria 😍
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I believe that the devil used the Catholic church as a tool to disarm the believers at that time of the sword (God’s Word) so that he could defeat them on the spiritual battlefield.
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You’re right, Spaniardviii. But the Lord always defeats him. Praise God!
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We know the ending of the book, no need to worry. 🙂
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yes, we do! We trust in Him to fulfill every good Word of His!
:0)
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