1.3.1 The bible

• What does the word "Bible" mean?

  Book
• How do Christians view the Old Testament?

  As God's covenant with his people
• What are the three divisions of the Old Testament?

  The Torah, the Prophets, the Writings
• What is contained in the Torah?

  • First five books of the Bible
  • Contains all the laws of Judaism
  • Includes the Decalogue
• What types of books are included in the Prophets?

  History books and prophetic writings
• Who are some of the prophets mentioned in the Old Testament?

  Isaiah and Jeremiah
• What types of literature are found in the Writings?

  Poetry, wise sayings, apocalyptic writings
• What does the New Testament include?

  • Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
  • Acts of the Apostles
  • Church letters by Paul and others
  • Revelation
• What is the purpose of the Gospels in the New Testament?

  To recount the life and teachings of Jesus
• What do the Acts of the Apostles record?

  The history of the early Christian church
• What is the significance of St. Paul's letters?

  To encourage and clarify for Christians
• What are the Decalogue?

  The Ten Commandments
• Why is the Bible important for Catholics?

  It shows what to believe and how to live
• What does the Bible reveal about God?

  What God is like and his actions
• When did the Church agree on the New Testament books?

  At the Council of Carthage in 397
• What is the Septuagint?

  The Greek Old Testament
• How many books are in the Protestant Old Testament?

  39 books
• What is the Vulgate?

  The Latin translation of the Bible
• What are the arguments for and against the idea that all Christians should use the same Bible?

  Arguments for:

  • God would ensure the same Bible
  • God wants everyone to hear the same words

  
  

  Arguments against:

  • Differences are minor (8 books)
  • Protestants see those books as non-authoritative
• What does St. Paul say about Scripture?

  It is inspired by God
• What does the Catechism say about the Bible?

  It teaches without error God's saving truth
• What are the key components of the Bible's authority for Catholics?

  • Inspired by God
  • Authoritative for teaching
  • Reveals God's saving truth