What other religious text are there, besides the Bible, that priest use? Are there any?

Question

In the movies, there is always some other writing text that gets referenced in such things as the angle heirarchy or levels of hell, or such things. Is this just in the movies or are there other texts that means almost, but not as much, as the bible does.

Answer 1

#1 Bible
#2 Catechism of the Catholic Church

Also, Priests in the seminary need to complete 4 - 8 years (depending on major) in Priest college. They read a lot about theology, science, human rights, latin, hebrew, arabic, greek, social studies, medicine. Amoung some of the common readings is:

Around 64 Pontifical Douments
15 Ecumenical Councils
13 Particular Councils and Synods
Ecclesiastical Documents
Canon Law
Vatican I
16 Pieces of writing from Vatican II
(PC) Perfecta caritaitis
(HV) Humanae vitae
St Thomas Acquinas (logical religious theologian)
St Ambrose
St. Augustine
St. Catherine of Siena
Basically, any of the Saints' writings
(SC) Sacrosanctum concilium
(PT) Pacem in terris
(STh) Summa Theologiae

My last Priest liked to read "Lord of the Rings" ... he found lots of religious symbolism in it.

If you ever get a chance to meet a Seminarian (Man studying to be a Priest) ... you'll see they stress over their studies like a Harvard or Yale student during finals. I really admire how much these men work to learn about so many diverse subjects. Wow.

Answer 2

Depends on the religion. Catholics also have the Catechumen and several lectors. There is also all the writings of the various popes that are used.

In other religions, I am sure they have similar books. The best way to find out your answer is to decide which religion you are wondering about, and find a person of the cloth in that religion (or even someone who merely works at the church in question) and ask them. I am sure they can help you.

Answer 3

It's just Hollywood script writers thumb sucking as usual. Thumb sucking hit a new high with the "Da Vinci Code". In real life, the Bible is the only and final authority. God Bless!