Calling All Catholics?

Question

My wife is Catholic......I am Protestant, but without a specific denomination. We are having a child within the next five weeks. I want my child to grow up knowing God. I don't belong to a specific Church (my beliefs are a bit hard to explain). We basically have about 90% decided to raise our child as a Catholic. I have reservations about this though because my wife was never taught (in Sunday school or catechism classes) the stories from the bible. My wife seems to know all there is to know about being a Catholic, but doesn't know much of the bible itself. I know I didn't like going to services much as a child because I always wanted to be out doing things with friends, so I'm not sure I want to have to make my child learn to to be a Catholic, attend a service that they will not understand or appreciate till they are older, then bring them home and teach them myself out of the bible. Is this just the parish where she went or is this pretty typical throughout the Catholic Church?

Answer 1

This may only be a matter of perception because of the way things are presented. first of all the entire Mass is Scripture and in the homilies the entire Bible is presented in a systematic way over a very short period of time. Just this alone is considerable Bible training and exposure. there is also training and bible studies both at the parish and at different peoples homes that anyone can participate in.

So, basically what I am saying is that their is significant exposure available if one takes advantage of it otherwise simply listening to the homilies will expose one to all the teaching of the Bible.

I am a convert from Protestantism and there is much more Bible teaching in the Catholic Church than any Protestant church I know. Protestant Bible teaching tends to be less complete and inclusive as each denomination of Protestantism has their own unique theological approaches and priorities. Catholic Bible teaching tends to be more encompassing of the whole body of Scriptures rather than focusing on specific proof texts to make theological points as to how one's denomination differs from another as the Protestants would do. Sometimes the lack of this kind of repetition and focus as is done among Protestants would be considered to be less emphasis on biblical teaching. That and the different focus of worship on the corporeal presence of Christ instead of preaching would make one coming from a Protestant perspective to make the error of thinking that Bible knowledge is not encouraaged and taught. It is.

In Christ
Fr. Joseph

Answer 2

Many people will tell you that the Catholic Church is not a Bible based religion, however, much of the Catholic faith is Bible based. The Church also follows Catholic Tradition. I admit I was not taught the Bible the same way that Protestants are taught the Bible, because Protestants believe in Bible only, no tradition. I do know much of what is in the Bible, however, because I had Bible story books at home when I was growing up and also because at each Mass there are 4 readings from the Bible. Catholics, contrary to what many believe, are encouraged to read the Bible and ever to attend Bible study classes. There is no reason that you can't raise your child Catholic and teach them the Bible too. I hope I have helped and congratulations on being a new daddy. I wish the best to you and your family.

God bless,
Stanbo

Answer 3

The last 30 years or so have had a pretty poor showing for Catholic teaching. Catholics just haven't been very good about teaching other Catholics about their faith!
Your child will hear a minimum of 3 readings from the Bible at every Mass. OT, NT, Gospel. The Homily that the Priest gives is supposed to have to do with the Gospel reading of that day.
Almost everything Catholic can be found somewhere in the Bible. Everyone knows as much about the Bible as they want to learn.
Have no fear!

Answer 4

Catholicism is based on more than just biblical teachings, but includes tradition. I was raised a Catholic and tried to go to the protestant Churches (Methodist, even Lutheran) when I had kids, but I really missed the beauty of the Mass, the comfort of the Saints, and the inspiring rituals. My kids are now being raised Catholic. I have a lot of problems with the Catholics and their judgements on birth control, women in the priesthood (or not in this case) etc., but the 2000 year old tradition is what attracts me. The Catholic Mass includes three readings from the Bible, and they do learn the Bible in religious ed., but it is not a Bible-centered religion such as the Baptists, etc. I would suggest that you get them an easy-read children's Bible for bedtime stories if you feel that is important. Whichever religion you choose to raise them, think of your church or parish as a community helping to raise your child...

Answer 5

It varies parish to parish and whether they attend the parish school or sunday school(CCD to your wife). I attended Catholic school and have a good understanding of whats going on and of the bible (Catholics use the Greek translation of the Old Testament and Protestants use the Hebrew translation therefore Catholics have 7 more books in the OT).

There was a time when the Church discouraged reading the Bible but after 1965 it has been encouraged. Many parishes have Bible studies for adult members. Encourage her to attend and join her, I am sure you're input would be helpful, you are doing something worthwhile together and you can both appreciate the other's hertiage

Answer 6

Catholic here.

There are a lot of Catholics who are not well catechized or versed in the bible, and there are Catholics who know their bible inside and out. Much of it depends on how deeply a person embraces their faith.

I'm so happy that you're looking at the Catholic Church. As a convert, I can tell you that I had many of the same questions about the Faith. I went through RCIA two years ago and everything was answered. Life literally hasn't been the same since.

I'd encourage both of you to speak with a priest, even consider attending RCIA classes just to get educated on what the Church teaches. You'll be glad you did.

God bless, and welcome home.

Answer 7

Pastor Billy says: listen when you are the biggest kid on the block you're going to have some problems here and there never mind the influence of a secularised Protestant culture always on your doorstep.

What am I saying? There are 1.2 billion Catholics and growing in this world (contrary to the reports of zealot preachers, Catholicism isn't shrinking) and yes there have been many Catholics who haven't been properly catechised meaning taught the Christian faith well, this includes lack of bible study. I know however that I haven't had the opportunity of meeting all of us so don't jump to the conclusion of all or most or many Catholics are bible illiterate because this is simply a huge fallacy on the part of many non-Catholics.

I know of many non-Catholic youth who are not enthusiastic of their Christian faith is this a reflection of the teaching authority or the will of the individual?

You must separate the actions of individuals regardless of their tradition from the truth of the teaching authority.
If the Catholic Church teaches Jesus is God is this truth regardless of how many believe? A Christian will and should always answer yes. here ends my little example for the day.

addtional comment will be left if required.
raise them as Catholics especially if you've already accepted this promise during your wedding vows.

Answer 8

No, I would say her parish is no longer typical, although there was a time when the Catholic Church in the U.S. tried to be "with it" and neglected Bible instruction. My kids go to Catholic school and they learn tons of Bible stories there, plus we read them Bible stories and talk about them at home. Parents are the primary teachers, anyway, and that's the policy of the Catholic Church. So really, it wasn't the parish who neglected to instruct your wife, it was her parents. BTW, my kids do understand and appreciation the Mass in their own ways -- they are 3, 4 and 7, and each one of them gets something out of it. And the Mass has Bible instruction as part of the Liturgy of the Word -- if your wife doesn't know this, she hasn't been paying attention.

Answer 9

I grew up with a Catholic father, and I haven't gone through all the steps of Catholicism but when I need a church I go to a Catholic church it feels familiar to me and it honors my father. In mass we always go over a reading or two from the new testament the priest gives his liturgy and then we have communion a sacrament that re-enacts the last supper. Combined with Sunday school your children should have a good foundation on traditional mainstream bible study and a ritualized way to conduct worship. Some people may mock it but it gives you a sense of community and belonging. It also provides a sense of tradition and importance. When you go home you can put your own flavor on it but it will give you a good base to start, a community to rejoice with and even to have when times are hard. I will finish by reminding people that Catholics are Christians and that they don't worship saints or Mary as some will tell you.

Answer 10

I was raised catholic. Your worries are not well founded. I was educated catholic and K-8, we were taught bible stories and scripture every day in religion class. There are peripheral teachings though that you will want to clarify with your child, i.e. assuption of Mary- extra biblical teachings that deal with teachings defined by the early church. Take it or leave it. Not a major bone of contention in the church, but you should express your feelings and how you interperet the sciptures to support or not. Just remember to be respectful to the belief system as they would you. There is plenty of room in christianity for both points of view.