Periodically, folks ask about whether we are supposed to read the Bible literally. The Church does require a literal interpretation of biblical texts. But that does not mean what most Americans ...

The question of biblical interpretation has returned to the centre of theological discussion today. Hermeneutics is no longer relegated to a backroom. It is one of the most prominent preoccupations of ...

Throughout Christian history, interpretations of biblical scripture have deeply influenced doctrines that shape beliefs, ethical standards, and societal norms. Despite the insistence by many ...

The editors of this volume are Franklin T. Harkins (PhD, Notre Dame; Theology Dept. Fordham University), author of Reading and the Work of Restoration: History and Scripture in the Theology of Hugh of ...

On Thursday morning, Pope Benedict addressed representatives of the Pontifical Biblical Commission following their plenary assembly and said that a correct understanding of Scripture does not come ...

The Catholic view of authority and Holy Scripture is not about some ubiquitous churchman looking over everyone’s shoulder so that they would interpret each verse exactly as the Church says it ought to ...

The occurrence of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot (the Feast of Weeks), which is observed this year at the end of May and is associated in Jewish tradition with the giving of the Ten Commandments and of ...

Skye Jethani’s simple guidelines for engaging the Bible and avoiding unhelpful controversy. We have a common temptation to get “behind the text” or discover what “really happened.” While archeology ...

Letter writer Barbara Essington ("Know the Bible before interpreting it," June 19) complains that a previous writer who deplored bigotry and hatred against same-gender-preference people needs to learn ...