Catechism and Bible Interpretation

Comparison between "Catechism of the Catholic Church"
(published in 1995 by Doubleday, 1540 Broadway, New York, New York 10036)
and the Bible -- the Authorized King James Version of 1611

RCC Catechism

Bible
Only the Magisterium of the Church Can Interpret the Bible

"The task of interpreting the Word of God authentically has been entrusted solely to the magisterium of the Church, that is, the Pope and to the bishops in communion with him." #100, p.35

The Holy Ghost Interprets the Bible for Christians


(a) Christians don't need ANY middle man to teach them to understand God's word.

These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
 

--1 John 2:26-27

We find out in (b) below that it is the Holy Ghost that teacheth us what we need to know from God's word.

(b) Nowhere in the Bible does it say God has entrusted His Scriptures to the Roman Catholic pope or his bishops, nor the interpreting of Scriptures to the pope and his bishops. God Himself interprets Scriptures for His Children.

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, HE SHALL TEACH YOU ALL THINGS, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
 

--John 14:26

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, HE WILL GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH.."
 

--John 16:13

(c) We disciples are commanded in God's word to STUDY the Bible. It does not say we are to leave it up to others:

"STUDY to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH."
 

--2 Tim. 2:15

(d) God did not leave the Scriptures for private interpretation to any leaders of any organization.

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any PRIVATE INTERPRETATION."
 

--2 Peter 1:20

(e) If it were impossible for us to understand the Scriptures, Jesus would have never rebuked the Sadducees for making errors:

"And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?"
 

--Mark 12:24

(f) God will give you more understanding than all your teachers, including the pope and his bishops because:

"O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation."
 

Back to Table of Contents for 'Catechism vs. the Bible'