As a kid in a Catholic school we had 2 hours of 'holy history', this merely meant, the historical books of the Bible. We had a school Bible that was a bit bigger than the size of a novel. Only much later did I realize that the ... did not mean 'lost pieces' like it is in other historical books, but 'cleaned up' parts. We never read about the 2 girls who inubriated their dad to sleep with him, or the man who offers his daughters to the crowd in order to talk to the young men he says are angels. We never read about the atrocities committed by the Israelites when conquering the land. In fact, I think at least 3/4 of the old testament was deleted. So no I do not think the books should be shortened. I think church should be honest and not declare that in 3 years we have read the whole Bible. I wonder how many people have really read the whole book. It is necessary to see that indeed, the Holy people are not holy at all, fall pray to massive sins, continuously stray, and that the revered kings were not holy, either.
what could be done is put a marker where the repeated part starts, and a note that 'this part is the same as verses xyz in book A. That would indeed solve the problem. But I do not remember very many parts that are literally the same. There are a few books I would omit (numbers, the directions for priests, the war books of maccabees) and I would add a few, like the gospel of Thomas. After all the Bible has been put together with what they knew of in 300 something, and only by part of the then-clergy. It is unfortunate that the books are being presented as one book, and the protestant Bible has several books missing that are in the whole Catholic scripture. Both have apocrypha but there, too, is a difference. I prefer to read 'loose', read quite a few of the Nag Hammadi and other scriptures that have been found way later. They shed light on the multi translated official scripture, which from one language to the other, has enormous discrepancies. For the old testament, I have read a few books from the Jewish scripture, which is way less polished.
Also a catholic raised child. So many questions where never answered in class. I am of the belief the bible has been rewritten that suited the powers at the time. History is written by the victors. There are many ancient biblical texts and parallels that come from ancient countries, all valuable. There also art and artifacts.
As you know, I'm doing the bible in a year one day at a time right now. I agree that so many parts are repeated and I find myself moving quickly through them as it get tedious.
And, I also was chided, ignored, and told to shut up when questioning the nuns about what we read in my first eight years of Catholic school. There was no bible for us. Only the Catechism and whatever was in the books provided by the school.
I do wonder what kids in the US today are being taught by the Catholic Church. All the small schools have closed. I assume there is some education for kids today to prepare them for the sacraments and I hope some kind of Biblical education.
Thanks, Bob, our experiences are indeed very similar. And I've spoken to others who relate. This, like you, I often find myself at this point: "I do wonder what kids in the US today are being taught by the Catholic Church."
I live very close to a Catholic school, and I pray often that at least some of those kids are being touched by the Holy Spirit. 🕊️
I've heard of a few people doing this or at least chapters or books. I've always written out verses but have been trying to do it more often. Handwriting has neurological benefits as well. Try magnesium oil spray for the cramps. Works great!
As a kid in a Catholic school we had 2 hours of 'holy history', this merely meant, the historical books of the Bible. We had a school Bible that was a bit bigger than the size of a novel. Only much later did I realize that the ... did not mean 'lost pieces' like it is in other historical books, but 'cleaned up' parts. We never read about the 2 girls who inubriated their dad to sleep with him, or the man who offers his daughters to the crowd in order to talk to the young men he says are angels. We never read about the atrocities committed by the Israelites when conquering the land. In fact, I think at least 3/4 of the old testament was deleted. So no I do not think the books should be shortened. I think church should be honest and not declare that in 3 years we have read the whole Bible. I wonder how many people have really read the whole book. It is necessary to see that indeed, the Holy people are not holy at all, fall pray to massive sins, continuously stray, and that the revered kings were not holy, either.
For the record, I'm not even remotely suggesting a censored version. I'm talking about the repetition.
what could be done is put a marker where the repeated part starts, and a note that 'this part is the same as verses xyz in book A. That would indeed solve the problem. But I do not remember very many parts that are literally the same. There are a few books I would omit (numbers, the directions for priests, the war books of maccabees) and I would add a few, like the gospel of Thomas. After all the Bible has been put together with what they knew of in 300 something, and only by part of the then-clergy. It is unfortunate that the books are being presented as one book, and the protestant Bible has several books missing that are in the whole Catholic scripture. Both have apocrypha but there, too, is a difference. I prefer to read 'loose', read quite a few of the Nag Hammadi and other scriptures that have been found way later. They shed light on the multi translated official scripture, which from one language to the other, has enormous discrepancies. For the old testament, I have read a few books from the Jewish scripture, which is way less polished.
"But I do not remember very many parts that are literally the same."
You might wanna take another look!
P.S. I'm also not talking about omitting books.
Also a catholic raised child. So many questions where never answered in class. I am of the belief the bible has been rewritten that suited the powers at the time. History is written by the victors. There are many ancient biblical texts and parallels that come from ancient countries, all valuable. There also art and artifacts.
Thank you, K. This echoes my sentiments: "So many questions where never answered in class"
As you know, I'm doing the bible in a year one day at a time right now. I agree that so many parts are repeated and I find myself moving quickly through them as it get tedious.
And, I also was chided, ignored, and told to shut up when questioning the nuns about what we read in my first eight years of Catholic school. There was no bible for us. Only the Catechism and whatever was in the books provided by the school.
I do wonder what kids in the US today are being taught by the Catholic Church. All the small schools have closed. I assume there is some education for kids today to prepare them for the sacraments and I hope some kind of Biblical education.
Thanks, Bob, our experiences are indeed very similar. And I've spoken to others who relate. This, like you, I often find myself at this point: "I do wonder what kids in the US today are being taught by the Catholic Church."
I live very close to a Catholic school, and I pray often that at least some of those kids are being touched by the Holy Spirit. 🕊️
Brilliant
I'm doing my best to hear and heed the Advocate. 🙏
I've heard of a few people doing this or at least chapters or books. I've always written out verses but have been trying to do it more often. Handwriting has neurological benefits as well. Try magnesium oil spray for the cramps. Works great!
Thank you, Rosemary. I will definitely try that spray ASAP.