Use and usefulness of the Bible
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
The Bible has a range of uses for Catholics in everyday life. Catholics may use it in decision-making, worship and education.
Absolute law and guidance
As the Bible is classed as the Word of God, some of the teachings within it are classed as absolute lawA law that is unchanging.. An absolute law is one that must be followed at all times, such as the Ten CommandmentsThe list of rules, revealed by God to Moses, found in the Old Testament books of Exodus and Deuteronomy. The Bible refers to them simply as ‘sayings’ or ‘statements’. Also known as the Ten Sayings or the Decalogue.. Because these are laws set down by God, then they must be obeyed. Catholics may use these laws and the teachings of the Bible to help them make decisions in their everyday lives. They might use the Bible alongside reasonThe ability to think and to work things out., conscienceAn inner sense (or 'voice') which communicates what is right or wrong in one's behaviour., magisteriumThe teaching authority of the Catholic Church formed of the Pope and Bishops of the Church. and prayer to ensure that they make the right decision.
Worship
Many Catholics will have the majority of their interaction with scripture through worship and ceremonies. Scripture is used as a basis for the prayers and the entire Mass. In each Mass there are readings from both the New and Old Testament. The of bread and wine uses the words that Christ used at the Last Supper.
Ceremonies
The Bible plays a key role during rite of passageA significant point in life, often followed by a changed way of living. and ceremonies. In each ceremony there will be readings from the Bible. The scripture passages chosen will link the ceremonies to the life and teaching of Christ, eg:
- the story of Jesus’ baptism will be read during a christening ceremony, where the priest, vicar or minister may choose a passage about the importance of entering into the Christian faith and what it means to be a Christian
- during a marriage ceremony, passages about love and honouring your husband or wife are often read, eg
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not boast, it is not proud...
- 1 Corinthians 13:4 - passages from the Bible are read in funeral services to provide comfort to the loved ones of the deceasedA dead person., eg
So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
- Isaiah 41:10
The Bible also acknowledges that when promises are made in such ceremonies, they are also made with God. In a funeral, a Bible is also placed on the coffin as a reminder that the deceased lived their life following the Word of God.
Question
Describe the different ways that the Bible can be used in Christianity.
There are many different uses for the Bible in Christianity. One of the main uses of the Bible is as a source of authority. This means that Christians can use the Bible as a guidebook to provide advice and guidance during different dilemmas they may face in life. There are many rules and parables in the Bible which can tell Christians what they should do in certain situations. Another use of the Bible is during worship services and rites of passage ceremonies where different parts of the Bible are read by the priest and sometimes discussed. Christians can also use the Bible during private worship.
