Bible

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Christian Beliefs about the Bible

believe that God communicates with us in a special way through scriptures (also through our conscience, others' actions + words towards us, events, and nature)

writers of the scriptures experienced God in their lives and wrote about it

if the Bible is read as an inspired book, it becomes God's special revelation

God gives us the free will to hear or ignore his message

Bible = "the books"

many different people who were guided by God wrote these books, so it is like a small library

Old Testament

first major part that consists of 46 books

written before Jesus

main point is to show God's power, love, and care for the chosen people (Jews)

these scriptures are the basis of Judaism and were what Jesus and His followers would have read in His time

New Testament

second part with 27 books

written after Jesus' time about Him, his followers, and the early church

main concern is to show God's love for humanity, especially as exemplified through Jesus

includes a number of letter on how to live a good Christian life and one Apocalyptic book (Revelation)

Navigation

book > chapter > verse

ex. Genesis. 1. 8-10

Development

Oral History: stories told, songs sung, history recounted and memorized

Written History: written stories, history recorded, instructions and guides

Edited History: selected the best of what was written and told

Principles of Truth - refer to notebook

Kinds of Truth

Scientific: observations regarding our universe

Historical: records and stories of past events

Moral: lessons and rules about good behaviour

Proverbial: short sayings of common sense wisdom

Symbolic: poetic language used to emphasize a lesson

Religious: belief and faith in God's actions in our lives

Literary Forms

Prophecy: a prediction of the future made under divine inspiration

Law: a rule of conduct established by custom, agreement, or authority

Myth: an ancient story dealing with supernatural beings, ancestors, or heroes that tell a story with meaning for all God's people

Sermon: a serious talk, especially one given in church based on or discussing a passage in the Bible

Letter: written communication directed to another person

Parable: a story (especially in the Bible) to teach lessons

History: a record or account of past events and development

Proverb: a well-known saying that gives good advice or expresses a supposed truth

Psalm: a sacred song; hymn

List: a series of names, words, or other items written, printed, or imagined one after another

Biblical Timeline - refer to notebook

Creation Stories - refer to notebook

Papal Encyclical

letter from the Pope that explains Catholic teaching and provides a Catholic approach to current world issues

Si Laudate - refer to notebook

Covenants - refer to notebook