This independent study course is a basic overview of Sacred Scripture for all adult Catholics and catechists. The content will focus on the Church’s principles for Biblical interpretation as explained in concrete examples drawn from the New Testament, as well as briefly address the benefits and shortcomings of both the ancient and modern approaches to the study of Sacred Scripture. Participants will reflect upon the Gospels and the Letters of St. Paul as they are the fulfillment of Israel’s story in Christ. In addition, the course will conclude with the implications of this course for Christian doctrine and discipleship. Those who complete this course should be able to appreciate more fully the Biblical narrative as alive for themselves as Catholics and, consequently, for all those that will benefit from their teaching.

Students will be able to:

• Explain the relationship between the Sacred Scriptures and the Church.
• Read the Gospels with an understanding of the evangelists as inspired theologians of Jesus.
• Identify ways the evangelists portray Jesus and the relevance of these points for catechesis and ministering to the Word.
• Summarize the meaning and significance of Paul’s Gospel.