Recently, the Sandpiper presented the first of a short series of articles on internet resources for Faith Education and Prayer. Many readers will recognize the difficulties involved in finding resources via the ‘web’ which are theologically sound. In this article, consideration is given to Bible Study resources.
SEARCH FOR A BIBLE TEXT
The following sites enable you to look up a biblical text, using key words, phrases or the Scripture reference (eg. John 1:1). It is also possible to select the translation of the Bible you wish to explore. For example, the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) is often considered a good translation into English from the original languages of Hebrew or Greek.
• Find biblical texts using this site. Click here to visit
• From Gospel Communications Network, search the bible according to key words, topics or chapter and verse.‘ntgateway.com is focused on New Testament texts. Click here to visit
• Another site for searching the Bible. Click here to visit
BIBLE STUDY
Those interested in learning about the Church’s guidelines for Scripture study today may wish to go directly to the key documents for this area, for example, the document, Dei Verbum:
Dei Verbum (Word of God), the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation was promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1965. It can be accessed via the ‘Search’ button on the Vatican website Click to visit. This document reminds us that, Scripture presents God’s message through human words. Therefore, to try to interpret the meaning of a Scripture text, it is necessary to learn what we can about the writing, the writers and the original readers. We also need to recognise that different forms of writing communicate messages in different ways. Consider the difference, for example, between poetry, a speech or a story. It is also important to pay attention to the historical circumstances and times of the original authors and the people for whom the writing was intended; their culture, language and their intentions in writing.
Fr Michael Fallon MSC Click to visit Fr Michael Fallon MSC, the Australian author of a number of excellent and popular commentaries on Scripture, has his own website. He posts articles, notes from lectures, maps and other resources. It is also possible to order CDs of his talks.
A Basic Vocabulary of Biblical Studies For Beginning Students: A Work in Progress, Click to visit This overseas resource offers explanations of terms, phrases and concepts which may appear on some Biblical Studies articles and courses.
Catholic Resources for Bible, Art, Liturgy and Theology Click to visit Excellent resources available online from Fr Felix Just SJ.
Resoures for Study related to; Biblical Studies, early Christian writings and the social background of early Christian communities Click to visit
Resources for ‘everyday’ faith education
- Catholic Charismatic Renewal Click to visit provides some resources which are easy to access.
- Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane Click to visit. Links to various resources, including ‘Catholics and the Bible’ may be found through this site.
- Evangelisation Resources Down Under Click to visit, Based in South Australia, ERDU produce resources which may be ordered online including the ‘Little Rock Scripture Study”, “The Little Books” and “Word Among Us” series which are inexpensive and easy to access.
- TEXT WEEK Click to visit This ecumenical resource provides a Scripture index and a wide range of articles.
