NAME: JUDE EZE/DI/415: SUMMARY ON THE INTERPRETATION OF THE BIBLE IN THE CHURCH-(Pontifical Biblical commission) Thesis: The study

and interpretation of the Sacred Scripture is an indispensable task of the

church that must make prudent use of the various forms of exegesis while maintaining its distinctively theological character. The rising challenges facing the interpretation of the word of God in the church necessitated the presentation of the document on the interpretation of the Bible in the church by the Pontifical Biblical commission. This paper attempt to address the increasing criticism directed at the historical-critical method, both from biblical scholars who question some of its methodologies and the faithful who feel it has nothing to say to their Christian life. The document is in four parts, the first part examines the various methods of biblical study in use today, with an emphasis on the strengths and weaknesses of each. The second is concerned with the fundamental questions of interpretation. Examining the thoughts of Rudolf Bultmann, Hans Georg Gadamer and Paul Ricoeur, the Commission arrives at the question of the meaning of the inspired text. Against the historical-critical method, which seeks to determine the one meaning of a text, the Church affirms that scripture has a multiplicity of meanings. The literal sense, attempts to determine the original intent of the author. The spiritual sense of scripture speaks to a texts meaning in relation to the paschal mystery guided by the Holy Spirit. This is most evident when reading the promises of God and the prophets in the Old Testament; these texts take on new meaning when interpreted in light of Jesus life, death and resurrection. Care must be taken not to allow the spiritual sense to devolve into subjective interpretation; this sense does not contradict the literal sense, but enhances it and, in places, compliments it. The third part of the document lays out the traits of a Catholic interpretation of the Bible. According to the document an authentic understanding of the scripture is characterized by its place within the living tradition of the Church, with a primary concern for fidelity to biblical revelation; and an understanding of the New Testaments profound reliance on the Old Testament. Finally, the last part of the document explores the impact of biblical interpretation in the life of the Church. Here it points out that Exegetes do not have a monopoly on biblical study, for all the faithful are called to familiarize themselves with Scripture. In addition the highlighted six general uses of scripture in the Church: actualization (applying the Sacred Writings to modern questions and problems); inculturation (translating and interpreting Scripture in new languages and cultures); liturgical uses; Lectio Divina, or meditation on Scripture; within pastoral ministry; and in ecumenical dialogue, as in the shared study and interpretation of biblical texts.