Inspiration and Interpretation

In a recent speech to the Pontifical Biblical Commission, Pope Benedict XVI addressed the importance of the divine authorship and inspiration of Sacred Scripture and how it is to be interpreted. First recalling the contributions of the Encyclicals “Providentissimus Deus” and “Divino Afflante Spiritu”, the Pope focuses primarily on Vatican II’s “Dei Verbum.”

God is the author of the Bible, the Pope says, and it “must be read and interpreted with its divine authorship in mind” (DV n. 12). “Furthermore,” he states, “the interpretation of the Sacred Scriptures cannot only be an individual scientific effort but must always be compared with, inserted in and authenticated by the living Tradition of the Church.”

This is what the St. Paul Center is all about…Reading the Bible from the heart of the Church. I really encourage you to read the full text of this great speech: Pope’s Address to Biblical Commission.