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Unfolding Sacred Scripture: How Catholics Read the Bible invites readers into the Catholic practice of reading Scripture. In the first part, the book introduces insights from the tradition, from its early days to its present teachings, showing what makes the Catholic approach distinct from other ways of reading the Bible. The author explains the Catholic understanding of the Bible as the revealed and sacred Word of God, discusses how Catholics interpret the Bible, including the idea of reading Scripture with the community, and demonstrates ways the reader can participate in this practice. In the second part, he offers a guided tour with practical exercises through the major parts and essential themes of the Bible.
Although many Catholics are familiar with the Lectionary readings proclaimed at Mass, many do not yet feel fully comfortable with the Bible itself (from which passages are selected for liturgy.) Only by knowing the major stories, characters, and overall timeline can one fully appreciate the readings or experience the delights of regularly engaging with the Word of God. This book is for anyone interested in learning about the Catholic approach to Scripture, especially for readers and other liturgical ministers who may be interested in a deeper study of the Word of God.
Michael Cameron received his doctorate from the University of Chicago Divinity School. He is currently an associate professor of historical theology at the University of Portland, Oregon. For more than a decade he has taught undergraduates an entry-level course in understanding the Bible. He is the Latin patristics editor for The Encyclopedia of the Bible and Its Reception, and the author of a number of articles on the work of biblical interpretation in St. Augustine of Hippo, as well as the book, Christ Meets Me Everywhere: Augustine’s Early Figurative Exegesis.
