Posted on 09/17/2005 6:46:34 AM PDT by NYer
Denver, Sep. 16, 2005 (CNA) - A unique program in the Archdiocese of Denver commenced a new year of classes this week in an effort to lead Catholic lay people into a deeper understanding and appreciation for sacred scripture.
The Denver Biblical School, now in its 24th year of existence, hit record enrollment this year with 648 students enrolled in the 4-year program--311 of whom are starting their first year.
Tim Gray, the program’s director told the Denver Catholic Register that “We have a high-quality program…The teachers are dynamic and unique…The program”, he said, “not only makes the Bible come alive, but makes it relevant to the lives of people.”
Rather than taking a theme based, or piece by piece approach to the scriptures, students travel through every book of the Bible, looking at their historical context and significance, and seeking to understand how the Word is still active today.
Biblical school representatives told CNA that the classes also contain a small-group component, in which students can build Christian fellowship and dig into the meaning of the scriptures with others.
18 classes around the archdiocese, and as far away as Colorado Springs, are currently meeting, and using a curriculum which has been recognized around the country.
Although at one time, the majority of students were retirees, the Biblical school notes that that fact is changing, and the average student age is dropping. Young, dynamic teachers, the school said, are drawing in younger students eager to fulfill the call of “New Evangelization” set forth by the late John Paul II.
The Register even reported that one class, in the northern Colorado town of Greeley is filled exclusively with high school students.
Added Wei Hsien Wan, one of the school’s instructors: “the call to evangelization is for young and old alike--we want to open up the scriptures to all of the faithful.”
Good news bump!
Benedict XVI Promotes Biblical Meditation (Ancient Practice Could Bring Renewal to Church)
Good news indeed.
I do believe that you get what you ask for out of people. If you ask for orthodoxy, you get it. You ask for little, you get that as well.
We need to stop watering down the faith and dumbing-down our beliefs to meet some sort of ever-sinking lowest common denominator. The success of this program and others demonstrate the wisdom of demanding much from those who receive much.
Impossible! The Billy Bob Bubbas of FR have let me know time and again that the Catholic Church suppresses reading of the Bible upon pain of death!
All 73 of them.
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