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kosta gave a good explanation of the difference between inspired and dictated by God. I would add that it's also important to realize that in scripture God is revealed to finite men. Inspired but finite. God inspires and reveals, they write. God is the author, man is the "as revealed to.."

The scripture is the infinite through the finite, rather than a dictation of God. It is finite in that it is in time and written, read and understood by finite man.The distinction here would include the difference between the Bible and, say, the tablets of Moses written with the 'finger of God'. This has key ramifications for our religion versus Islam as the Pope and others have pointed out.

It's also finite in that it is within the constraints of words and concepts. Much of what we know of God cannot be fully expressed in language.

We (RCs) do believe the Bible is the word of God. It does not contain ALL the Word of God, but those revealed truths that the Divine wished to be transmitted in writing. I think the Protestant view may be different on this score. And of course, Jesus is the Incarnate Word of God. We can't reduce the Word of God to just the scriptures.

Then, of course, scripture did not come with an imprimatur. Some one or some group chooses which are canon and which are not. The Church Councils did this, Luther did this and others discussed and disagreed on various books. They did this based on their inspiration, or we say the Holy Spirit working through them did. Since we end up with different canons and the Holy Spirit is unchanging...

My personal view is that it is important to trust whom you trust with important matters of scripture and interpretation. While I agree with the Protestant principle of the value of reading scripture as a spiritual exercise - akin to our lectio divina - I still view it as a spritual practice, and as with all spiritual practice requires spiritual direction. A large portion of scripture can be understood by an intelligent reader; however, the total human being is much more complex and benefits greatly from the assistance of a spiritual doctor when undergoing the long term treatment of our soul.

This is how I see the Church. Not only as the authority on what is scripture but how it is applied in our spiritual life. Of course, this is different from Protestantism today.

Thanks for your reply, sorry for my length.