Posted on 04/25/2007 4:41:04 PM PDT by NYer
Cites Example of Origen
VATICAN CITY, APRIL 25, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Prayerful reading of Scripture, and the consequent reform of life, is the secret to the constant renewal of the Church, Benedict XVI says.
The Pope affirmed that today when speaking of Origen of Alexandria at the general audience in St. Peter's Square. He continued with his series of catechesis on early Church Fathers.
Origen, "true teacher … brilliant theologian … exemplary witness of the doctrine he taught … the most prolific author of the first three Christian centuries," brought about an "irreversible turn in Christian thought," the Holy Father said.
"He grounded theology in the explanations of the Scriptures; or we could also say that his theology is the perfect symbiosis between theology and exegesis," the Pontiff explained.
He added: "The characterizing mark of Origen's doctrine seems to reside in his incessant invitation to pass from the letter to the spirit of the Scriptures, to progress in the knowledge of God.
"We can say, therefore, that the central nucleus of Origen's immense literary works consists in his 'three-pronged reading' of the Bible."
Three prongs
Benedict XVI explained Origen's methodology in studying sacred Scripture.
"To know what is actually written and to know what this text wanted to say intentionally and initially," was Origen's first step, the Pope said.
He explained how Origen used a system of columns to evaluate all the possible meanings of the original biblical language. For example, in the first column, he would put the Hebrew original. And in five parallel columns, Origen would do a transliteration and four different translations into Greek. He thus tried "to know exactly what is written," the Holy Father explained.
The second prong was reading Scripture along with its most famous commentaries. "He proceeds almost verse by verse, probing amply and deeply, with philological and doctrinal notes," the Pope added.
Finally, Benedict XVI continued: "Origen dedicated himself a great deal to the preaching of the Bible, adapting himself to varied audiences. In any case, as we see in his Homilies, the teacher, dedicated to systematic interpretation of verses, breaks them down into smaller verses.
"Origen takes every opportunity to mention the various senses of sacred Scripture that help or express a way of growth in faith: There is the 'literal' sense, but this hides depths that are not apparent upon a first reading; the second dimension is the 'moral' sense: what we must do as we live the Word; and in the end we have the 'spiritual' sense, the unity of Scripture in its diversity."
Multidimensional
Benedict XVI said that he followed a similar process in his recently released book.
"I tried somewhat, in my book 'Jesus of Nazareth,' to show the multiple dimensions of the Word in today's world, of sacred Scripture, that must first of all be respected in the historical sense," he said. "But this sense brings us toward Christ, in the light of the Holy Spirit, and shows us the way, how to live."
The Pope invited the faithful to follow Origen's example: "I invite you to welcome the teachings of this great teacher of the faith into your hearts.
"He reminds us that in the prayerful reading of Scripture and in a coherent way of life, the Church is renewed and rejuvenated."
A response to him in his own idiom.
According to your earlier post, any manmade commentaries on Scripture always contain error, so it would seem that the result of that comparison is a foregone conclusion.
Both he and Peter appointed and ordained bishops to follow in their footsteps. Those bishops preached, taught, and wrote. Christians were expected to listen to them and be obedient to them.
Please look at 2 Tm 2:2 and Hebrews 13:17, both of which clearly speak to the appointment and authority of "non-inspired" church leadership.
Sorry ... should have been “both he and Paul”.
But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
Nothing like outing yourself. LOL
You’re living the truth of your name abundantly.
Was never trying to hide myself
I should hope not. The anti-Catholic hate drips from your posts.
Time was, the Catholic Church didn't want any lay people reading the bible. Translators were hunted down and executed.
I’m not anti-catholic; I’m pro-Scripture!
You’re pro-YOPIOS.
That means nothing to me.
“Translators were hunted down and executed.”
Proof, please.
ooooh. profound.
What do you mean, mistaken ideas and speculation? I was a Protestant until 17 months ago. I was brought up Presbyterian and was then Episcopalian. I know EXACTLY what Protestants believe. Would you like to refute what I said point by point? You won’t, because you can’t.
I suppose your pro-HPIOS.
As I said in my previous post, Protestants are only pro-Scripture when it suits them and when they agree with what Scripture says. If they don’t agree with it, they either change the meaning or delete it altogether.
Respectfully, I'd have to say that you know EXACTLY what Presbyterians and Episcopalians believe... or at least what you were taught in those denominations.
I don't want to refute what you say point by point, as it is an effort in futility. Your opinion is formed, and you don't appear to be willing to change it. Now one might say the same goes for me, but there is one major difference. I am willing - no, obliged - to adapt my thinking based upon the compelling Truth of Scripture. If you can make a solid Scriptural case for a position, I'm open for discussion and change.
When one points their finger, one ought remember that there are three others pointing at them.
Just as I thought, you didn’t even read my post. If you had, you would have seen that it is all based on Scripture. So, nevermind ...
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