When I was raised Catholic, not all that long ago, I was taught that I should not a read the Bible.
I was told that the average lay person could not understand it themselves and that it was for the seminary trained, educated clergy to read it and tell us what it means.
And I KNOW that I am not the only one who was told that and remembers it.
There are several former roman catholics, who are now Christians, in the class I teach who confirm what you say regarding the admonition to not read the Bible.
I was told that in the 50’s
I was never told not to read the Bible.
Interesting; since Rome saw fit to KEEP these verses in the Book it assembled:
NIV Luke 24:44-47
44. He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."
45. Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
46. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,
47. and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.NIV 2 Corinthians 1:13-14
13. For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hope that,
14. as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus.
I was told that the average lay person could not understand it themselves and that it was for the seminary trained, educated clergy to read it and tell us what it means.
And I KNOW that I am not the only one who was told that and remembers it."
Please show me the Official Catholic teaching for this. Or are you projecting *your* beliefs as those of the Roman Catholic Church? (You probably shouldn't answer, as you'll only make a fool of yourself)