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by James L. Papandrea (Author)
In this brief yet penetrating book, Dr. James Papandrea reveals what the early Church Fathers actually taught and believed about the Holy Scriptures as well as how they read, understood, and interpreted the Word of God. He explains the process by which the books of the Bible were selected and demonstrates the harmoniousness and complementarity of the Gospels.
With Dr. Papandrea's guidance, you will see how Scripture attests to the truth of the sacraments, Catholic doctrines, and the hierarchy of the Church founded by Christ. You will come to understand how the Church Fathers differentiated the "literal" and "figurative" interpretations of Scripture (it will likely surprise you!). You'll come to appreciate as never before the multiple layers of biblical meaning, from the historical and prophetic to the allegorical, apocalyptic, eschatological, and typological.Dr. Papandrea further explains:
- How Scripture was written and why the Bible is infallible and reliable
- What is meant by "divine inspiration"
- Why revelation is dynamic and why authentic scriptural interpretation cannot contradict doctrine
- How our approach to reading the Old Testament differs from that of reading the New
- The spiritual senses of Scripture and how the Old Testament is fulfilled in Christ
- The importance of understanding the fullness of Scripture and the dangers in taking passages out of context
In addition, Dr. Papandrea provides tips for biblical interpretation and advice on how to choose the most accurate Bible translation. Most significantly, you will recognize how reading Scripture is a relational exercise that helps you encounter our Lord in His divinity and His humanity and enter into the mystery of salvation.
Author Biography
Dr. James L. Papandrea is an award-winning author, Professor of Church History and Historical Theology, and the host of the podcast, The Way of the Fathers, and the YouTube channel, The Original Church. His many books have been translated into multiple languages, and he is a regular speaker on the subject of the Church fathers and the early Church. A former Protestant deacon, the Church Fathers brought him back to the Catholic Church of his Italian heritage. He is on the faculty at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and is recognized for his ecumenical work on behalf of the whole Body of Christ. He is a senior fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology and was named a "Springtime Ambassador" by the Springtime of Faith Foundation, an organization facilitating ecumenical dialogue and Christian cooperation. Jim is a member of multiple professional organizations, including the Academy of Catholic Theology, the North American Patristics Society, and the Socie
