The Interplay of Biblical History and Literature

As Catholics, we believe the whole Bible is true, but also need to recognize that it contains a variety of wide literary styles and genres. Some biblical books are more directly “historical”, while others contain hymns, prayers, legends, and other kinds of stories. Yet even these non-just-historical books were influenced by the concrete historical circumstances of the Jewish people and the early Christian communities. This evening will provide a broad stroke of the various types of books in the Old and New Testaments, along with some principles of properly Catholic interpretation of the Bible, to help us hear and understand God’s Word, speaking to us today.