I don’t know if I can make sense of this but............People born, raised and educated as Catholics, receive most of their religious education at a very early age. Especially if they have gone to Catholic schools. It is part of their daily lives. I don’t believe, although I’m not sure, Protestants don’t have that type of education at an early age. Catholics also studied Biblical History, not just the Bible and what is required of them as Catholics. Without Biblical History, it is difficult to understand what the Bible is saying.....kinda sorta. As an instance....what is the true meaning of the saying....”It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle, than it is for a rich man to get to heaven.”?????? Understanding how people talked and understood things in ancient times gives a whole new meaning to the Bible and Religious education.
I understand what you are saying, but I don't think that protestants study the Bible more because they have to in order to catch up with Catholics understanding. Protestants tend do a pretty good job of education, be it in Biblical History, Church History, etc; from a young age just like the Catholics. I think you would be surprised at how much Church history many of us know, I have a several dozen books on the subject and spend a lot of time discussing it with my friends (many of which are Catholic, and I feel I can at least hold my own).
We historically have put more emphasis on the need for personal study of the Bible (though you all are catching up). One of the first laws governing the Anglican church (and still in effect) is that a Bible in the vernacular had to be available at all times at all places of worship to anyone who wanted access. At time time the Catholic hierarchy wasn't particularly thrilled about these translations... the reformation actually brought about some positive changes in the RCC as well.
I certainly don't mean to attack Catholics here, the purpose of my post is entirely to defend us protestants. There are some clear and important doctrinal issues between protestants and Catholics; but I don't think these stem from a lack of education on either side.
As for you other point; you are absolutely correct. It is very important to have a historical background for any study of the Bible. I actually attend a very good study that touches on that at the local Catholic church. (I'm a very active member of my local Episcopal church, but try to do my own part towards ecumenicalism).
-paridel
***I don’t know if I can make sense of this but............People born, raised and educated as Catholics, receive most of their religious education at a very early age***
Thank you for saying that. Many people believe Catholics do not read the Bible. I’ll add that at every Mass there are three readings of the Bible, the two preliminary readings, and the Gospel. Further, the priest MUST discuss the meaning of the Gospel as part of his sermon.
That's the way it's SUPPOSED to work. What really happens is a different matter entirely. We could use another Ignatius Loyola, Angela Merici, Thomas Aquinas about now. Those of us in the post-VatII generation with any knowledge at all generally acquired it ourselves.