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 Benedict XVI and Biblical Theology
Benedict XVI has distinguished himself as one of the world's most important biblical and liturgical theologians. On this page, compiled by the editors of SalvationHistory.com, we highlight some of his views on the study of sacred Scripture and the task of theology. We also offer links to other books and resources available on the worldwide web. Stop back again frequently to check for new additions to this page.

 Sacred Scripture in the Life of the Church
The first address on Scripture in the pontificate of Benedict XVI commemorates the 40th anniversary of Vatican II’s Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, Dei Verbum.

 Address to the Pontifical Biblical Commission (April 23, 1993) 
The Holy Father calls that biblical interpretation a "heartfelt concern," and adds: "The interpretation of Sacred Scripture is of capital importance for the Christian faith and the Church's life." A remarkable, and largely overlooked statement. See especially the Pope's vigorous critique of fundamentalism (no. 8) and this definition of the task of exegesis - "First and foremost, it must help the Christian people more dearly perceive the word of God in these texts so that they can better accept them in order to live in full communion with God" (no. 9). Repays a careful reading.

The Old Testament is Essential to Know Jesus
An Address by Pope John Paul II to the Pontifical Biblical Commission in 1997.

Renewed Biblical Catechesis Will Lead to a More Incisive Promotion of Vocations
A remarkable essay by Pope John Paul II. A quote: "In fulfilling the plan of redemption, God wanted to ask mankind's collaboration. Sacred Scripture narrates the history of salvation as a history of vocations, in which the Lord's initiative and people's response have become intertwined. In fact, every vocation is born from the meeting of two freedoms: the divine and the human. Having been personally invited by the Word of God, the one called places himself or herself at his service."

The Relationship Between the Magisterium and Exegetes
By Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, President of the Pontifical Biblical Commission. A talk delivered to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the commision's establishment.

 The Word of God and its Fullness in Christ
A short statement that brings together the main threads of Catholic understanding of Scripture. By the Vatican's Congregation for the Clergy. Another useful reflection by the Congregation:
- The Church and the Ministry of the Word of God.

Reading the Bible Today in the Land of the Bible
A pastoral letter by Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah of Jerusalem, written in 1993.

Dei Verbum 35 Years Later
An excellent summary of the Church's teachings on the Bible by Denver Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., which concludes with practical suggestions for lay people about reading, studying and praying with the Bible. Highly recommended.

 A Pastoral Statement for Catholics on Biblical Fundamentalism
A statement that is not often cited, but remains relevant. Written in 1987 by a committee of U.S. bishops, it stresses the liturgical context in which the Church gives us the Word of God. Especially important is the document's conclusion: "We need a pastoral plan for the word of God that will place the Sacred Scriptures at the heart of the parish and individual life. Pastoral creativity can develop approaches such as weekly Bible study groups and yearly Bible schools in every parish. We need to have the introduction to each Bible reading prepared and presented by the lector in a way that shows familiarity with and love for the sacred text....We need a familiar quoting of the Bible by every catechist, lector, and minister...We need to educate - to re-educate - our people knowingly in the Bible..."

Holy Scripture Is the Library of God
A fine testimony by Irish bishop Bishop Donald Herlihy of Ferns (d. 1983), who argues that we do not love Scripture enough because we do not know enough about it: "It is with a certain degree of hesitancy that we proclaim our love for Holy Writ. We hesitate because our knowledge of Sacred Scripture is limited and love is always proportioned to knowledge. We know all too little about the Bible. We know all too little about the part it plays in the life and prayer of the Church."