Reading Scripture Like the Early Church

Seven Insights from the Church Fathers to Help You Understand the Bible

Before the Bible existed as we know it, the early Church developed a thorough understanding of what Scripture is — and what it isn’t. Over the centuries, fundamentalist and modernist thinking corrupted the proper understanding of Scripture and unleashed a series of heresies ranging from Sola Scriptura to the evolution of doctrine. 

In this brief yet penetrating book, Dr. James Papandrea cuts through the confusion by revealing what the early Church Fathers actually taught and believed about the Holy Scripture 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:

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.