The Role of

the Bible
in
Catechesis

Understanding Scripture as
the Foundation of Christian
Instruction
 Introduction to Catechesis
• Definition:
– Catechesis refers to the process of religious education in the Christian
faith.
– The term is derived from the Greek word "katechizo," meaning "to
instruct" or "to teach.“
– encompassing both intellectual formation (doctrinal teaching) and
practical life application (moral and spiritual guidance).
 The Role of Catechesis
• Transmitting the Faith: It is the primary way the faith is passed
down.
• Forming Disciples: it seeks to form followers of Christ who live
out their faith in word and action.
• Preparing for the Sacraments: It is often integral to
sacramental preparation, such as for Baptism, First
Communion, Confirmation, and Marriage.
 Goals of Catechesis
• Education in the Faith: Catechesis ensures that the faithful
understand the basic tenets of Christianity.
• Spiritual Growth: Catechesis encourages personal prayer and
reflection, fostering a deeper relationship with God.
• Moral Formation: taught how to live a moral life according to
Christian principles.
• Liturgical Formation: understand the importance of communal
worship, the structure of the Mass, and the meaning behind liturgical
practices.
• Community Building: encouraging participation in the life of the
Church, fostering fellowship among believers, and promoting works of
charity.
 Methods of Catechesis
• Children’s Catechesis: children are taught through storytelling, Bible
study, and interactive activities.
• Youth Catechesis: deeper discussions about faith, moral issues, and
how to live as a Christian in the world.
• Adult Catechesis: For adults, catechesis can take the form of Bible
studies, RCIA classes for those entering the Church, or continuing
formation.
• Liturgical Catechesis: within the context of the liturgy, especially
during the Liturgy of the Word at Mass.
• Family Catechesis: supports parents in their role as the primary
educators of their children, helping them to model Christian life at
home.
 Key Elements of Catechesis
• Sacred Scripture: The Bible is the foundation of catechesis.
• Sacred Tradition: The teachings of the Church that have been
handed down through the centuries.
• The Catechism of the Catholic Church: It systematically outlines
the beliefs of the Church and serves as a guide for catechetical
instruction.
• The Liturgy and Sacraments: the faithful are nourished and
strengthened in their Christian journey.
• Prayer: Catechesis always includes an emphasis on prayer.
 The Role of the Catechist
• Teaching Doctrine: Helping learners understand the basic tenets
of the faith as presented in the Bible and the Catechism.
• Facilitating Spiritual Growth: Encouraging learners to grow
closer to God through prayer, reflection, and participation in the
sacraments.
• Modeling Christian Life: A catechist leads by example,
demonstrating what it means to live out Christian values in daily
life.
• Encouraging Community Engagement: Catechists help learners
see the importance of being active members of the Church
community and participating in works of charity and justice.
 Therefore …

Catechesis
is at the heart of the Church’s
mission to evangelize and form
disciples.
 The Centrality of the Bible
• Definition:
– the sacred scripture of Christianity, revered as the inspired Word of
God.
– It is central to the faith, providing the foundation for Christian belief,
practice, and catechesis.
– Divided into two main sections—the Old Testament and the New
Testament
– Greek word “Ta Biblia” meaning “books”.
 The Structure of the Bible

•Old Testament
•New Testament
 The Structure of the Bible
Old Testament
• The Pentateuch (Torah): The first five books describe creation, the
fall, and the establishment of God's covenant with Israel, particularly
through the laws given to Moses.
• Historical Books: These books recount the history of Israel, including
the conquest of the Promised Land, the reign of kings, and the exile.
• Wisdom Literature: Books like Proverbs, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and
Job offer reflections on life, morality, suffering, and the nature of
God.
• Prophets: Major and minor prophets convey messages of warning,
hope, and future salvation through the coming Messiah.
 The Structure of the Bible
New Testament
• The Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John recount the life of Jesus,
His teachings, miracles, passion, and resurrection.
• Acts of the Apostles: This book tells the story of the early Church and
the spread of Christianity through the work of the apostles, especially
Peter and Paul.
• Epistles (Letters): Written by apostles like Paul, Peter, James, and John,
these letters offer instruction, encouragement, and theological insights
to early Christian communities.
• Revelation: This apocalyptic book, attributed to John, offers symbolic
visions of the end times, the final battle between good and evil, and
the ultimate victory of Christ.
 The Bible as Divine Revelation
• The nature of God: Describing God’s attributes such as holiness,
justice, love, and mercy.
• The story of salvation: Starting with creation and the fall,
through the promises to Israel, culminating in the life, death,
and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• The moral and ethical teachings: Instructions for how humans
should live in relationship with God and each other.
 The Role of the Bible in Christian Faith
• Source of Doctrine: the basis for all major Christian doctrines.
• Guide for Moral Living: It teaches how to live according to
God’s will, offering ethical guidance on issues such as love,
justice, forgiveness, and the treatment of others.
• Foundation for Prayer and Worship: Many Christian prayers
are directly based on scripture, and the Bible is integral to
Christian worship services
• Means of Encountering God: The Bible is viewed as a way to
encounter the living God. Through practices like Lectio Divina –
a method of prayerful scripture reading.
 The Bible in Catechesis
• Teaching about Salvation History: to explain the overarching
narrative of salvation.
• Moral and Ethical Instruction: uses the moral teachings of the
Bible to shape Christian conscience.
• Spiritual Formation: encourages believers to immerse
themselves in the Bible as part of their personal spiritual
growth.
• Liturgical Preparation: prepares believers to understand and
engage with the scriptures proclaimed during the Mass or
other liturgical services.
 The Relationship Between Scripture and Tradition
• The Bible is interpreted within the community of the
Church: Christians interpret the Bible in a way that is
consistent with the faith passed down from the
apostles.
• Tradition complements and clarifies the Bible:
Catechesis involves not just reading the Bible but
understanding it within the context of the Church’s
teaching.
 The Importance of Biblical Literacy
• Understanding the Structure of the Bible: Teaching
learners how to navigate the Bible
• Learning Key Biblical Stories: Catechesis often begins
with well-known stories, such as Noah’s Ark, Moses and
the Exodus, David and Goliath, and the Life of Jesus.
• Studying the Life of Christ: catechesis focuses heavily
on the Gospels and the teachings of Christ.
 Therefore …
The Bible is the living Word of God that
continues to speak to believers today.

It shapes Christian identity, worship, and

discipleship, serving as the foundation for faith
and life in the Church.
 The Role of the Bible in Catechesis
• Teaching Doctrine: is the source for essential teachings,
including the nature of God (Trinity), the role of Jesus as the
Savior, and moral laws (Ten Commandments, Sermon on the
Mount).
• Moral Formation: provides stories and commandments that
shape ethical and moral decision-making.
• Spiritual Growth: is meant to be a tool for personal
transformation.
The Bible as the Source of Divine Revelation

• The Bible is the written record of God's

self-revelation to humanity.
• The Bible is indispensable for instructing
believers in God's plan for salvation.
The Bible in Teaching Doctrine

• Catechesis systematically presents the core

teachings of the Christian faith, and these
teachings are rooted in the Bible.
• Catechumens (those receiving instruction in the
faith) can better understand the theological
concepts and dogmas that shape Christian belief.
The Bible as a Moral Guide

• provides a rich source of moral teaching that

shapes Christian life and decision-making.

• In catechesis, scripture is used to form the

moral conscience of believers.
The Bible as the Framework for Salvation History

• emphasizes salvation history, which is the

unfolding of God's plan for humanity, as revealed
in the Bible.
• helps catechumens grasp the "big picture" of the
Bible and see how individual stories and events fit
into God's overarching plan of salvation.
The Bible as the Heart of Catechesis

• Therefore …
The Bible is not just an optional resource in
catechesis—it is the foundation.

Both catechists and catechumens are drawn deeper

into the mystery of God's love and plan for
salvation.
See you around the campus!

ROBERT ADRIAN P. YAMBOT, MM-HRM

RS/CL Coordinator