Sacred Scripture is in dialogue with communities of believers: It has come from their traditions of faith. Its texts have been developed in relation to these traditions and have contributed, reciprocally, to the development of the traditions. It follows that interpretation of Scripture takes place in the heart of the church: in its plurality and its unity, and within its tradition of faith….. Dialogue with Scripture in its entirety, which means dialogue with the understanding of the faith prevailing in earlier times, must be matched by a dialogue with the generation of today.
Pontifical Biblical Commission (1993), The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church, III, A, 3
The Bible is foundational for Catholic Christians, encompassing the sacred writings of the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) and the New Testament (Christian Scriptures). The Bible contains the foundational account of God’s relationship with people and the human response to God. Students grow in their familiarity with Old Testament and New Testament texts, and develop their ability to use a range of Biblical tools and apply Biblical criticism to deepen their awareness of the scriptures and apply them in relevant and helpful ways to the circumstances of life. Students engage in a formal and systematic study of the Bible, its nature, structure, formation, content and contexts. They are empowered to empathetically enter into the historical, social and cultural contexts of the human authors of scriptural texts and to deepen their understanding of the audiences and intentions of the texts. Students engage with a broad range of text types and textual features to critically reflect on messages in Old Testament and New Testament texts. Students learn how scripture is used by the Church to form and inform individuals, communities and traditions, assist personal and communal prayer, and provide insights into life and guidance for living. They are encouraged to show respect and reverence for the Bible as a sacred book and the scriptures as the Word of God. The Catholic Church acknowledges scripture and tradition together as the source of its beliefs, liturgy, prayer and moral teaching. In coming to understand and appreciate the story of God’s engagement with humanity in scripture and in the ongoing tradition of the Church, students increasingly recognise God’s loving activity in human history and in the lives of individuals. Students begin to understand the ways in which what the Church believes, lives, celebrates and prays finds its source and inspiration in the ongoing story of the relationship between God and people. Students are helped to see that they are also part of this ongoing story as well.
Students engage with a wide range of spiritual writings in the rich tradition of Catholic Christianity which continues to tell the story of God’s relationship with people and the human response to God. These spiritual writings include writings of the mystics, the fathers and mothers of the Church, the founders of the great traditions of Christian spirituality and other religious and lay people past and present. Students explore the diversity of spiritual writings and expressions of spirituality through The Arts, and through a variety of media and modes of communication. They explore how these expressions of spirituality have captured the religious imagination; inspiring, guiding and giving strength to believers over time.
The Visual Commentary on Scripture: Freely accessible commentary on the Bible in dialogue with works of art. (Re)discover the Bible in new ways through the illuminating interaction of artworks, scriptural texts, and commissioned commentaries. Website + YouTube.
World of the Text A2 poster SENIOR version .pdfWorld of the Text A2 poster Middle School updated.pdfWorlds of the texts junior and senior posters BCE https://catholicidentity.bne.catholic.edu.au/resources-tools/SitePages/Resources%20Supporting%20Religious%20Education%20Curriculum%20P-12.aspx
Primeval History
The Creation accounts reveal that God’s creation was good, ordered, and harmonious and that woman and man are created equal in the image and likeness of God.
Patriarchs and Matriarchs 1850 (BCE).
They came to understand God as ONE, a personal relationship with humanity, help Moses have a family and land.
The Exodus of the Israelites and the Covenant 1700 to 1290 (BCE).
The understanding that one God was above all other gods came to Moses when God revealed God’s name—Yahweh, meaning “I am the One who is always present.”
They came to understand God as a powerful soldier who fought for those in trouble and who wanted people to be free.
Settling the Promised Land 1250 to 1000 (BCE)
The Nation and the Temple (BCE)
They came to understood God like a great King, living in a palace or The Temple.
The Kings and the Prophets 922 (BCE) - 587 (BCE)
They came to understand God as Divine Wisdom guiding creation.
from the book Two Hands of God - Mary Cohoe Garratt Publishing
