Watch on Youtube

Why Aren’t Catholics Encouraged to Read Their Bible?

Q: Hi Dr. E,

 I am a new viewer of your YouTube channel. I recently found and watched a video of yours titled “Why Are Evangelicals Converting to Catholicism?” and found it very interesting and many of your points resonated with me.

A bit of my background: I grew up Catholic myself in a very devout family. I strayed away during my teenage years and spent many years without any faith whatsoever. Painfully, and thankfully, life brought me back to Christ.

My question is: Why aren’t Catholics encouraged to read their own Bible?

I gifted my grandma a Bible to read but she never picked it up. Despite growing up attending convent schools, she knows very few of the stories of Scripture. I often find myself quoting stories or verses to her, especially in times of difficulty, and I see how much she appreciates it yet she won’t read it herself. It saddens me, because the Bible is my rock in times of suffering, and I can sense her thirst for a deeper faith.

Summary

Why do so many Catholics seem unfamiliar with the Bible, and are they actually discouraged from reading it? In this episode, Dr. E responds to a question from a listener who grew up Catholic and now wonders why Scripture often feels so absent in the faith experience of many Catholics she knows.

Drawing from both personal experience and church history, Dr. Easley explains how Roman Catholic tradition has historically placed the authority of interpreting Scripture in the hands of the Church rather than the individual believer. He points to the Council of Trent and its response to the Protestant Reformation, noting how concerns over private interpretation shaped the Catholic approach to Bible reading for centuries.

At the same time, this conversation isn’t just about Catholicism—it’s also a challenge to every believer. Dr. Easley and Hanna discuss the importance of reading Scripture personally, studying it in community, and learning from gifted teachers. They also acknowledge the dangers that can come from misinterpreting the Bible in isolation.

The takeaway is clear: God’s Word is meant to be read, known, and treasured by His people. The church should equip believers to understand Scripture—not replace their access to it.

Takeaways:

• Many Catholics were taught to receive Scripture through the Church rather than study it personally.
• Dr. Easley explains how the Council of Trent shaped the Catholic Church’s view of biblical interpretation.
• The Protestant Reformation emphasized that every believer can read and understand God’s Word.
• Scripture should be studied personally, in community, and with help from sound teachers.
• Churches are called to equip believers for ministry, not keep them dependent on religious authority.
• Every Christian should read the Bible regularly and use trustworthy tools to grow in understanding. 

⁠

Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here.

If you’ve got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.