What does a casual Catholic do when they want to learn the Bible?  It’s a large book and can be intimidating.  There are countless podcasts, studies, self-styled experts, genuine experts, and commentaries floating around.  Unfortunately, many studies, podcasts, and scholars call themselves Catholic, but dissent from magisterial teaching.  Getting the Bible right is hugely important—it can make the difference between heresy and orthodox belief.  “Orthodox” means right belief, not the eastern churches (like Greek or Russian Orthodox).  The Catholic Encyclopedia has a helpful description of this term: 

“Right belief is not merely subjective, as resting on personal knowledge and convictions, but is in accordance with the teaching and direction of an absolute extrinsic authority. This authority is the Church founded by Christ, and guided by the Holy Ghost.”  --The Catholic Encyclopedia (1911) 

If you find yourself wanting to learn more about the Bible, that’s great!  The first key step is to start with orthodox teachers that embrace the Church’s full teaching.  Here are some

Scott Hahn

Dr. Hahn was a pioneer in delivering fully-Catholic theology on a popular level.  He entered the Catholic Church in 1986 after a career as a Presbyterian minister with strong anti-Catholic tendencies.  When he converted, the Catholic Church gained a gifted preacher and scholar.  Dr. Hahn has since become a professor at Franciscan University.  He’s become a regular on the conference circuit, authored many, many books, and co-founded the St. Paul Biblical Center. 

If anyone asked me for one Scripture resource to begin with, I recommend the Ignatius Study Bible.  Dr. Hahn’s The Lamb’s Supper had a big impact on me as a younger man; I was looking for more depth in the Catholic faith, and this was one of the many things that provided the answer.  My fellow Catholics, there is limitless depth in the faith that’s been handed down to us through the centuries!  Cast your nets into the deep.  

Brant Pitre

Dr. Pitre specializes in the Old Testament and has a series of books that connect Old Testament theology to the coming of Jesus.  He also teaches scripture at the Augustine Institute, whose offerings will be covered more thoroughly below.  The book of his that I can’t recommend highly enough is Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist.  Dr. Pitre examines Jewish subjects that connect to the Last Supper.  After every chapter I wondered, ‘does anyone else know about this?’  Deepening our knowledge of the Old Testament can only enhance the New.  Beyond the scriptural connections, there are cultural conditions and historical details that Dr. Pitre brings to light.  Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary examine the Blessed Mother in light of the Old Testament matriarchs; Jesus the Bridegroom takes a look at the union that was the impetus behind the Incarnation.  That is, the union that God desires to have with men and women.  

John Bergsma

Dr. Bergsma is a well-regarded scholar.  He has published books on the Dead Sea Scrolls, Bible basics, and his conversion story.  I have him on this list as one of my favorite podcast guests on Matt Fradd’s “Pints With Aquinas” long-form podcast.  In the interviews, Dr. Bergsma delivers substantive information without being too scholarly.  I was only sad when the interviews were over!  Dr. Bergsma is a regular contributor to St. Paul Center’s audio and video content, as well as being one of the scholars who worked with Scott Hahn on the Ignatius Study Bible.  

Tim Gray

Dr. Gray founded the Augustine Institute, which is the organization behind FORMED and its wealth of programming.  Even though the institute has grown (exponentially) over the years, Dr. Gray still produces audio and video content.  I have several recommendations of his large body of work.  First, the Lectio series on the Gospel of Mark.  This multi-part series goes into great depth and brings the shortest gospel to life.  Dr. Gray did his masters thesis and doctoral dissertation on the Gospel of Mark, so he is a true subject matter expert.  My second recommendation is his book Peter: Keys to Following Jesus.  It gives a full biography of St. Peter and expounds on Scripture in powerful ways.  

There is so much biblical content on FORMED.  Many parishes purchase a group subscription to FORMED and make access free to their parishioners.  I encourage you to check at your parish for this! 

Edward Sri

Dr. Sri co-founded FOCUS with Curtis Martin and still works for the organization.  The two of them have also collaborated on books.  They co-authored the volume on the Gospel of Matthew for the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture.  Dr. Sri can be found in several areas: books, audio series, Augustine Institute, FORMED, and Ascension Press.  His content is reliable and down-to-earth, coming with a strong scriptural background.  My favorite book of his is an older one, The Dawn of the Messiah, that puts all of the Christmas-related, messianic prophecies into one book.  

When learning about the Bible, make sure to seek out solidly Catholic sources. These five scholars are great places to start!