Online Catholic Bible Study

Begin Your Bible Study - Start with Level 1

What is Bible Study?

Bible Study refers to the study of the Holy Scriptures. While the term is often used by Protestants, Catholics should engage in daily Scripture reading and they should study the Scriptures in order to better understand the meanings in them.

Does the Church Encourage Catholics to Read the Bible?

It is often falsely believed by non-Catholics that Catholics are discouraged from reading the Bible. This is not the case. In fact, the Church grants great spiritual benefits to those who engage in Scripture study. It was St. Jerome, a Catholic saint, who first compiled the Bible! Jesus Christ, our Blessed Redeemer, did not write the Bible and leave it with His Apostles. The Bible came approximately 300 years into Christianity. The Church has always taught that Tradition and Scripture are the two means of divine revelation. And this makes sense since there was no Bible for over 300 years into Christianity!

Catholics are taught not to independently interpret the Bible but, we are encouraged to read the Bible. During the Middle Ages, most people could not read so the word of God was taught verbally and through pictures. Indeed, that is one reason we have beautiful stained glass windows in Cathedrals. Yet even from the earliest days of the Church, the Church Fathers encouraged their followers to read the Bible. Even in relatively recent history, the encyclical Divino Afflante Spiritu by Pope Pius XII in 1943 encouraged Catholics to read and study the Bible.

Why Can't Catholics Interpret the Bible?

The Bible contains many different types of texts since it was written by many different authors over hundreds of years. Some passages are meant to be read literally, others metaphorically. Without training and the guidance of Church teaching, we cannot know how to read the Bible correctly. That's why we look to nearly 2,000 years of Catholic tradition which has examined, debated, analyzed, and prayed on the Scriptures. The Church teaches us what the Scriptures mean, ensuring consistency and truth across all interpretations.

Our Approach: Scripture + Catechism + Church Tradition

Bible study is most powerful when combined with catechetical teaching. Our courses follow a proven 7-step approach that has been refined based on centuries of educational and theological best practices:

1. Introduction: Description of the Lesson Topic
2. Opening Prayer
3. Scripture References: Direct passages for the topic (Scripture is foundational to every lesson)
4. Catechism References: Church teaching as it relates to the lesson, almost always with Scripture roots
5. Integration: A personally written section explaining Scripture and Catechism in light of Church teaching, the saints' writings, and tradition
6. Activity: Practical ways to live out the lesson's teachings
7. Closing Prayer

This integrated approach ensures that your Scripture study is grounded in authentic Catholic teaching and the lived wisdom of the Church across 2,000 years.

Why Adults Choose Our Bible Study Courses

1. Self-Paced Learning: Adults have busy schedules. Study whenever you want, wherever you want—at your own pace with no deadlines or rush.
2. Grounded in the Catechism: We don't ask you to interpret Scripture alone. Every lesson is rooted in Church teaching, the Catechism, and centuries of tradition to ensure you understand Scripture correctly.
3. Accessible on All Devices: Access lessons on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Watch videos, read lessons, listen to audio, and take quizzes—all in a format that works for your life.
4. Affordable & Comprehensive: Get a complete, structured Bible study program at a fraction of the cost of traditional parish classes or private study materials.

How Can I Study the Bible?

Beyond our structured courses, you can supplement your Bible study with excellent resources. In addition to the Catechism (which contains many Scriptural references and helps you understand the Faith with a basis in Scripture), we highly recommend reading the Bible along with a Bible Commentary. We recommend the Haydock's Bible Commentary paired with your Scripture reading.

How Can I Get a Bible?

Order a copy of the Bible for yourself. We recommend either the Douay Rheims Bible or the RSV-CE Bible. You can also read the Douay Rheims online for free using our "My Bible" Page.

Our Bible Study Courses for Adults

If you're looking for structured, comprehensive Bible study that combines Scripture with Catholic teaching, our Adult Faith Formation courses are specifically designed for this purpose. Start with Level 1 and progress through Levels 2 and 3 for increasingly advanced Scripture study grounded in Church teaching:

What Students Say About Our Bible Study

What Scripture Translation is Used by CatechismClass.com?

Our adult courses use the Douay Rheims translation and our children's courses use the RSV-CE. Both are approved Catholic Bible translations. Many adults find greater benefit from the Douay Rheims because its style more closely mirrors that of the King James Version.

Ready to Begin Your Catholic Bible Study?

Start with structured, Scripture-centered courses that are grounded in 2,000 years of Church wisdom. Our Adult Faith Formation combines Bible study with catechetical instruction, ensuring you understand not just what Scripture says, but what the Church teaches and why it matters.

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