Abstract

What distinguishes catholic exegesis from other approaches to interpreting Scripture? This study examines the Pontifical Biblical Commission's document, The interpretation of the Bible in the Church, and derives from it twenty principles of Catholic interpretation. The meaning of each of these principles is explained and its significance is discussed in light of commentary on the Biblical Commission's document, magisterial documents on Scripture, and contemporary scholarly discussion. This volume includes a preface by Card. Albert Vanhoye, formerly Secretary of the Pontifical Biblical Commission, a bibliography of works about the Commission's document and of works cited, a general index, and a glossary. Peter S. Williamson received his M. A. in theology from Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit and his S.T.B., S.T.L. and S.T.D. in biblical theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He is a married layman who has been involved for nearly 30 years in evangelization and pastoral ministry in the United States, Lithuania and Kazakhstan.