THE BIBLE

Religious Education | Midterms | 2nd Semester

Therese Mallo | STEM 1107
Bible The Hebrew Canon

name from the Latin word Biblia ('book' or 'books') The Hebrew Bible is often known among Jews as
which comes from the Greek Ta Biblia ('the books') TaNaKh ( ‫ָּת ַנ״ְך‬‎), an acronym derived from the
traced to the Phoenician port city of Gebal, known names of its three divisions:
as Byblos to the Greeks Torah (Instruction, or Law, also called the
God has intended and inspired every word of Pentateuch)
Scripture Neviʾim (Prophets)
He is the primary author of the Bible Ketuvim (Writings)
God has used human authors as the agents
through which He has written the Bible

Old Testament

the Old Testament in the Catholic Bible is slightly different from the Protestant version in terms of the books
it contains
the Catholic Old Testament includes all the books ound in the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) plus additional books
known as the Deuterocanonical books
these additional books are not found in the Protestant Old Testament and are sometimes called the
"Apocrypha" in Protestant traditions
BOOKS IN THE CATHOLIC OLD TESTAMENT 4. Prophetic Books
1. Pentateuch (Torah / Law) Isaiah
Genesis Jeremiah
Exodus Lamentations
Leviticus Baruch (Deuterocanonical)
Numbers Ezekiel
Deuteronomy Daniel (with additional sections: Susanna, Bel, the
Dragon)
2. Historical Books Hosea
Joshua Joel
Judges Amos
Ruth Obadiah
1 Samuel Jonah
2 Samuel Micah
1 Kings Nahum
2 Kings Habakkuk
1 Chronicles Zephaniah
2 Chronicles Haggai
Ezra Zechariah
Nehemiah Malachi
Tobit (Deuterocanonical)
Judith (Deuterocanonical) In total, the Catholic Old Testament has 46 books,
Esther (with additional sections) compared to 39 in the Protestant Old Testament
1 Maccabees (Deuterocanonical)
2 Maccabees (Deuterocanonical)
3. Wisdom Books
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Songs
Wisdom (Deuterocanonical)
Sirach / Ecclesiasticus (Deuterocanonical)

The first section of the Bible, covers Earth's creation, Noah's flood, Moses, and the expulsion of Jews to
Babylon
It shares similarities with the Hebrew Bible, which originated from Judaism
first known mention of Israel is in an Egyptian inscription from the 13th century B.C., while the earliest
mention of the Jewish god Yahweh is in an inscription from the 9th century B.C
The Old Testament is a significant religious text that focuses on history, a subject of narration in specific
books and celebration in all others
It is not a modern history, but rather a story of events revealing divine presence and power
It is the account of an actual people in a specific geographical area at specific times and in contact with other
peoples and empires
Understanding the historical background is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the Old Testament
THE BIBLE
Religious Education | Midterms | 2nd Semester
Therese Mallo | STEM 1107
New Testament The Book of Exodus
The second major division of the Christian Bible, tells the tale of Moses, the Israelites' captivity in
focusing on the fulfillment of the Old Testament's Egypt, their deliverance from the ten plagues,
promise their crossing of the Red Sea, and their trek into
interprets the new covenant between God and the desert
Christ's followers, represented by Jesus' life and along with other regulations, it also features the
death Ten Commandments being given atop Mount
•The New Testament contains 27 books, including Sinai
the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, Epistles, and Greek word Exodos, which literally means “the road
the Book of Revelation, which are apocalyptic out”
descriptions of God's intervention in history
also contains historical narratives and advice for The Book of Leviticus
local Christians
the residue of many sacred 1st-2nd-century-CE primarily a book of religious regulations and
writings considered sacred by Christian groups rituals; it includes comprehensive guidelines for
these writings transmitted the early church's sacrifices, ceremonial hygiene, and moral
traditions, understanding of Jesus as Christ, and conduct
self-understanding of the church describes the priests' responsibilities and
the church selected these 27 writings as functions
normative for its life and teachings, forming The English name Leviticus comes from the Latin
its canon Leviticus, which is in turn from the Ancient Greek:
other accounts, letters, and revelations exist, but Λευιτικόν (Leuitikon), referring to the priestly tribe
the canon was fixed for both Eastern and Western of the Israelites, 'Levi'
churches in the 4th century Greek expression is in turn a variant of the rabbinic
the canon included four Gospels, Acts, 21 Hebrew torat kohanim, 'law of priests', as many of
letters, and one strictly revelatory book, its laws relate to priests
Revelation
these writings were not necessarily the oldest,
not all equally revelatory, and not all directed The Book of Numbers
to the church at large
two Israelite censuses are the source of the
book's title
The Torah (Pentateuch) describes their journey in the desert, complete
with challenges, tribulations, and God's unceasing
The first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Christian provision
Old Testament) are referred to as the Pentateuch, includes a number of laws and directives
or Torah in Judaism title is a reference to the census taking of the first
books included are Numbers, Deuteronomy, chapters, in which Moses is instructed by God to
Leviticus, Exodus, and Genesis count the Israelites and, in the first chapter, to take
though contemporary research frequently count of the men capable of forming an army
credits several writers over time for their
authorship, they are traditionally thought to The Book of Deuteronomy
have been penned by Moses
Christianity and Judaism both have their roots in meant to be the "second law," Deuteronomy is
the Pentateuch presented as Moses' farewell address to the
serves as the foundation for the New Testament in Israelites before to their entry into the Promised
Christianity and is regarded as a historical record Land
as well as a source of moral and theological along with adding some new laws, it summarizes
guidance many of the ones found in the earlier volumes
highlights that the secret to prosperity in the
country of Canaan is to obey God
The Book of Genesis was given the name ''Deuteronomy,'' which is from
the Greek word deuteronomion, meaning ''second
comprehensive account of the world's origin, law''
Adam and Eve's tale, the Flood, the Tower of The original Hebrew title was simply Devarim,
Babel, and the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and meaning ''words,'' to refer to the book's set-up as
Joseph are included in this book the final words of Moses, the prophet who received
prepares the audience for the Israelites' next the Ten Commandments
story
from the Latin Vulgate, in turn borrowed or
transliterated from Greek Γένεσις, meaning 'origin';
Biblical Hebrew: ‫ְּב ֵר אִׁש ית‬, romanized: Bərēʾšīṯ, 'In [the]
beginning
THE BIBLE
Religious Education | Midterms | 2nd Semester
Therese Mallo | STEM 1107
Historical Books turmoil to his family and kingdom
together, the books highlight God’s
describe God's dealings with Israel over many sovereignty, the importance of obedience,
ages in a chronological order and the complexities of leadership
they start with Joshua's arrival in Canaan and go
on to cover the apostasy, the formation of the 1 and 2 Kings
Davidic monarchy, and the reigns of Israel's
monarchs starts with the conclusion of David's reign and
also discuss the fall of Jerusalem, the exile to goes on to tell the story of Solomon's reign, which
Babylon, the return of certain Jews from exile, included the construction of the First Temple,
and the harsh conditions that the Jews faced and the successive monarchs who divided the
while residing in Persia kingdom into Israel and Judah
span more than a thousand years of human history trace the history of Israel’s monarchy from the
offer a thorough overview of the theological and death of David to the fall of both kingdoms
historical evolution of the Israelites throughout the Solomon begins his reign with wisdom and
Old Testament builds the temple, but his later idolatry leads
present a theological viewpoint on how they see to the kingdom’s division into Israel (north)
God's connection and Judah (south)
follow a series of kings—most unfaithful—
alongside prophets like Elijah and Elisha who
Joshua call the people back to God
because of ongoing sin, Israel is conquered by
describes the conquest of Canaan under Joshua's Assyria, and later Judah falls to Babylon
leadership after the death of Moses emphasizes how obedience brings blessing,
tells how the Israelites, led by Joshua after while persistent disobedience leads to exile
Moses’ death, enter and conquer the Promised
Land of Canaan 1 and 2 Chronicles
God helps them win key battles—such as the
fall of Jericho—and the land is divided among essentially a recounting of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel
the twelve tribes events with a stronger emphasis on the religious
at the end of the book, Joshua urges the people background
to remain faithful to God, and the nation renews retell Israel’s history with a focus on the
its covenant to serve the Lord southern kingdom of Judah, highlighting God’s
covenant with David and the central role of the
temple
Judges beginning with genealogies from Adam to
David, the books emphasize David’s
highlights the function of the Judges throughout preparations for the temple and Solomon’s
the time from Joshua's passing to the construction of it
establishment of the Israeli monarchy then follows the kings of Judah, showing how
describes a cycle in which the Israelites faithfulness brings blessing and
repeatedly turn away from God, face unfaithfulness brings trouble
oppression from neighboring peoples, and are end with Judah’s exile to Babylon and the
rescued by leaders called “judges” whom God hopeful decree of Cyrus allowing the people to
raises up return and rebuild the temple
these judges—such as Deborah, Gideon, and
Samson—deliver Israel but cannot stop the
nation’s growing moral decline Ezra
ends by emphasizing the chaos of the era: describes the reconstruction of the Jerusalem
“Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Temple and the release of the Jews from
Babylonian captivity
Ruth describes the return of the Jewish exiles from
Babylon to Jerusalem
brief story set during the Judges' period that under Zerubbabel, the first group rebuilds the
centers on Moabite Ruth and her bond with altar and eventually completes the temple
Naomi, her Israelite mother-in-law despite opposition
later, Ezra the priest arrives with another group
and leads a spiritual renewal, teaching God’s
1 and 2 Samuel law and calling the people to repent of
unfaithfulness
starts with a biography of Samuel then goes on to highlights God’s faithfulness, restoration, and
describe monarch Saul's tenure as Israel's first the importance of worship and obedience
monarch
tell the story of Israel’s transition from judges to
kings
in 1 Samuel, the prophet Samuel anoints Saul as
Israel’s first king, but Saul’s disobedience leads
God to choose David instead
David rises from shepherd to warrior to the
nation’s future king
In 2 Samuel, David becomes king, unites Israel,
and establishes Jerusalem as the capital
though he achieves great victories, David’s
sins—especially with Bathsheba—bring
THE BIBLE
Religious Education | Midterms | 2nd Semester
Therese Mallo | STEM 1107
Nehemiah Esther
carries on the narrative of the exile's return and not really a historical novel, although it's frequently
Jerusalem's restoration, emphasizing the city's classified as one
wall reconstruction tells the tale of a Jewish queen who averts a
tells how Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian planned genocide for her people while ruling
king, returns to Jerusalem to rebuild the city’s Persia
walls tells the story of a Jewish woman, Esther, who
despite strong opposition, he organizes the becomes queen of Persia and bravely saves
people, completes the walls, and restores her people from a plot to destroy them
security with the help of her cousin Mordecai, Esther
Nehemiah also leads spiritual reforms, exposes the villain Haman and secures the
renewing the covenant, teaching God’s law, Jews’ deliverance
and encouraging the people to live faithfully highlights God’s providence, courage, and the
emphasizes leadership, perseverance, and reversal of fortune for those who trust in Him,
dedication to God’s commands even though God is not mentioned explicitly
 THE BIBLE
Religious Education | Finals | 2nd Semester
Therese Mallo | STEM 1107
New Testament Doing Exegesis
Genre: determine the passage’s style of
focuses more on the life and teachings of Jesus literature
and the Christian church Textual Criticism: study the manuscript
Division: this arrangement helps us understand the evidence to determine the original text’s exact
message of Christianity better wording
Old Testament: explains the history of the creation Translation: translate the original language and
of the World, the exodus of the Israelites and the compare other translations
Ten Commandments given to Moses by God Greek and Hebrew grammar: consider how
sentences communicate by looking into their
THE GOSPELS original language (words, phrases, and clauses)
first four books, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John Argument Diagram: trace the author’s logical
present the life, teachings, death, and argument by arcing, bracketing, or phrasing
resurrection of Jesus Christ Historical-Cultural Context: understand the
The Lord’s Prayer situation in which the author composed the
truly the summary of the whole gospel literature and any details that the author
the “most perfect of prayers” mentions or probably assumes
at the center of the Scriptures Literary Context: understand the role a
tell about Jesus passage plays in its whole book and the whole
Bible
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES Word Studies: unpack key words, phrases, and
written by Luke concepts
follows the spread of Christianity after the
resurrection of Jesus The Ordo / Scripture Guide
focusing on the activities of the apostles, notably
Peter and Paul a guide to the order of prayer in the Liturgy of the
tells about early Christians Hours and the celebration of the Eucharist
gives a detailed report of what happened to some Contents:
Jesus’ early followers as they carried the message day as it is observed in the liturgical calendar
about Jesus from Jerusalem to the other areas of Feria, Memorial (Obligatory/Optional), Feast,
the Roman Empire Solemnity, the Sunday celebration
reading of the day’s Mass
THE EPISTLES daily Office for the Liturgy of the Hours
give advice any pertinent rubrics (ex: during the Season of
The Pauline Epistles Lent, the alleluia is omitted)
letters attributed to the Apostle Paul Origins
addressed to various early Christian Middle Ages: commonly meant a ritual book
communities or individuals containing directions for liturgical functions,
offer theological teachings, guidance on but not including the text of the prayers
Christian living, and encouragement recited by the celebrant or his assistants
The General Epistles Prayers: contained in separate books (ex: the
letters written by other apostles and early Sacramentary, Antiphonary, and the Psalter)
Christian leaders, not attributed to Paul concerned itself with the ceremonial, pure,
and simple
THE REVELATION Why is it NECESSARY
a prophetic book attributed to John includes a plethora of saints, historical events,
apocalyptic visions about the end times, the and divine mysteries, that are uniquely honored
return of Christ, and the ultimate victory of God throughout the year with appointed festivals
over evil happens according to a set rhythm called the
talks about the future liturgical calendar
Liturgy is the “work of God”
How to Use
Approaches in using the Bible identify the date you want to know what are the
readings
HERMENEUTICS identify the celebration and the proper color
study of biblical interpretation for it
focus on discovering truths and values in the identify the readings for the specific date
Bible identify the mass setting or proper flow of the
been important to both Jews and Christians liturgy (for eucharistic celebration)
throughout history
also been used in the interpretation of sacred texts
from other religious traditions (ex: Qur’an) Liturgy
in a non-religious context: philosophical study of
interpretation Lit = work, service, or activity
asks how do we interpret texts? Ergon = people
Leitourgia
EXEGESIS signifying an expensive offer of service of
critical interpretation that aims to uncover its people to polis/state
intended meaning of biblical texts rich carried a financial burden and were
nonhistorical writings of the Bible are critical correspondingly rewarded with honours
interpretations of this sacred history (ex: prophecy people’s work and public duty
and poetry)
form the basis for all other biblical exegesis
 THE BIBLE
Religious Education | Finals | 2nd Semester
Therese Mallo | STEM 1107
Liturgical Year The Liturgical Colors

Church’s annual cycle of religious feasts and GREEN

seasons that forms the context for the Church’s ordinary time
worship symbolizes hope
remember and celebrate God the Father’s saving GOLD OR WHITE
plan as it is revealed through the life of His Son, feasts of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Blessed
Jesus Christ Virgin Mary, and non-martyred saints
symbolizes glory, innocence, purity of the soul
ADVENT RED
liturgical year begins in this season pentecost, feasts of the apostles and martyrs
begins of the fourth Sunday before Christmas symbolizes the fire or charity and the blood of
time of preparation before Christmas and lasts four Christ
weeks (fourth week is typically not a full week) PURPLE
liturgical color: purple, to signify waiting advent and lent
a time of hope, of waiting, and of preparing also used in the masses of deceased
symbolizes humanity and penance
CHRISTMAS SEASON PINK
Christ and Mass = Mass of Christ’s birth third sunday of advent and fourth sunday of
begins on December 25 and lasts until the laetare
Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord (third Sunday symbolizes joy and love
after Christmas Day)
liturgical color: white or gold, to signify joy Laetare Sunday
Church reflects on the wonder and meaning of the
Incarnation
celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ fourth Sunday of Lent
comes from the Latin word meaning “rejoice”
LENTEN SEASON reflects a tone of joy and hope amidst the
recalling of the suffering or passion of Jesus penitential season of Lent
begins with Ash Wednesday and ends on Black marks a moment of respite and celebration
Saturday color: pink or rose, indicates a glimpse of the joy
holy week from Palm Sunday to Black Saturday that awaits us at Easter, just before we enter into
traditionally lasts 40 days (not counting Sundays) the somber days of Passiontide
begins on Ash Wednesday
culminating in the Easter Triduum Solemnity
Holy Thursday
Good Friday celebrations of greatest importance
Holy Saturday each begins on the prior evening with first
vespers (evening prayer) and several of the
EASTER SEASON solemnities have their own Vigil Mass
celebrates Jesus resurrection from the death both the Gloria and the Creed are recited
covers 50 days between Easter Sunday and
Pentecost Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation
40th day: church celebrates the ascension of Jesus always considered solemnities:
day of all days, feast of all feasts Solemnity of Mary Mother of God
season of victory over sin and death Ascension
with Christ’s death and resurrection, Christ has Assumption
conquered sin and death All Saints
holiest day of the year Immaculate Conception
Christmas
ORDINARY TIME I
church returns to green vestments, the day after
the feast of the Baptism of the Lord Feast
begins the days after the feast of the Baptism of
the Lord and continues until the day before Ash secondary importance in the liturgical calendar
Wednesday and are celebrated on a particular day
listen to what Jesus said, did, and learn way to live feasts do not have a first vespers
as His followers exception would be the feasts of the Lord
which occur on Sundays in Ordinary Time and
ORDINARY TIME II Sundays in the Christmas season
begins the day after Pentecost and continues
until the day before Advent begins
longest liturgical season
the age we live in now, the time between the age
of the Apostles and the age of for which we are
preparing, Christ’s second and final coming
final Sunday in Ordinary Time: Feast of Christ the
King
the Saturday after this feast is the final day of
Ordinary Time