Back when I was a raging anti-theist liberal (liberal as in the 1800s definition) kid, I was exposed to "Christianity" as this group of people who has this weird ability to quote the Bible down to the chapters and verses.
For example, in the "West Wing", President Bartlet confronts a conservative talk show host on scripture.
Prez. Bartlet: "I like your show. I like how you call homosexuality an abomination."
Dr. Jacobs: "I don’t say homosexuality is an abomination, Mr. President," she replied haughtily. "The Bible does."
Prez. Bartlet: "Yes, it does!" he shouted. "Leviticus 18:22."
Prez. Bartlet (continues): "I wanted to ask you a couple of questions while I had you here. I’m interested in selling my youngest daughter into slavery as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. She’s a Georgetown sophomore, speaks fluent Italian, always cleared the table when it was her turn. What would a good price for her be?"
This is just two examples of the various instances of "chapter-and-verses" quotes that I have witnessed for the past couple of years. I have always thought that this is how ALL Christians were like.
However, after I met @AmyIsCoolz and other Catholics, I have to come realize that... the "chapter-and-verse" quoting thing is mostly a Protestant, specifically "Sola Scriptura" thing since... they have nothing but scripture... innit?
I have noticed this among Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and other before-Reformation denominations is that they (as in, average everyday practicing people) refer to scripture or the Gospel in terms of stories or events e.g. Birth of Jesus (instead of Matthew Chapter 1 Verse 18). They don't only rely on scripture alone but also the traditions succeeded from the Church Fathers; along with the fact that every Sunday, when they attend mass, they are essentially LEARNING the scripture DURING THE MASS itself!
Some people on r/Catholicism pointed out that this could also stem from back during the days of the early Church that peasants (who were illiterate) had to come to Priests (who were literate) to read and explain the Gospel to them (the peasants) while the Protestants had the privilege of being able to read the Gospel whenever they like.
Some also pointed out that some Protestants could (I'm not saying that they do) view this fact that since Catholics can't refer to specific chapter and verse, it's easier to "evangelize" them. How? The Protestant could bring up a quote from scripture that seems to contradict the Catholic Church, to which that would sound convincing to the Catholic (that might not be fully informed about the Church's full teachings), thus, that Catholic now becomes Protestant. However, I'm not sure if this works all the time...? I doubt that average Catholics would be that easy to convince? Not sure...
Anyway, this is just an observation from what I've saw; it stemmed from the question "Why do I never see Catholics quote the scripture down to the chapters and verses?". Seems like I have an answer now. Or have I misunderstood something? Let me know!
#religion #christianity #catholics #orthodox
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