Msgr. Pope on Understanding Scripture

“Some years ago a scripture professor asked: ‘Do you know what the biggest obstacle is in understanding Scripture?’

“Now since we were doing graduate level Scripture study, a few of us opined that it was the lack of the knowledge of Greek or Hebrew. Or perhaps it was that people today do not know the culture of Jesus’ time, or have not studied the historical-critical method (that answer usually got us extra points in Scripture class back in those days). Other students opined that fundamentalism was the biggest problem (another answer sure to gain points back then).

“‘No,’ said the professor. ‘Our biggest problem in understanding Scripture is our sin.’”

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on what keeps us from understanding God’s word in Scripture.

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Msgr. Charles Pope: What is the Secret to Understanding Scripture? (29 JUN 12)