Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the Sacred Writers composed the bible which God bestowed on mankind in order to teach, to reprove, to correct and to instruct in justice so that the Children of God may be perfect. The Holy Church considers...
moreInspired by the Holy Spirit, the Sacred Writers composed the bible which God bestowed on mankind in order to teach, to reprove, to correct and to instruct in justice so that the Children of God may be perfect. The Holy Church considers this heaven-sent treasure the most valuable source of doctrine on faith and morals. This is why in recent times, and at other times when the divine origin and correctness of its interpretation are questioned, the Church undertakes its defense and protection with great zeal and care. Among the bodies that have taken part and those still taking part in this defense and protection are the Council of Trent, the Vatican Council and lastly, Pope Leo XIII in his encyclical letter-Providentissimus Deus. Pope Pius XII in this encyclical letter declares his interest to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of Pope Leo XIII's encyclical letter by first of all, ratifying and inculcating its teachings with the aim of helping to consolidate and perfect its exhortations and secondly, by pointing out what seems necessary in the present day with the intention of encouraging all those who devote themselves to the study of the Bible. Pope Pius sets forth to expound the content of Providentissimus Deus and to defend them. He first of all posits, as contained in the in the above mentioned encyclical letter, that there is no error if the sacred writer, speaking of the things of the physical order, went by what sensibly appeared. He continues by saying that the sacred writer is not also to be taxed with error if copyists have made a mistake or the real meaning of a passage remains ambiguous and finally, that it is absolutely wrong and forbidden to narrow inspiration to certain passages of the Holy scripture or to admit that the sacred writer has erred as it is impossible that God, the supreme Truth, can utter that which is not true. The Holy Father makes a clarion call here, as he proclaims the above teaching of his predecessor, urging all to adhere to it religiously. Concerning what should obtain in the present day, he makes an addition by inculcating obedience to the above counsels and exhortations. Following the founding, by Pope Leo XIII, of a counsel of eminent men whose duty was to ensure that the sacred texts received thorough exposition and were kept safe, other Predecessors