Why Aren't Catholics Encouraged to Read Their Bible?

Why don’t many Catholics read the Bible—and are they actually discouraged from it? In this episode of Ask Dr. E, Dr. Michael Easley answers a thoughtful question from a listener who grew up Catholic and now wonders why Scripture often feels unfamiliar or inaccessible within that tradition. Dr. Easley walks through church history, including the impact of the Council of Trent, and explains how authority over biblical interpretation has traditionally been handled in the Catholic Church. Dr. Easley and Hanna discuss why every believer needs to engage Scripture personally, how the Protestant Reformation reshaped access to the Bible, and why studying God’s Word should happen in three key ways: individually, in community, and with trusted teachers. If you’ve ever wondered: Why don’t Catholics read the Bible as much? Who has the authority to interpret Scripture? Can I understand the Bible on my own? How should Christians study God’s Word today? This episode will help you think biblically and practically about the role of Scripture in your life. 👉 The bottom line: God gave us His Word to be read, understood, and lived. Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:22 Listener Question: Why Don’t Catholics Read the Bible? 01:26 Dr. Easley’s Catholic Background 02:30 The Role of the Mass and Scripture Readings 03:10 The Council of Trent Explained 04:30 Authority and Interpretation of Scripture 05:35 Protestant Reformation and Justification by Faith 06:45 The Priesthood of All Believers 08:00 Personal Story: Being Told Not to Interpret the Bible 09:30 The Role of the Church Today 10:40 How Christians Should Study the Bible 11:30 Final Encouragement: Read Your Bible Key Topics Covered Catholic vs Protestant views of Scripture The Council of Trent and church authority Biblical interpretation and the role of the Church The priesthood of all believers Justification by faith vs works and sacraments How to study the Bible personally and in community Avoiding misinterpretation while growing in faith Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here. If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected].