as I understand it, both Eastern Orthodox and RCC say that the bible is supposed to be read by the church as a whole.
JOHN 16:13 When the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide
you (each individual? or as a group? I don't know)
into the full truth.
Hi Dan,
The RCC says that the truth is in the bible but the church is the pillar of truth - it holds the truth to be imparted to the people.
In the U.S. it was not encouraged that the bible be read until about the 80's. I remember that when I was saved I could not find a bible study - one of the reasons I left the RCC.
Now they do tell their parishoners to read the bible and they do have bible study but few attend. There is very little interest in a church by church basis.
In Europe it was a SIN to read the bible until recently. It was discouraged vehemently.
Seminarians could not read the Old Testament without prior authority by a superior. This was true even in the 1960's, as told to me by a priest friend of mine.
Today Catholics are encouraged to read the bible and attend bible study, but, as you can imagine, the majority wonder why it would even be necessary since they attend Mass and there are three readings each week. OT, Letter, Gospel.
The O.T. and Letter is read by the laity. The Gospel is read by either a priest or a deacon. There are 3 different "sets", A,B and C (year A, etc.) If you go to Mass every day for three years you do hear the entire bible, although not in order.
At the reading of the gospel, the congregation stands and makes a cross on their forehead, lips, and heart. I used to teach kids this meant: Hear God, Speak God, Love God. Or, God in the mind, God in our words, God in our heart.
For the consecration of the "bread", which are round wafers or hosts, the congragation should be kneeling, but many just stand and bow their head.
This is the time when transubstantiation takes place. The equivalent of the Real Presence in the Lutheran church. I don't know about others. When Luther died, he still believed in the Real Presence.
The Apostle's Creed and the Lord's Prayer are recited as a group at different times of the Mass.
Also, at the beginning of the Mass a comunal confession is celebrated and all veniel sins are forgiven. (The Penetential Rite).
Mortal sins can only be forgiven (absolved) by a priest.
I'm not Catholic and do not agree with much of their dogma and doctrine, but I'll defend them when necessary.
Fran