How to Read the Bible I – The Senses of Scripture
Learn to read the Bible as the divine Word expressed through human words
An introductory course to distinguish the literal and spiritual senses of Scripture and apply Catholic principles of interpretation to biblical texts.
Why choose this course
A different reading of the Comedy
Beyond a fragmented reading of the Bible
Reading the Bible requires recognizing both its divine and human dimensions at the same time. Without appropriate criteria, the text risks being interpreted in isolation, in an exclusively literal way, or apart from the Tradition of the Church.
The course introduces the two fundamental senses of Scripture: the literal sense, linked to the words, context, and intention of the human authors, and the spiritual sense, through which biblical events and realities are understood within God’s unified plan. The Bible and paragraphs 101–119 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church are the main references for the course.
Through video lessons, study materials, and practical exercises, you will learn to use Catholic principles of interpretation and better understand the biblical foundation of the faith.
Who is it for?
This course is designed for you if…
You read Scripture personally, in the liturgy, or in catechesis and want to interpret it with greater awareness.
You are looking for reliable criteria to use in catechesis, teaching, group accompaniment, or the preparation of meetings.
You want to understand the relationship between Scripture, the living Tradition of the Church, and the unity of faith.
You need an online course that can be followed independently, at your own pace.
Course program
A three-unit learning path
By the end, you will be able to distinguish the literal sense from the spiritual sense, explain how God communicates through human language, and understand what it means to affirm that the inspired books teach the truth.
You will learn to apply these criteria to specific passages, taking into account context, forms of expression, and the characteristics of the text. Examples include the betrothal of the Virgin Mary, the Last Supper, and the genealogy of Jesus.
By the end, you will be able to read the Bible as a unified history, recognize its place within the living Tradition of the Church, and interpret individual texts while respecting the overall coherence of the Catholic faith.
Methodology
A clear, progressive, self-paced learning path
The course is delivered entirely online and asynchronously. After enrolling, you will have three months to access the content and organize your study according to your own schedule.
Recorded video lessons, selected materials, and additional resources will gradually guide you through the topics. Quizzes in the different units allow you to check your learning throughout the course, while the final assessment verifies that the expected learning objectives have been achieved.
A flexible, self-managed format designed to offer autonomy without sacrificing clarity, instructional progression, or academic quality.
The instructor
Anton Vogelsang
Certification and academic value
Earn 2 ECTS credits
After completing the three units and passing the final assessment, you will receive the official document provided for the course, with the award of 1 ECTS credit.
The course corresponds to an overall workload of approximately 25–30 hours, including video lessons, individual study, teaching materials, and assessment activities.
Learn to read the Bible with method
Acquire the essential tools to understand the literal and spiritual senses of Scripture and interpret it within the unity of faith and the Tradition of the Church. An introductory and flexible course designed to transform Bible reading into understanding, deeper study, and life.
