Opinion Poll - November 2009

Historically the Catholic Church forbade the laity to read the vernacular translations of the Bible.
  • True 50 (62%)
  • False 28 (35%)
  • Don't Know 2 (2%)
Total votes: 79. Poll closed.

Comment:

This example should suffice...

"Since it is clear from experience that if the Sacred Books are permitted everywhere and without discrimination in the vernacular, there will by reason of the boldness of men arise therefrom more harm than good, the matter is in this respect left to the judgment of the bishop or inquisitor, who may with the advice of the pastor or confessor permit the reading of the Sacred Books translated into the vernacular by Catholic authors to those who they know will derive from such reading no harm but rather an increase of faith and piety, which permission they must have in writing. Those, however, who presume to read or possess them without such permission may not receive absolution from their sins till they have handed them over to the ordinary. Bookdealers who sell or in any other way supply Bibles written in the vernacular to anyone who has not this permission, shall lose the price of the books, which is to be applied by the bishop to pious purposes, and in keeping with the nature of the crime they shall be subject to other penalties which are left to the judgment of the same bishop. Regulars who have not the permission of their superiors may not read or purchase them." (Council of Trent: Rules on Prohibited Books, approved by Pope Pius IV, 1564).

Thank God the modern Catholic Church encourages its members to read the Bible in their language. May God be pleased that through the reading of his Word, many dear Catholic people will discover the gospel of salvation by faith in Christ Jesus.