QUOTATION: Bad Hermeneutics

But as men are prone to estimate sins, not by reference to their inherent sinfulness, but rather by reference to their own customs, it frequently happens that a man will think nothing blameable except what the men of his own country and time are accustomed to condemn, and nothing worthy of praise or approval except what is sanctioned by the custom of his companions; and thus it comes to pass, that if Scripture either enjoins what is opposed to the customs of the hearers, or condemns what is not so opposed, and if at the same time the authority of the word has a hold upon their minds, they think that the expression is figurative.

--St. Augustine, On Christian Doctrine, Book III, Chapter 10

QUOTATION: The Consolation of Scripture

We have, in Scripture, the records of those who lived and died by faith in the old time, and nothing can deprive us of them. The strength of Satan lies in his being seen to have the many on his side; but, when we read the Bible, this argument loses its hold over us. There we find that we are not solitary; that others, before us, have been in our very condition, have had our feelings, undergone our trials, and laboured for the prize which we are seeking. Nothing more elevates the mind than the consciousness of being one of a great and victorious company.

--Blessed John Henry Newman, "The Visible Church an Encouragement to Faith, " Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. 3

QUOTATION: Christ's Words

Look at Christ's words, and this same character of them will strike you; whatever He says is fruitful in meaning, and refers to many things. It is well to keep this in mind when we read Scripture; for it may hinder us from self-conceit, from studying it in an arrogant critical temper, and from giving over reading it, as if we had got from it all that can be learned.

--Blessed John Henry Newman, "The Resurrection", Parochial and Plain Sermons, Volume 1

QUOTATION: The Bible

The Bible was composed in such a way that as beginners mature, its meaning grows with them.

--St. Augustine, Confessions

QUOTATION: Faith and History

The New Testament message is not simply an idea; essential to it is the fact that these events actually occurred in the history of the world: biblical faith does not recount stories as symbols of meta-historical truths; rather it bases itself upon history that unfolded upon this earth.

--Pope Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth, Volume 2.