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Making Sense of the Bible: Context, Genre, Narrative
In-person Event | Presenter: Fr. Michael Patella, OSB
In the realm of literature, meaning does not always lie solely in the literal word, and this point is especially so for the Bible. How do we read a text thousands of years old—a text containing the Word of God—so that we can interpret it correctly? Much depends on the genre from which the book, chapter, and verse originate. Using images from The Saint John’s Bible, this discussion will introduce the component genres of Sacred Scripture: myth, legend, prophecy, history, song, poetry, law, wisdom, gospel, epistle, and apocalyptic not only to trace the story of salvation, but also to know that despite all the oddities within it, believing the biblical narrative makes a great deal of sense for people today.
Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Saint John’s Graduate School of Theology and Seminary, Fr. Michael Patella has written on Mark, Luke-Acts, the Apostle Paul, angels and demons, and The Saint John’s Bible. Fr. Michael is a member of the Catholic Biblical Association and the Society of Biblical Literature.
Dates & Times (2025)
- OUT OF STATE: Friday, February 7, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Scottsdale, AZ
- Friday, February 14, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Emmaus Hall, Saint John’s University
- Friday, February 14, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Online Webinar
- OUT OF STATE: Friday, February 21, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Naples Women’s Club, Naples, FL
- Saturday, April 5, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. St. Paul’s Monastery and Benedictine Center, St. Paul, MN
- Friday, April 25, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Emmaus Hall, Saint John’s University
Please note: Start time indicates when presentations begin; in-person check-in is 30 minutes prior, webinar and synchronous access opens about 15 minutes prior.
Theology Day is a chance for people in our communities who are seeking a deeper spiritual life or understanding of their faith and its place in their everyday lives to learn from and interact with the theologians of Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary. It offers a chance for these scholars to gain insights and grow in their faith, as well.
There is no fee for Theology Day, but registration is required. Free-will offerings and gifts to support the mission of the School of Theology and Seminary are gratefully accepted.
For more information, contact our Development Office at 320-363-3560 or [email protected].