Studying Scripture does more than enhance an individual's understanding of the Bible; it allows people to share their interpretations and viewpoints. People also are able to relate their insights and have the opportunity to learn about how the Spirit is alive in today's world. Being involved with Scripture study helps bring God's word to life.

Sacred Scripture is fundamentally important in the life of the Church. The principle sources of catechises are Scripture, Tradition and the Magisterium, or the Church's teaching authority. Sacred Scripture is "the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit." Sacred Tradition "transmits in its entirety the word of God which has been entrusted to the apostles by Christ the Lord and the Holy Spirit." The Magisterium has the duty of "giving an authentic interpretation of the word of God" and fulfills a fundamental ecclesial service.

In addition to a literal reading of Scripture, a spiritual reading addresses realities and events that can be perceived as signs.

We can acquire a more profound understanding of events by recognizing their significance in Christ. Thus, the crossing of the Red Sea is a sign or type of Christ's victory and also of Christian Baptism (1 Cor 10:2). This addresses the allegorical sense of Scripture.

The events reported in Scripture ought to lead us to act justly. As St. Paul says, they were written "for our instruction" (1 Cor. 10:11; Heb 3-4:11). This addresses the moral sense of Scripture.

We can view realities and events in terms of their eternal significance, leading us toward our true homeland. Thus, the Church on earth is a sign of the heavenly Jerusalem (Rev 21:1-22:5). This addresses the analogical sense of Scripture.

Information from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the General Directory for Catechesis.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops - New American Bible - http://www.usccb.org/nab/faq.htm