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Scripture Matters: Essays on Reading the Bible from the Heart of the Church
Popular author and scholar Dr. Scott Hahn has released a collection of essays on the study and interpretation of Scripture from a Catholic perspective. Aptly titled Scripture Matters: Essays on Reading the Bible from the Heart of the Church, Dr. Hahn takes a penetrating look into the depths of Scripture, showing the reader how to uncover its many layers of meaning and inspiration. Scripture Matters serves both as an instructional guide to reading the Bible and as a delightful meditation on the grandeur of God's Word. Dr. Hahn effectively illustrates his discussion with the writings of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Saint Josemaría Escrivá, Cardinal Ratzinger, and other exemplary scholars of Scripture who truly speak "from the heart of the Church."
216 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2003
13 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Scott Hahn
414 books1,316 followersScott Hahn is a renowned Catholic theologian, apologist, speaker, and bestselling author whose work has had a profound impact on contemporary biblical theology and Catholic thought. A former Presbyterian minister, Hahn converted to Catholicism in 1986 after an intense personal and theological journey, which he details in his popular book Rome Sweet Home, co-written with his wife, Kimberly Hahn. Their story of conversion has inspired countless readers around the world and remains a landmark in modern Catholic apologetics.
Hahn holds the Father Michael Scanlan Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he has taught since 1990. He is also the founder and president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting biblical literacy among the laity and biblical fluency among clergy. Through the Center, Hahn leads a wide range of initiatives, including publications, pilgrimages, Bible studies, and the scholarly journal Letter and Spirit.
Educated at Grove City College (B.A.), Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Marquette University (Ph.D. in Systematic Theology), Hahn brings a deep academic foundation to his work. His dissertation, Kinship by Covenant, was later published by Yale University Press and received praise for its theological insight and scholarly rigor.
Throughout his career, Hahn has emphasized the covenant as the key to understanding salvation history, showing how the biblical narrative reveals a divine plan that unites all of humanity into God's family. His works explore themes such as the Eucharist, the role of Mary, the sacraments, and the authority of the Church, often drawing on the writings of the early Church Fathers to bridge the ancient faith with modern understanding.
He is the author or editor of over forty books, including The Lamb’s Supper, Hail, Holy Queen, First Comes Love, Letter and Spirit, Swear to God, Reasons to Believe, The Creed, The Fourth Cup, and Holy Is His Name. Many of his books have become staples in Catholic households, study groups, and seminaries.
In addition to his writing, Hahn is a highly sought-after speaker, having delivered thousands of lectures across the United States and abroad. He appears regularly on EWTN and has collaborated with Lighthouse Catholic Media to bring his teachings to an even broader audience.
Scott Hahn lives in Ohio with his wife Kimberly. They have six children and numerous grandchildren. Together, the Hahns continue to lead efforts in evangelization and Catholic education, embodying a lifelong commitment to deepening faith and understanding through Scripture and tradition.
Hahn holds the Father Michael Scanlan Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he has taught since 1990. He is also the founder and president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting biblical literacy among the laity and biblical fluency among clergy. Through the Center, Hahn leads a wide range of initiatives, including publications, pilgrimages, Bible studies, and the scholarly journal Letter and Spirit.
Educated at Grove City College (B.A.), Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Marquette University (Ph.D. in Systematic Theology), Hahn brings a deep academic foundation to his work. His dissertation, Kinship by Covenant, was later published by Yale University Press and received praise for its theological insight and scholarly rigor.
Throughout his career, Hahn has emphasized the covenant as the key to understanding salvation history, showing how the biblical narrative reveals a divine plan that unites all of humanity into God's family. His works explore themes such as the Eucharist, the role of Mary, the sacraments, and the authority of the Church, often drawing on the writings of the early Church Fathers to bridge the ancient faith with modern understanding.
He is the author or editor of over forty books, including The Lamb’s Supper, Hail, Holy Queen, First Comes Love, Letter and Spirit, Swear to God, Reasons to Believe, The Creed, The Fourth Cup, and Holy Is His Name. Many of his books have become staples in Catholic households, study groups, and seminaries.
In addition to his writing, Hahn is a highly sought-after speaker, having delivered thousands of lectures across the United States and abroad. He appears regularly on EWTN and has collaborated with Lighthouse Catholic Media to bring his teachings to an even broader audience.
Scott Hahn lives in Ohio with his wife Kimberly. They have six children and numerous grandchildren. Together, the Hahns continue to lead efforts in evangelization and Catholic education, embodying a lifelong commitment to deepening faith and understanding through Scripture and tradition.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 24, 2016
Excellent book. I would have given it five stars, but the last chapter was mainly on the study of the Theology and kind of went over my head for most of it.
As much as I enjoy them, I don't really recommend Scott Hahn's books for the casual reader. They are generally very well written but go into great depth for the subject matter being discussed. They can be a bit hard to follow at times. He is a professor of Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH. While his works are quite understandable it is clear that he does not write for an uneducated audience; at least in the books of his that I have read (with the exception being "Rome Sweet Home" which is his, and to some extent his wife's, conversion story.) I have also seen him on television many times and have listened to teaching CDs and you have to pay attention to what he says or you will find yourself getting a bit lost. This applies to his books as well.
I definitely recommend this book, but read it when you time to devote to it, and not with the TV or other distraction on.
As much as I enjoy them, I don't really recommend Scott Hahn's books for the casual reader. They are generally very well written but go into great depth for the subject matter being discussed. They can be a bit hard to follow at times. He is a professor of Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH. While his works are quite understandable it is clear that he does not write for an uneducated audience; at least in the books of his that I have read (with the exception being "Rome Sweet Home" which is his, and to some extent his wife's, conversion story.) I have also seen him on television many times and have listened to teaching CDs and you have to pay attention to what he says or you will find yourself getting a bit lost. This applies to his books as well.
I definitely recommend this book, but read it when you time to devote to it, and not with the TV or other distraction on.
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January 25, 2016For me, this book was a good easing-into-it exposure to some exegesis. I felt that I was able to become more familiar with how scripture should be read, as well as its significance. This collection of essays also touched on specific exegesis, and one that was particularly impacting to me was the essay on Fatherhood and Priesthood. I appreciate Dr. Hahn's extensive knowledge and explanation of the early church in order to help us understand our faith today. It's a good read for a thoughtful beginner!
November 19, 2008
A few of the essays were over my head, but the ones I understood were very good. This is not the typical Hahn "Catholicism for Dummies" type of fare, but still very approachable and well-written.
June 2, 2011
Really not impressed with this one at all, found it very hard going and boring!
June 17, 2013
A wonderful thought provoking book. SO glad I won a copy through a goodreads giveaway.
July 17, 2018
If you're looking for insights on how to read the Bible and grow in your Faith, this book is a great way to start. While Mr Hahn has written as a Catholic to Catholics, I think other Christians could easily gain insight from this book. From the four ways to read Scripture to exegesis on certain passages from the New Testament, the insight gained is tremendous. Not only that, but Mr Hahn's process for interpretation that he demonstrates in this book is easy to follow and apply to one's one Scripture readings. Highly recommended, especially for new Catholics and those looking to be!
May 7, 2024
Some great stuff in here, especially regarding the Quadriga method of biblical interpretation.
September 4, 2020
This collection of essays on the primacy and importance of scripture is compelling, thought-provoking, and important, as are most of Scott Hahn's works.
The main reason it is not getting a full 5 stars from me is because it is rather repetitive within its own pages, and also repeats a lot of what Hahn's other books say. It is my least favorite work of his to date.
The main reason it is not getting a full 5 stars from me is because it is rather repetitive within its own pages, and also repeats a lot of what Hahn's other books say. It is my least favorite work of his to date.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews