Where Did We Get the Bible? (Morning Air)

Is the Bible a Catholic book? Maybe you’ve wondered how to explain this to a Protestant friend.

John Morales sat down with Catholic apologist William Albrecht to chat about one of the most essential—and often misunderstood—topics: where did we get the Bible? 📖 Albrecht, who’s debated this subject worldwide, broke it down in a way that’ll leave you saying, “Wait… the Bible is a Catholic book?! 😮”

William starts with a fun fact: the word “Bible” comes from the Greek bibilia, meaning a collection of books 📚. But what makes those particular books sacred? Well, the Catholic Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, compiled and preserved the Bible as we know it. Yep, if it weren’t for monks and church leaders painstakingly writing and copying the text by hand for over a thousand years—often by candlelight —we wouldn’t have the scriptures today. Talk about dedication! 💪

Here’s the kicker: Catholic Bibles have 73 books7 more than Protestant Bibles (which have 66). So why the difference? These seven “extra” books (Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, etc.) were removed by Protestant reformers, but the Catholic Church has kept them since day one. And Albrecht argues, if the Bible isn’t whole, how can it be trusted as complete? 😬

Albrecht also touched on how the early Church councils, particularly Carthage and Hippo in the 4th century, decided which books belonged in the Bible. Fun fact alert: St. Augustine and other Church Fathers worked hand-in-hand with the Holy Father to make these decisions. They didn’t just pick random books—they based it on apostolic authority and what was already being read at Holy Mass. So, those books we call “the Bible” today? They’re there because the Church said so—and because the Holy Spirit was guiding the process the whole time. 🕊️

By the end, John Morales and William Albrecht left no doubt: the Bible isn’t just any book. It’s a Catholic book, through and through. And if you’re ever curious about which version of the Bible to trust, look no further than the Catholic Church—it’s been preserving the truth for over 2,000 years! 🙌

So, the next time you crack open your Bible, know that the Church is right there with you, ensuring that what you’re reading has been faithfully preserved for generations. 📖🙏

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Jake Moore serves as a Digital Audio Content Producer for Relevant Radio®. He is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, and is passionate about classic movies, Christian music, young adult ministry, and leading this generation to Christ through compelling media. You can listen to more of his podcasts at relevantradio.com and on the Relevant Radio® app.