Cur Deus Verba: Why the Word Became Words

More about the book

Cur Deus Verba presents a systematic theology of Scripture centered on the question of God's intent in creating the Bible. To understand this, we must explore why the Holy Trinity created anything, the significance of the Word becoming flesh, and the Church's need for an inspired text. Christ embodies humanity more fully than any individual, just as the Church represents a society beyond mere human constructs. Every society has its literary heritage, necessitating a canon that transcends ordinary literature. Understanding God's purpose requires recognizing His desire for human beings to contribute to revelation itself, which paradoxically underscores the need for Scripture's spiritual sense. This spiritual sense redefines the term 'literal' within theology, indicating that one cannot grasp the literal meaning without also understanding the spiritual dimension. After God accomplishes His intentions, we must consider how this inspired text persists. While Scripture exists in physical form, its true essence resides in the hearts of readers. Furthermore, given its role in salvation history, the ultimate embodiment of Sacred Scripture is found in the Heart of Jesus Christ.