Catechism of the Catholic Church
Which is true? Besides the literal reading of Scripture, the spiritual reading of Scripture
a). leads us to understand events by recognizing their significance in Christ
b). ought to lead us to act justly
c). allows us to view realities and events in terms of their eternal significance
d). none of the above
e). all of the above
All of the above. Para. 117: "The spiritual senses. Thanks to the unity of God's plan, not only the text of the Scripture but also the realities and events about which it speaks can be signs:
- The allegorical sense. 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 (Cf. 1 Cor 10:2).
- The moral sense. 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; Cf. Heb 3-4:11).
- The anagogical sense (Greek: anagoge, leading'). 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 (Cf. Rev 21:1-22:5).
Para 118: A medieval couplet summarizes the significance of the four senses:
The Letter speaks of deeds;
Allegory to faith;
The Moral how to act;
Anagogy our destiny" (Lettera gesta docet, quid credas allegoria, moralis quid agas, quo tendas anagogia).
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