Analogy of Faith – What It Is and How To Use It

If you read older Catholic documents you will come across the term “analogy of faith.” What does this mean?

The Analogy of Faith refers to the rule for the exegesis of Sacred Scripture. More precisely, it is the presupposition that whenever a text is obscure or difficult, don’t try to create a new meaning or add your custom twist to it. Rather, read that text in light of tradition – primarily the papally approved Doctors of the Church.

Catholics are obliged to read Scripture in this way. This is why you should never use a Protestant “Study Bible.” Instead, use valuable commentaries by the saints. Reading the Gospels? Then pair it with Saint Thomas Aquinas Catena Aurea (it’s on the iPieta app on your iPhone, by the way). The Catena of Saint Thomas collects the Church Father’s quotes on all the passages of the Gospels.

Especially in Catholic Apologetics on the internet, there is a temptation for people to give their “take” on a certain passage. This is not necessarily bad in a conversation or a discussion, but in a public forum, it can be very dangerous.

So remember the Analogy of Faith. It entails not trusting yourself or your own ingenuity. Rather, it relies on trusting the Church and her Doctors.

Holy Doctors of the Church, pray for us.