On New Year’s, I started the Bible in a Year reading program from Ascension Press (Fr, Mike Schmitz & Jeff Cavins). I did this once before, in 2021, when it first came out. I do not listen to Fr. Mike’s podcasts. I only read the texts. I know from experience that when I listen to audio podcasts, my mind wanders, and I miss most of it. On the other hand, if I am interested in a subject, I can read very intensely and retain an enormous amount of content.
In this, my 2nd time reading the BIY, I am noticing patterns, recurring images and themes, and connecting sections between different books that I did not notice the first time through reading the BIY. I am also more deeply comprehending the details of who, what, where, and why.
I have sampled several Fr. Mike’s podcasts, and for me, doing the reading alone is the best method of learning. At the risk of sounding haughty, as a well-catechized and well-read Catholic who attends Mass regularly, I can see and understand the theology that naturally flows from scripture.
Moreover, I am using the Catholic Study Bible, 3rd edition, which includes a reader's guide that has hundreds of pages of background and overview information about scripture in general and each of the sections and books in the Bible. Over time, I am gradually reading the reader's guide and finding it informative.
This is NOT meant as a negative criticism of the podcasts. Doubtless, the podcasts fill an enormous need and desire, and thank God that Fr, Mike has put the Bible into a medium which makes it more palatable to the learning styles of millions of people.
