The Bible isn’t a crystal ball. It’s not a handbook designed to tell us what will happen in a given year, like 2018 or any other. Instead, the Bible is a collection of texts inspired by God to guide us in our journey of faith. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Bible teaches “the truth which God wanted put into sacred writings for the sake of salvation” (CCC 136). Most importantly, it’s essential to note that the Catholic Church does not endorse the practice of using the Bible to predict specific events in a particular year. The Bible is considered the inspired word of God, meant to guide believers in faith and morals, not to be used as a tool for predicting specific future events.
Understanding Prophecy in the Catholic Tradition
In Catholic teaching, prophecy isn’t generally about foretelling the future in the way some popular media might have us believe. Instead, biblical prophecy aims to offer insights into God’s plan for humanity and to call people to repentance and righteous living.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “Christian faith cannot accept ‘revelations’ that claim to surpass or correct the Revelation of which Christ is the fulfillment” (CCC 67). This means that the Church advises extreme caution when it comes to accepting new prophecies or interpretations that aren’t in line with the established teachings and traditions of the Church.
Scripture as a Guide for Living
The primary role of Scripture in the Catholic faith is as a guide for how to live a good life that is pleasing to God. The New Testament, for example, is rich in moral teachings, most prominently those of Jesus Himself. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself'” (Matthew 22:37-39).
These teachings are not about predicting the future but about guiding individuals in living lives that are aligned with the virtues of faith, hope, and charity.
The Book of Revelation
The Book of Revelation is often cited when people talk about biblical predictions. However, the Catholic Church does not interpret this book as a literal roadmap for the future. Rather, Revelation is understood as an apocalyptic text that uses symbolic language to convey deeper truths about the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
“The Revelation to John […] is written […] to sustain the hope of the faithful by placing their trials and tribulations within the unfolding purposes of God” (New American Bible, Revised Edition, Introduction to the Book of Revelation).
Avoiding Scandal and Confusion
The Catholic Church cautions against using biblical texts to predict specific events because this can lead to scandal and confusion among the faithful. If someone claims to know exactly when and how a biblical prophecy will be fulfilled, and then it doesn’t happen, this can shake people’s faith not just in the predictor, but in the Church and the Bible itself.
What’s the Bottom Line?
As Catholics, we should focus less on trying to predict the future and more on living our lives in accordance with the teachings of the Church and the moral guidelines found in Scripture. This is the most surefire way to prepare for whatever the future holds, because it prepares us not just for this life, but for eternal life.
“Stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour” (Matthew 25:13).
If you’re ever unsure about the interpretation of Scripture or the legitimacy of a prophecy, the best course of action is always to consult the teachings of the Catholic Church and to seek guidance from trusted priests or theologians. In this way, you can avoid the pitfalls of misinterpretation and continue to grow in faith and understanding.