“Ent\u00e3o hoje, com essa mesma lei, Deus nos manda comer carne de porco!” Imagine hearing that near the Centro de Estudos B\u00edblicos. It might sound strange but it captures the essence of this place. The Centro de Estudos B\u00edblicos or CEBI fosters a unique approach to understanding the Bible. It emphasizes reading and interpreting scripture through the lens of real-life experiences.
CEBI is an ecumenical organization. It promotes a method of reading the Bible from the perspective of reality and in defense of life. The story goes that in the 1960s a Bible scholar explained a biblical law. The law forbade eating pork. This was in a poor community in Brazil. The scholar said the law originated in the desert. Due to the heat and lack of salt pork would spoil. Eating it could be deadly. The law protected the community’s life.
Someone listening then exclaimed “Ent\u00e3o hoje, com essa mesma lei, Deus nos manda comer carne de porco!”. He was a farmer. He had calloused hands. His face was weathered from years of labor. He explained their only meat was the pigs they raised. If that law was to protect the community then God commands them to eat pork to save their children.
This insight sparked a new way of reading the Bible. Instead of solely relying on geography history and exegesis people began interpreting scripture through their own struggles. They sought the spirit of God behind ancient words. They applied it to their present circumstances. This became known as the “Popular Reading of the Bible”.
Jether and Lucilia Ramalho founded CEBI. Agostinha Vieira de Mello and Carlos Mesters also were founders. The Centro de Estudos B\u00edblicos offers resources for in-depth study. The Curso de B\u00edblia por Correspond\u00eancia is one such program. It is a Bible course by correspondence. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the Bible in eight volumes or thirteen modules.
Pedro Alves a history professor from Cascavel-PR completed the course. He found the course accessible and enriching. The material presents the history of God’s people. It goes from creation to the resurrection of Jesus. The course sparked his desire for deeper knowledge. It revealed the spiritual dimension through prayer.
Ildo Bohn Gass created the material. Wania Scarpetto coordinated the CEBI-PR. CEBI continues to inspire individuals to connect with the Bible. It encourages to see it as a living document. This relates to their lives. CEBI offers a transformative approach to biblical study.