I believe these are the difference Kam between understandings, so they are not quite the same
Baha'i Approach:
Recognition of Multiple Layers: The Baha'i Faith believes that divine writings inherently have multiple layers of meaning literal, symbolic, allegorical, and spiritual.
Focus on Unity and Morality: The interpretation emphasizes understanding these layers to promote unity, moral development, and spiritual growth.
Flexible Interpretation: Baha'is often see scriptures as having meaning suitable for different levels of understanding, encouraging believers to seek deeper, metaphorical, and spiritual insights.
Catholic Approach:
Explicit Use of the Four Senses: The Catholic Church formally categorizes Scripture into four distinct senses:
Literal: The straightforward meaning based on historical and linguistic context.
Allegorical: Symbolic meanings that reveal Christ or divine truths.
Moral (Tropological): Lessons on how to live morally.
Anagogical: Meaning related to heaven, eternity, and ultimate destiny.
Structured Method: Catholic exegesis employs a systematic method, often guided by tradition, magisterial authority, and theological schools, to interpret texts at these four levels.
Official Teaching: This method is rooted in church teachings and scholarly theology, with specific guidance on how to discern each sense.
Key Difference:
The Baha'i view is more general and inclusive, emphasizing that scriptures have multiple layers of meaning without strictly formalizing or categorizing them into four senses.
The Catholic view is more structured and formalized, with a well-defined framework (the four senses) used consistently in theological interpretation and exegesis.
