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Lumen

A Catholic companion to Scripture

What are you going through today?

Say it in your own words, or choose below. You will see what Jesus taught and what he did, meet someone who walked the same road, pray — and take one small step today.

Don't just read the Bible. Understand it.

Read a passage. Understand what’s happening, why it matters, where it fits — and what it could mean for you. Every answer shows its sources.

Start here

Start from zero

Curious about Christianity, but not sure where to begin? Thirty short steps of 3 to 7 minutes. No question is too basic, and nobody is keeping score.

Begin with day 1 →
  1. 1Who is Jesus?
  2. 2What is the Bible?
  3. 3Old Testament and New Testament
  4. 4Who is God?
  5. 5What are the Gospels?
  6. 6Who were the Apostles?

Catholic practices, explained

Why do Catholics do this?

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Explore the Bible

The whole story, in order

Open timeline
  1. 01

    Creation & primeval history

    Not datable — theological narrative about origins

  2. 02

    Abraham & the patriarchs

    Traditionally c. 2000–1700 BC

  3. 03

    Egypt & the Exodus

    Often placed in the 13th century BC; some prefer the 15th

  4. 04

    Conquest & Judges

    c. 1200–1050 BC

  5. 05

    The united kingdom: Saul, David, Solomon

    c. 1050–930 BC

  6. 06

    Divided kingdom & the prophets

    c. 930 BC; Israel falls to Assyria 722/721 BC

  7. 07

    Exile in Babylon

    Jerusalem falls 587/586 BC

  8. 08

    Return & rebuilding

    From 538 BC (edict of Cyrus)

  9. 09

    Second Temple period

    c. 515 BC – AD 70; Maccabean revolt 167–164 BC

  10. 10

    Jesus of Nazareth

    Born c. 6–4 BC; public ministry c. AD 28–30; crucified c. AD 30 or 33

  11. 11

    The apostles & Pentecost

    From c. AD 30

  12. 12

    The early Church

    Paul's letters c. AD 50–65; Jerusalem destroyed AD 70