What’s the Church’s understanding of Scripture

A Protestant reader asks:

Mark, I am trying to understand the Catholic church’s view of Scripture and its relationship to Jesus as the Word of God. In a similar vein, what role does scripture have in determining truth, doctrine, etc.? As always, not trying to argue, trying to understand.

The nice thing about being Catholic is that I don’t have to be clever and can just refer good and intelligent readers like this person to much smarter people than me. 🙂

The document you want to start with is Dei Verbum from the Second Vatican Council.