I grew up Catholic attending Catholic school for 13 years, so that is my reference point. The New Testament was absolutely viewed as instructions from Jesus on

I grew up Catholic attending Catholic school for 13 years, so that is my reference point. The New Testament was absolutely viewed as instructions from Jesus on how to live a meaningful life. He was showing us how to put God's word into everyday action. Certainly the Beatitudes and the Golden Rule are instructions on how to live, right?