What Bible Should I get?

It has been awhile.  We are long overdue for a new blog post.  I would like to answer the common question:   What bible should I use?  This is an excellent question.

My answer is:  New American Bible (NAB).  I have a number of reasons why this is the best translastion.

1.  It is very easy to read.  It is not choppy or clumsy.  It flows very well.

2.  This is the translation we use at Mass.  If you are going to memorize scripture and pray with scripture, it would be good to learn with the translation we use at Mass.  This will connect your private prayer and study with our liturgy.

3.  Excellent footnotes:  On each page there are good footnotes which help to understand what the scripture says.

4.  Cross References:  This is my favorite feature.  If a passage is connected to another passage in scripture it is Marked. 

5.  The NAB Bible can be VERY inexpensive.   The cheaper versions only costs $6.95.  I would be careful with the cheaper versions because they may have very small print.   Although, all versions(even the cheaper ones) have the same footnotes and cross references.   You could get a full sized version for only $9.99.


6.   There is also a very good STUDY VERSION.   This is what I use for a Bible.   It includes a summary of the each book in the bible including the theology and an outline.  There is an index, and also includes all the readings which are read at Mass so you can prepare for Sunday Mass with this bible.  It includes many other great features for study and prayer.

www.amazon.com/Catholic-Study-Bible-Donald-Senior/dp/0195282787/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1271644753&sr=8-4

So there is my answer.  I would encourage people to read the New American Bible, and If you are going to do bible study, you may want the Study Edition.

Here are so other translations and my comments:

NIV:  New International Version-- This is currently one of the most popular Protestant versions of the bible.  It is very easy to read, and that makes it very desireable.  It does have some translation errors from ideology.  Example:  The word tradition is often used in the bible.  Some Protestants do not like tradition.  Where the Greek word for tradition is used NEGATIVELY it is translated "tradition", when the same word is used Postively it is translated "teachings".  In that way the word tradition is NEVER positive.  Also, the footnotes are often flawed.

Douay Rhiems translation:  This was an English Catholic Translation of scriptures done BEFORE the King James Version.   It is a very beautiful translation in Shakespearean English.  It can be very difficult for modern readers.  If you love the English languagen and beauty, and are not worried about "thee" and "thy", you will enjoy this translation.

RSV- Revised Standard Version:   Often professors will encourage their students to use  this translation.  It is very accurate which makes it good for Bible study.  However, because it is closer to the ancient language, the English translation can be a little choppy and difficult to read.  This would be good for study, but not for prayer.  Also, it does not have as many footnotes as I would like.  Remember to get the Catholic Edition so that you will have the Deuterocanonical books.