Good Bible?

[Candlemass]

Well, first of all I posted this thread w/no replies for a while, then I'm told it is a good bible. It is also promoted at DCF, it seems to be an apporved Catholic bible. Furthermore I think it's a little misleading, to say the least, to have your name on a bible that you really don't approve of. The general public sees your name on a product and that may be the selling pitch.  Now, if this is just personal preference, no big deal, but why does Dave think so very little of this bible? Lastly, far as I know I can not cancel the order.

Just checked my e-mail, it's already been shipped.

[Proverb16:7]

Mark,

I have a St. Joseph NAB catholic bible, and still use.   Though others have said there are better translations out there, there are many different reviews and different preferences for different translations. 

I do not know what level you are at for reading the bible.  If you are anything like most catholics, as well as myself, not at the same level as Both the Daves are. 

I heard Fr. Mitch Pacqua say once that "The best translation for you is the one you WILL READ.  That said Just be sure that you are using a Catholic approved translation above all else." 

As you progress you will seek deeper more accurate translations to feed your quest for deeper knowledge of scriptures, by then you may find yourself bumping elbows with the likes of both DAVEs at that level.

It was kind of like what you said,

Ah, I see now. Kind of like buying a car, this one has that option and the other has this, but few have them all!   

In the end, If you will read it and grow in your Catholic understanding of scriptures then by all means move forward with it if you like the options on this Bible.   If you don't like it , then a different translation or different options may be something to ask about with a return or exchange.

Unless you know a monastery who still hand translates and hand writes the bibles from original texts for you and you are willing to pay for it, then you will have to go through the many " Ford, Chevy, Dodge" CATHOLIC  bibles out there to find what will work for you with the options you want.

[Candlemass]

At this point, I just want something from a Catholic perspective, the MacArthur Study Bible doesn't qualify! 

[Proverb16:7]

Scott Hahn's work is a good companion for combining both bible and understanding and explanation.  
There again I must admit I am biased towards Scott, as I see things in much the same way as he in his explanations.

It is Catholic as Fr. Paqua recommends.  As your perspective deepens then you may indeed want to try another translation.

There again Catholic approved.  You have to learn to walk before you can run!

In My Prayers Mark.

P.S. I have a KJV new testament and Douay- Rheims Bible , I cross reference them all the time and like Fr Mitch said If you will use it and read it then progress in your faith and love for GOD in the study of HIS Scriptures (WORD), God will give you the graces to grow closer to him.

[Candlemass]

I like Fr. Paqua, but prefer Fr. Corapi and Fr. Larry Richards. 

[Proverb16:7]

I like all of them for their own specialties they give to the church.    I myself have preferences for ones that speak to my needs and concerns.   They may not be your needs or concerns but the priests they are the voice of the Shepard on earth for us.   Those are the ones you know and trust.

May they be a blessing to you and your journey.

In My Prayers Mark.

[Proverb16:7]

The best translation will profit you nothing if you do not read and study it!

[Dave Armstrong]

Furthermore I think it's a little misleading, to say the least, to have your name on a bible that you really don't approve of. The general public sees your name on a product and that may be the selling pitch.  Now, if this is just personal preference, no big deal, but why does Dave think so very little of this bible?

You can still get the truth from the NAB. It is a Bible, after all. I simply said that I don't care for the translation style. That is not reason enough to refrain from participating in a project of accompanying notes that would help readers to better understand and defend their faith. That's not "misleading" at all. We all make choices all the time to participate in things where we don't think all aspects involved are absolutely perfect. That is the human condition.

The original Catholic Answer Bible, by the way, didn't mention my name anywhere. People didn't even know who wrote the notes.

Preference for translations is largely a subjective matter, since it has to do with style and translation method (some are more literal; some are "dynamic"; and some are paraphrased).

After I participated in the project I learned that the NAB notes are very liberal. If I had known that at the time I may have chosen to not participate. That would have been a closer "call." But I'm inclined to think that it is still better to have the Bible and its flaws with orthodox notes that help people in their faith, than not to do so. But reasonable people can differ on that.

David W. Emery has written a lot about NAB issues. I have a paper on my site that refers to a critique of the footnotes by a friend of mine, Ben Douglass.

[Dave Armstrong]

It should be noted, too, exactly what The New Catholic Answer Bible is. My notes (and Paul Thigpen's) are not commentary. They are simply 88 one-page treatments of various theological topics, interspersed within the Bible. It's not strictly a "Catholic Study Bible." That would be Scott Hahn's series or The Navarre Bible, etc.

As for selecting a Bible translation, apart from the issue of notes or commentary, see my paper: Aids For Catholics: Selecting a Bible Translation.

[Candlemass]

Ok, but does that mean your not going to sign this one for me?   

[Dave Armstrong]

Kind o' tough from hundreds of miles away. 

[Intercessor]

Cancel the order.  Return the book.

C'mon, think about it.  You come here and ask for advice, the advice is given to you, and now you're not going to take it?

We think alike, Jane.    I would definitely return the item.  

Jane and I are English teachers.  Dave Armstrong is a writer.  David W. Emery majored in languages.  To persons with an ear for the English language, hearing or reading the NAB is like hearing fingernails across a chalkboard or like listening to a choir whose tenor section is sharp while the alto section is flat.  

I would add that the SEARCH button at the top is a tremendous blessing.  

When Dave Armstrong and David Emery are sleeping in the wee hours of the morning (or tending to their own important affairs during a few hours of the day), one can still SEARCH the forum for what those two gentlemen have had to say about a certain topic.

For example, simply entering BIBLE and TRANSLATION in the search for box and entering David W. Emery in the by user box quickly makes available important and helpful threads like this one:

CLICK --Which Bible?

Grace and peace,
Becky

[Candlemass]

I'm not returning the book, end of discussion. I recieved both positive and negative feedback here and elsewhere, as usual the choice is mine. I am not a writter, an english teacher, a thologian or an apologist. I am a simple lawn mower man, who desires to grow in the grace and knowlede of our Saviour, to overcome habitual sin. I'd like a basic grasp at what the Church teaches and the power to live it out, this bible just may be a small contributor to that end.

[Intercessor]

An excellent study Bible is the Navarre Bible, expanded New Testament (compact version also available)

CLICK Navarre New Testament

MG57,

Thanks for giving folks the URL above.  I wouldn't want to be without the Navarre Bible.  (Actually, I have the separate Navarre books for the New Testament but need to order the Old Testament books.)

As Dave Armstrong and David Emery have taught us, the Navarre Bible and the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible series by Scott Hahn are respected, trusted Bibles with solid Catholic commentary.  

I just learned this evening that Hahn's New Testament booklets have now been compiled into a single volume (700 pages), available for PRE-Order on amazon.com.  I bought several of those early individual booklets but will be ordering this big compilation of Hahn's Catholic commentary on the New Testament books (uses RSV-CE), for only $19.77 at the pre-order price.

CLICK Hahn's New Testament.

Grace and peace,
Becky

[Dave Armstrong]

That's a great deal. I rarely buy new books, but that would definitely be one I'd invest in. I like stuff in one volume instead of 15.