WHICH BIBLE DO I USE?

QUESTION? / COMMENT!

I'm a weekly watcher of War College/Liber Christo show. I've learned a lot over the years and really appreciate all you do. My question in regards to your recommendation of the Bibles you use. I have a Douay-Rheims and have read it but thought you are using another version.

ANSWER! / COMMENT!

I am always flipping between the New American Bible (which is used in the Lectionary for the New Mass in the United States) and the RSV-CE (which is used in the Catechism of the Catholic Church), the latter is my preference. I will also use the Douay Rheims used in the Latin Mass. I will use the translation of the Catholic Bible that explains an issue or doctrine more clearly. The Douay Rheims Bible has excellent Catholic footnotes on the bottom of the page, they are very helpful, the language is old English (like the way Shakespeare wrote), for me, it’s not user friendly and it’s not my preferred devotional Bible to read. The New American Bible has a mixture of good Catholic footnotes along with some modernist biblical footnotes, the NAB is more of a paraphrastic translation, the RSV is considered a literally modern accurate translation from the Greek manuscripts. Dr Scott has a study bible using the RSV, those footnotes are totally Catholic and faithful to the Church’s teachings. I am tempted to say that the best bible translation is the one you will read but make sure it’s Catholic.