Rating: 
Summary: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Review: Although there are many good things in this Bible, I think the errors and objectionable content make it an unacceptable teacher of the Catholic Faith. (speaking of the notes and commentary)Some sections contain disturbing and somewhat offensive material. For example: p. 123 offers a subjective view of a womens monthly cycle, and seems to cast doubt on the words of Sacred Scripture. And p. 810, the commentator calls the author of Sirach "extremely sexist" (by today's standards). In addition, p.1249 the analyst says this about the author of John's Gospel "...the Gospel writer often makes negative references to 'the Jews'...As a result, (of persecution of Christian by Jews) the Gospel writer lumps all Jews together, portraying them as 'bad guys'". There are also MANY sections that offer other cultural perspectives (multi-cultural). I think they are intended to show the relationship, or similarities, to the Christian faith, but for what purpose? To confuse a teenager? They are irrelevent and can often be confusing to someone who doesn't know that the Bible transcends racial differences. In my (hopefully humble) opinion, this Bible is yet another example of "watering-down" the Faith.
Rating: 
Summary: Digging into Scripture
Review: As a current Youth Minister, I find that the youth whom I am working with are constantly digging into the Catholic Youth Bible, and that makes me so excited. With the exciting design and layout, the Catholic Youth Bible is very appealing for teens to pick up and read. I have used many of the pray it, study it, and live it articles in various settings such as youth group meetings, confirmation class, staff meetings and such. The suject index makes it easy to find scripture passages and articles that relate with what I am speaking about. I had one youth remark to me that everytime they open up the Catholic Youth Bible they find something new about it. Parents are shared with me that their teens cannot put it down. As a young adult, I love using it for my personal prayer time. What I find to be the most attractive feature of the Catholic Youth Bible is that it is so personable. The stories of God are seen not only through scripture, but in articles that I can relate to. It makes one keep digging and digging for new understandings and actualizations of the stories of our faith.
Rating:
Summary: Reading Worthy of its Readers!
Review: Having taught scripture classes to Catholic high school seniors for years, I'm delighted, but not surprised, at the quality of "The Catholic Youth Bible". I'm delighted because, while it does not bill itself as a study Bible, the new CYB contains a host of short inserts, maps, and articles reflecting contemporary scripture scholarship. These are presented palatably both visually and linguistically. Its young readers will find in their hands an incomparable tool which will not only assist them in growing in their understanding of and relationship to God, but will teach them so much of what they need in order to live as responsible Catholic Christians in an increasingly complex world. Too often, these bright young minds are woefully underestimated. Even textbooks frequently dish up large servings of "whipped cream" where nourishing "meat and potatoes" are needed. The CYB provides a world of nourishing fare, laid out in invitingly tasty fashion. Earlier, I said I was not surprised that this is so. That is due to long experience with Saint Mary's Press. Early in my teaching career, I learned religious studies texts could be ordered with complete confidence sight unseen from the folks in Winona. The quality is that good, and it rarely wavers. This was definitely the publisher to take on this daunting task, and once again, Saint Mary's Press more than rose to the occasion. hing
Rating:
Summary: Reading Worthy of its Readers!
Review: Having taught scripture classes to Catholic high school seniors for years, I'm delighted, but not surprised, at the quality of "The Catholic Youth Bible". I'm delighted because, while it does not bill itself as a study Bible, the new CYB contains a host of short inserts, maps, and articles reflecting contemporary scripture scholarship. These are presented palatably both visually and linguistically. Its young readers will find in their hands an incomparable tool which will not only assist them in growing in their understanding of and relationship to God, but will teach them so much of what they need in order to live as responsible Catholic Christians in an increasingly complex world. Too often, these bright young minds are woefully underestimated. Even textbooks frequently dish up large servings of "whipped cream" where nourishing "meat and potatoes" are needed. The CYB provides a world of nourishing fare, laid out in invitingly tasty fashion. Earlier, I said I was not surprised that this is so. That is due to long experience with Saint Mary's Press. Early in my teaching career, I learned religious studies texts could be ordered with complete confidence sight unseen from the folks in Winona. The quality is that good, and it rarely wavers. This was definitely the publisher to take on this daunting task, and once again, Saint Mary's Press more than rose to the occasion. hing
Rating:
Summary: A Great Gift, But Get One for You, Too!
Review: Here is a Bible you can put into a young person's hands andstand back. Coaxing won't be needed. Young people are more apt to"surf" their way through a text. Attractive layouts mixed with inserts and side-bar commentaries invite them to learn more, make connections with everyday life, or slow down and dig deeper. The presentation of the small book of Lamentations for instance, offers brief reflections on urban violence, finding reason to hope, and growing through the experience of loss. The interspersed reflections from the view of cultures which don't find voice in too many of our religious works is a welcome inclusion. The editors chose four cultural perspectives that highlight the Bible's universal appeal: African American, Hispanic and Latino, Asian American and Native American. The NRSV translation offers young people a readable and more accurate translation than previous options tailored to young people. There are "reading plans," offering topical journeys for those who want to learn about the bible's take on issues like suffering, poverty and vocation. A "Catholic Connections" feature offers brief linkages of a passage to Catholic teaching, life and worship. I enjoyed the prayer reflections, the background "introductions" to important biblical people, and the "Live It" reflections. Michael O'Neil McGrath's elegant illustrations are present to serve the text and encourage reflection. St. Mary's Press is to be commended for offering a hard-cover option. It is well worth the cost, this is one Bible that will get used over and over.
Rating:
Summary: Catholic Youth Bible is awesome!!!
Review: I am a 15 year old Catholic, and to be perfectly honest, I had never really read the Bible. Yes, I hear it in Mass and in Religious Education, but reading the Bible on my own was just plain difficult before I got the Catholic Youth Bible. It breaks down the different parts of the Bible so that I can understand the differences between the books of the Bible, so that I can choose what it is I want to read. It also explains passages, prayers, and stories that I never knew were so important. It has sections entitled "PRAY IT!" "STUDY IT!" and "LIVE IT!" that explain how to use the words from the Bible to live better lives as Catholics. I have a much better understanding of basic things such as the LORD'S PRAYER!!! Now, every Catholic knows the Lord's prayer by heart but how many of us teens truly understand what each line means and what we should be thinking about when we pray it?? When the prayer appears in the book of Matthew, the CYB picks apart the prayer line by line and explains what significance the prayer should have in our lives and what the lines mean.I would go on forever about how great this Bible is, and how much it has made me grow in spirituality and understanding of Biblical teachings, but we would be here all day. So just buy it yourself!!! It is worth EVERY penny!!!
Rating:
Summary: Great For Coming Back to God
Review: I denounced my Catholic faith when I was in 4th grade and declared myself an atheist for the next 8 or 9 years. Finally, I was put on antidepressants last winter. Six months after going on my meds, I decided that I had been terribly mistaken to push God out of my life. I've since been trying to catch up on all those years that I slept through in religion class, and this bible has truly been a blessing for my quest.
Rating:
Summary: Great Youth Bible
Review: I think that this is a very great youth bible. I am 13 years old in this is my first bible that I purchased. I think that it is really great! It has eight reading plans to help you get started. It has articles to help you to pray and did you know articles. In the back, it has nice colored maps to help you understand better. It has great graphics that appeal to a teenagers eyes. I think that this is a very great bible! I purchased mine from a local bookstore, so I payed retail price which was ... and about ... after tax, so I payed a price, but I got to at least see this bible before I spent the money. The only thing I kinda disliked was the really thin pages. It is really thin that I am possitive I highlighter would leak through, so this wouldn't be great for highlighting, but there might be some other marking system you could use. Overall a great bible!
Rating:
Summary: Great stuff
Review: I've been using this with my teenager. I have a good religious foundation and love the explanations, stories, thoughts, etc. Every Catholic school shoud expose their students to this Bible.
Rating:
Summary: New Discoveries With Each Reading
Review: It makes me hungry to feast at the biblical banquet! I like the conversational teaching tone used in special features, the index to locate events and people in the life of Jesus, and the articles that guide a reader to apply the message to real life situations. This volume truly appeals to youth. Several people I know who purchased The Catholic Youth Bible as a Confirmation gift said the young recipients were enthusiastic about having so much to choose from in one book. Adults new in their study of scripture are also drawn to the translation, the suggested reading plans and cultural backgrounds. Directors of Religous education want to study the Catholic Connections articles and index of Bible passages related to each sacrament. The book is well bound and printed on sturdy Bible paper. It will be of long service to anyone who wants to pray it, study it and live it.
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