The Catholic Youth Bible: New Revised Standard Version: Catholic Edition

Rating:
Summary: A Must Have for Catholics
Review: Most Catholics in my neck of the woods take the attitude that my faith is my faith and what the priests tell me is essentially gospel. I needed more than that. I needed to study the bible as the word of God including sacred tradition to come closer to Him. This version is helping me do just that. I absolutely love the notes before each book, the quick facts and the Catholic Connections. The fact that it also includes a method of reading the bible is fantastic. More Catholics should try it and this particular version is really for the spiritually youthful. Those who are just beginning in their walk with Christ. Only drawback is that I miss the tabs that was on my other bible. When you're starting out, it's a little complicated to find the book you need in a hurry. And the text could be a little bigger.

Rating:
Summary: Catholic Youth Bible
Review: The Catholic Youth Bible enables young people to dive deeply into God's word. The reflection questions, modern day applications and summaries of other traditions is an added bonus that keeps the reader interested. We are using this resource in our small group gatherings with much enthusiasm. Parents have been encouraged to see their teenagers excited about the Catholic Youth Bible. It is a great resource for youth ministry.

Rating:
Summary: Pray it! Study it! Live it!
Review: The Catholic Youth Bible is an incredible resource that anyone, any age will appreciate! The motto of "Pray it! Study it! Live it! truly sums up the purpose of the Bible. Engaging articles found throughout the text challenge the reader to life application. There are articles that help you learn more about scripture from a contextual approach as well. The Catholic Youth Bible could be used in many situations - the classroom, bible study groups, and for personal growth. "There's never been a Bible like this before" is definitely true and I guarantee this Bible will be one that you can't put down! Good book!

Rating:
Summary: Pray it! Study it! Live it!
Review: The Catholic Youth Bible is an incredible resource that anyone, any age will appreciate! The motto of "Pray it! Study it! Live it! truly sums up the purpose of the Bible. Engaging articles found throughout the text challenge the reader to life application. There are articles that help you learn more about scripture from a contextual approach as well. The Catholic Youth Bible could be used in many situations - the classroom, bible study groups, and for personal growth. "There's never been a Bible like this before" is definitely true and I guarantee this Bible will be one that you can't put down! Good book!

Rating:
Summary: A Bible the Teens Dive Into...
Review: The Catholic Youth Bible is hands down the best bible to put into the lives of teens. In my 16+ years of youth ministry, I have never seen any bible that Catholic kids keep with them and use like this one. Never have I had a bible that prompted our teens to say to me, "I was reading this part of that bible you gave us and I wonder what you think about....." I don't have any problem with the "not authorized for liturgy" that is sometimes the critique of this edition. You know what "authorizes" this bible for me? The fact that it is able to grab hold and draw of the interest of young people, to foster in them a hunger for the real presence of Christ in the scriptures and empower them to seek answers in God's word. This is a bible that even kids who think of themselves as "non religious" dive right into as soon as they get it. It is appealing and provides substantial commentary and support. This bible has become "the" bible of the youth programs that I direct.

Rating:
Summary: A Bible the Teens Dive Into...
Review: The Catholic Youth Bible is hands down the best bible to put into the lives of teens. In my 16+ years of youth ministry, I have never seen any bible that Catholic kids keep with them and use like this one. Never have I had a bible that prompted our teens to say to me, "I was reading this part of that bible you gave us and I wonder what you think about....." I don't have any problem with the "not authorized for liturgy" that is sometimes the critique of this edition. You know what "authorizes" this bible for me? The fact that it is able to grab hold and draw of the interest of young people, to foster in them a hunger for the real presence of Christ in the scriptures and empower them to seek answers in God's word. This is a bible that even kids who think of themselves as "non religious" dive right into as soon as they get it. It is appealing and provides substantial commentary and support. This bible has become "the" bible of the youth programs that I direct.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Study Bible I've Ever Seen - great for 35 and under
Review: This Bible blew me away when I went hunting for one a few months ago to give to a youth who had come into my life. I was so impressed, I bought one for myself. This Bible is many things, but the first thing that I noticed, quite honestly, is that the colors were bright, the print readable, and the illustrations far less serious and far more engaging than your typical Bible. Without growing to an unwieldy size, the editors manage to throw in a wealth of study information, written in a modern, friendly style, that helps make even the dryest or most confusing parts of the Good Book both understandable and relevant to today's society. That is what makes it perfect for someone, like my young friend, who is unfamiliar with religion, Christianity, or just plain old Bible study. It's less intimidating that most Bibles and all material is presented in such a manner that you don't feel "unprepared" if you pick it up cold. Catholics are often les familiar with the Bible than many Protestant denominations, as we have a wholistic focus that is both valuable and worthwhile--however, a better relationship and understanding of the Word can only enhance one's spiritual life and experience as a Catholic. If that applies to you (which, I have to admit, it did to me) this is a wonderful way to get your feet wet in Biblical translation, discussion, interpretation, and modern relevance. Who won't like this Bible? 1 - Those more familiar and attached to more formal translations such as the King James Version 2 - Those already familiar with intensive Bible study, IF not working with youth or those less familiar 3 - most Protestants...the discussion is from a very clear Catholic viewpoint...not really controversial, just Catholic 4 - and traditionalists who are offended by the idea of making the Bible "accessible" and "relevant" through use of the lingo/parlance and point of view of today's under-25 set. I believe one reviewer felt that the Bible didn't need to be made culturally relevant, finding the sidebars on race, cultural differences, modern morality, and varying interpretations to be just another extension of the "Political Correctness" movement. I couldn't disagree more. The Bible should be the one book that everyone can "see themselves" in should they seek such a thing. This Bible does that for a new generation of Catholics and for a new, hesitant group of explorers. I'd ballpark the appropriate age for this version at around 13-35 years.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Study Bible I've Ever Seen - great for 35 and under
Review: This Bible blew me away when I went hunting for one a few months ago to give to a youth who had come into my life. I was so impressed, I bought one for myself. This Bible is many things, but the first thing that I noticed, quite honestly, is that the colors were bright, the print readable, and the illustrations far less serious and far more engaging than your typical Bible. Without growing to an unwieldy size, the editors manage to throw in a wealth of study information, written in a modern, friendly style, that helps make even the dryest or most confusing parts of the Good Book both understandable and relevant to today's society. That is what makes it perfect for someone, like my young friend, who is unfamiliar with religion, Christianity, or just plain old Bible study. It's less intimidating that most Bibles and all material is presented in such a manner that you don't feel "unprepared" if you pick it up cold. Catholics are often les familiar with the Bible than many Protestant denominations, as we have a wholistic focus that is both valuable and worthwhile--however, a better relationship and understanding of the Word can only enhance one's spiritual life and experience as a Catholic. If that applies to you (which, I have to admit, it did to me) this is a wonderful way to get your feet wet in Biblical translation, discussion, interpretation, and modern relevance. Who won't like this Bible? 1 - Those more familiar and attached to more formal translations such as the King James Version 2 - Those already familiar with intensive Bible study, IF not working with youth or those less familiar 3 - most Protestants...the discussion is from a very clear Catholic viewpoint...not really controversial, just Catholic 4 - and traditionalists who are offended by the idea of making the Bible "accessible" and "relevant" through use of the lingo/parlance and point of view of today's under-25 set. I believe one reviewer felt that the Bible didn't need to be made culturally relevant, finding the sidebars on race, cultural differences, modern morality, and varying interpretations to be just another extension of the "Political Correctness" movement. I couldn't disagree more. The Bible should be the one book that everyone can "see themselves" in should they seek such a thing. This Bible does that for a new generation of Catholics and for a new, hesitant group of explorers. I'd ballpark the appropriate age for this version at around 13-35 years.

Rating:
Summary: Good intentions, Poor result
Review: This bible is well-indexed and visually appealing but is definitely NOT the best choice.Trying to make the holy bible "cool" for teens, opened this version to watered-down commentary and many BIG ERRORS! Some Ex :In one of the "Catholic Connections" sections what Jesus meant at the Last Supper in Luke's gospel is described in wishy-washy terms instead of clearly stating what we believe about the Eucharist, Christ's True Presence and Body and Blood given to us! In another commentary section titled "The Jews" in the Gospel of John", the author of the Gospel is insinuated to be anti-Semitic and the author of Sirach is sexist:"The Sexism of Sirach"! It consistently refers to "Catholic Christians" in 3rd person presenting our beliefs as subjective opinions. The "New Revised Standard Version" is not even approved for use in the liturgy of the Mass(a good indication that it's not the best choice for our own spiritual reading). The NRSV has some inclusive language (changing 'man' to 'one') which can cause problems like confuse references to Christ in Old Testament texts.*Don't confuse it with the Revised Standard Version (Cath. Ed.) which is excellent. Try that or the Cath. Edition of the New American Bible or Jerusalem Bible. Do not insult our young people's intelligence; they don't need something 'trendy'. Get one of the bible transl. mentioned, The Catechism, (a good Catholic study guide or bible commentary like the Navarre Bible, if you like) and read with your child! May the Lord bless and guide all!

Rating:
Summary: Pages too thin
Review: This is a review about the quality of the physical book, not the text.

The pages are very thin, almost see through. If you encourage your kids to highlight significant passages, this edition is not a good choice. I purchased it for a student, and I don't think it's going to last more than a year, if that. I personally feel that a student bible should be a tough, companion book that can endure a camping trip and riding to and fro in a school backpack. This is a neat bible; too bad it's not a bit tougher.