I wanted to make a suggestion for Catholics who are looking for a good personal, study Bible. If you are a Catholic who ever feels confused about certain portions of Scripture, one who thinks Scripture is dry or dull or uninteresting, or one who would like to read the Bible along with the great theologians and Fathers of the Church, then I would strongly recommend picking up a copy the “Ignatius Catholic Study Bible–New Testament” (Ignatius Press, 726 pages, $21.95).
In a couple of months, Ignatius Press will be releasing this study Bible, which combines the full text of the New Testament–the Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic edition–along with a collection of commentaries from ancient, medieval, and modern scholarship. The commentary in the Bible was developed by Dr. Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch, two of the preeminent Biblical scholars in the Catholic Church. They’ve compiled interpretation from the Church Fathers and from great Catholic theologians throughout history, meaning that the commentary for each passage of Scripture is wholly, fully Catholic in understanding.
There are dozens and dozens of Protestant study Bibles, and while many of them offer solid content and interpretation, there are always chunks of Biblical interpretation that directly counter what the Church teaches. For a Catholic, I think reading a Bible with Protestant commentary is better than reading one without any commentary, but better yet would be reading one with authentically Catholic commentary. This study Bible offers that type of Catholic understanding of Scripture.
Over the past years, Ignatius has been publishing this commentary one volume at a time, offering a separate volume of commentary for each of the New Testament books. These individual commentaries are currently selling for $9.95 each, and some stores are even selling the complete set of individual commentaries for more than $100. But you can pre-order the entire compiled New Testament study Bible for only $14.95 on Amazon. It really is a great deal.
So, if you couldn’t already tell, I’m incredibly enthused about the release of this great treasure. I think it will be the best Bible out there for Catholics interested in a serious understanding of Scripture, or for Protestants interested in traditional understandings of Scripture. Catholics are often stereotyped as being Biblically illiterate and, while I don’t think that’s true, this tool will go a long way towards bringing a fuller understanding of Scripture to every Catholic.
May we each grow a deeper understanding of our God through our Scriptures and our Church.
‘Once a generation a truly unique Bible tool is given to the Church. The Ignatius Study Bible is a gift for our generation. This is the most important book since the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Every parish study group and every student of Sacred Scripture should own and use this Bible.” – David Currie
(To read a snippets of this commentary on the Gospel of John, click here.
Nobody asked me to write this review, and I am receiving nothing for promoting this Bible, I am just incredibly excited about its release. I will try and write a lengthier review upon the release of this gem.
Also, I wanted to again point out that this study Bible only includes the New Testament. As far as I know, Ignatius doesn’t have an Old Testament version in the works yet, though that is something I would eagerly welcome!)