Having bought a St Benedict Press Bible, I feel I must share with you that I was rather disappointed with the quality of the Bible. I do think the DR versions look better, but the RSV-CE version that I currently have, whilst good notes of which there are few, disappointed me somewhat because I assumed it was a
study bible instead it is the
Catholic Scripture Study Bible which is the publication’s sponsor (I guess).
I also have a DR from Barionius. I couldn’t commend this edition highly enough. I rarely use the Bible as I would like to see it passed on to future generations of my family… I generally like using a King James Version with the Apocrypha due to the language mainly (I am English a huge fan of Shakespeare, so it figures!)
Its features include the Old and New Testaments (obviously, with the Catholic books which Luther and Cranmer et al. ripped out in the beginnings of Protestantism). It has smallish text, so if you’ve got bad eyes it isn’t recommended. Also included are coloured maps, and engravings in black and white depicting notable biblical scenes. It finally includes the following papal encyclicals:
*]PROVIDENTISSIMUS DEUS - Encyclical of Pope Leo XIII - On the Study of Holy Scripture
*] SPIRITUS PARACLITUS - Encyclical of Pope Benedict XV - On St. Jerome *]DIVINO AFFLANTE SPIRITU - Encyclical of Pope Pius XII - On Promoting Biblical Studies, Commemorating the Fiftieth Anniversary of Providentissimus Deus
I would highly recommend this Bible, either as an heirloom or just as a general use Bible. I would give a
caveat that it not be used for study unless, like me, you’re a fan of the Shakespearean-style of 17th Century English. It is good quality and contains all you will need to learn the faith, contains also the Pre-Tridentine readings and a kinda apology list of justifications for Sacraments and Traditions like absolution and unction etc. My copy cost around £35 which is like $55.
I hope you enjoy whatever decide to buy. Just ensure it is read, in this day and age we need to know our faith - what better way to do it during the Pope’s initiative of the Year of Faith! - I advise you all to check out the
Annus Fidei site at
www.annusfidei.va - I hope everyone finds enrichment from it, an Activity I plan to do is
read the Catechism from my inbox and I also recommend you this site:
print off the PDF called Read the Catechism and Bible in a Year! on this site and read along!
