Great Adventure Catholic Study Bible

[Gorgias]

However, since they managed the freebie study so badly, it ended up being a marketing failure

Yep. Shame, but then again, it’s not trivial to implement a digital offering successfully…

you’re not going to be able to put the whole OT timeline together just based on what you hear at Mass. And even the Great Adventure timeline only covers about 12 books of the OT plus 2 of the NT. It leaves a lot out.

Right. But, the goal is to put together the major points of the timeline – both OT and NT – into a coherent narrative. I’ve found that it’s generally successful in doing so. Not perfect, but quite good.

Therefore I had a reasonable understanding at least of the patriarchs and kings before I ever actually read all the OT.

My experience (which includes catechetical work) is that, although Catholics might recognize patriarchs and kings, they have a difficult time expressing where they fit into the greater story.

The other thing is that like I said, Catholic “Bible Study” often does not get into the cultural or historical overtones of Scripture. Most of the time it is just an excuse for people to sit around sharing their very high-level impressions

Yeah, I’m with you. That’s what drew me to the Great Adventure stuff in the first place. It wasn’t just another “how does this passage make you feel?” exercise. Hahn’s studies also do a great job of imparting solid exegesis!

The Cavins’ studies are more “factual” rather that the touchy-feely type.

So, let’s be fair about this: the “touchy-feely” Bible study does have its place in our lives!

The thing is, the Bible isn’t a single-purpose book. The implication is that there are multiple ways to read the Bible. Sometimes, we read it in order to understand God’s revelation about Salvation History. Other times, we read it in order to hear God talking to me, personally, and in the context of what I’m dealing with today in my life. A “touchy-feely” study is awesome for the latter purpose – but completely inappropriate as the former. An exegetical study is exactly what is suited for the former purpose – but it can leave folks unsatisfied if they’re looking for something else.

 

[Tolle_Lege]

I have the Great Adventure Bible, and found it quite lacking for the money I paid for it. At nearly $60.00 (US), it lacked what I would consider very basic items for a Bible of that price, namely book introductions and footnotes. Maybe it’s my fault; I was under the impression it would be a more “stand alone” Bible, but I think to get its full worth you really have to be enrolled in the Great Adventure Study program as well.

For $20 less, the RSVCE2 Didache Bible is much better, in my opinion.

I long for the day when the Ignatius Study Bible is sold in a complete OT and NT edition!