I use the RSV-CE, second edition. Not only do I like its language, but it is the English version used by the Vatican. It is not extensively footnoted like the NIV, but has good footnotes.
Here is a good article about how different translations work, and about specific Bibles. Here’s an excerpt:
For example, dynamic Protestant translations, such as the NIV, tend to translate the Greek word ergon and its derivatives as “work” when it reinforces Protestant doctrine but as something else (such as “deeds” or “doing”) when it would serve Catholic doctrine.
The NIV renders Romans 4:2 “If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works (ergon), he had something to boast about—but not before God.” This passage is used to support the Protestant doctrine of salvation by faith alone. But the NIV translates the erg- derivatives in Romans 2:6-7 differently: “God ‘will give to each person according to what he has done (erga).’ To those who by persistence in doing (ergou) good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.”
If the erg- derivatives were translated consistently as “work” then it would be clear that the passage says God will judge “every person according to his works” and will give eternal life to those who seek immortality “by persistence in working good”—statements that support the Catholic view of salvation.
There is also some great software out there for studying the Bible.
The
Haydock Commentary and the
Douay-Rheims (with commentary by Bishop Richard Challoner, written in 1749-1752) are online; click on the links. Be aware that the D-R arranges the Psalms differently They combined Ps 9 and 10, so that “their” Ps 10 is “our” Ps 11.
Commentaries by some of the Doctors of the Church are
here. In the top box on the left, click “commentaries.”
And there is a searchable Catechism online, which I love. So easy to use!
There are also some excellent Catholic Bible studies out there. I’ve taken the first two years of the Denver Catholic Biblical School, which is fabulous! I know it’s available in the Denver and Colorado Springs Dioceses, and I think at a few more. There are books, such as the Ignatius series, and the Navarre Bible series, that are more intensive. (The commentary text takes up more of the page than the Bible text, most of the time.)
God bless you. PM me if you’d like.
Ruthie
