Poverty & Justice Bible

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I went to a Christian Bookstore today to look around. I wasn’t considering buying anything, but I found a Bible called the Poverty & Justice Bible published by the American Bible Society that uses the Contemporary English Version (CEV). It highlights over 2000 verses that talk about poverty and justice and how it is something close to God’s heart.

Considering that I do volunteer work sometimes with poor migrant children (and considering becoming an immigration lawyer or priest), I thought it would be an interesting Bible edition to have. But since it is a Protestant Bible and I haven’t heard much at all of the CEV, I thought I’d do some research before. So that’s why I’m here!

What are your thoughts?
What do you think of the CEV?

And don’t worry, I plan on having my Catholic Bibles (Douay or RSV-2CE) close by when reading it, just in case. 👍

Here’s the Bible’s website:
www.justicebible.org
youtube.com/watch?v=rDRkX6eZE3c
 
SalesianSDB said:
I went to a Christian Bookstore today to look around. I wasn’t considering buying anything, but I found a Bible called the Poverty & Justice Bible published by the American Bible Society that uses the Contemporary English Version (CEV). It highlights over 2000 verses that talk about poverty and justice and how it is something close to God’s heart.

Considering that I do volunteer work sometimes with poor migrant children (and considering becoming an immigration lawyer or priest), I thought it would be an interesting Bible edition to have. But since it is a Protestant Bible and I haven’t heard much at all of the CEV, I thought I’d do some research before. So that’s why I’m here!

What are your thoughts?
What do you think of the CEV?

And don’t worry, I plan on having my Catholic Bibles (Douay or RSV-2CE) close by when reading it, just in case. 👍

Here’s the Bible’s website:
www.justicebible.org
youtube.com/watch?v=rDRkX6eZE3c
Click to expand...
I know little of the CEV but it is an interesting concept.

We might decide to produce a “Hell” Bible and when it is printed underline or red letter all of the references to hell in Scripture.

Or perhaps the “Angel” Bible…

Or…
 
I ordered this when I saw your post.
The CEV is a modern language translation… a bit less literal than the RSV. It seems OK from what I’ve seen before, but I, too, will be comparing it to the RSV (I don’t trust thought-for-thought leaning translations to be exacting). However, the easy references to justice passages seems like it would be worth it - I’ll post here again once I receive it.

Peace and thanks for the heads up.
 
If I can remember I will look at our book of translations at work - I work at a christian book store. The little I remember , it is not a widely respected translation among protestants but I can not remember why.
 
“Niche editions” of the Bible are not much more than a set of inspirational or otherwise useful notes and commentaries hung on the Biblical text like so many coffee cups under a cabinet. Marketing ploy, IMHO. Go ahead and get one, it may be interesting if you are well enough informed about the Catholic positions on these issues.
 
I read some reviews on it… people seem to be giving it thumbs up for pointing out the appropriate verses w/ the highlighting. Some people have said the type is too small (probably not an issue with someone with good vision). I figure I can use it to alert me quickly to the proper passages, which I can mark in an RSV.
 
I received my copy of it in the mail yesterday.

In the middle are about 50 pp of practical and inspirational readings about Justice/Poverty work. The Bible fits nicely in the hand and could be carried around anywhere. The cover is sturdy. The CEV reads smoothly - a fair translation for general use (I would not use it alone for doctrinal study, however). If you were talking about Justice & Poverty issues on the street from the CEV, it would be a version people could readily understand.

The highlighting makes the 2000+ verses related to poverty and justice easy to find as you read or flip through it.

For the price, I think it is worth it if the issues it concerns are something near to your heart. It is not superfluous like so many “niche” Bibles… I think it will be useful for me and others because it can be used in conjunction with practical works - not just sit on a shelf looking pretty.
 
I am sorry, why are you buying a Protestant Bible? Surely you not looking in the right direction.

All the best teachings on Poverty come from the Catholic Church, you need to look for resources within the Church and pray to seek direction.

I am sorry, I dont think this is from God.

One Catholic Priest said, “throw all your protestant books in the bin” I have done exactly that. Lets not forget they have changed the words Christ. They are prey to the Devil.

An other Catholic Priest said, “although Christ said we will always have poverty with us, this doesn’t mean we are to try and NOT irradicate it”. Again you see, understanding remains with the RCatholic Church.

This brings us to scene of Judgment, where the Justice of God demands that we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned.

“Through Your own poverty you make others rich” this again is a Catholic teaching.

The protestants preach a properity gospel, God forbid they abandon the Mother God. This is a more pressing point.

I pray that you ask Jesus to give you crosses to bear for him, we endure the mystery of the cross through suffering.

Regards

Atour
 
AtourDOMAN said:
I am sorry, why are you buying a Protestant Bible? Surely you not looking in the right direction.

All the best teachings on Poverty come from the Catholic Church, you need to look for resources within the Church and pray to seek direction.

I am sorry, I dont think this is from God.

One Catholic Priest said, “throw all your protestant books in the bin” I have done exactly that. Lets not forget they have changed the words Christ. They are prey to the Devil.

An other Catholic Priest said, “although Christ said we will always have poverty with us, this doesn’t mean we are to try and NOT irradicate it”. Again you see, understanding remains with the RCatholic Church.

This brings us to scene of Judgment, where the Justice of God demands that we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned.

“Through Your own poverty you make others rich” this again is a Catholic teaching.

The protestants preach a properity gospel, God forbid they abandon the Mother God. This is a more pressing point.

I pray that you ask Jesus to give you crosses to bear for him, we endure the mystery of the cross through suffering.

Regards

Atour
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  • Not all Protestants preach a prosperity gospel.
-If you read what I said above, I would be double-checking all verses in a Catholic-approved translation
  • Biblical principles of Justice and Mercy to the poor, oppressed, etc are universal.
  • “Mother God” ??? There is no “Mother God”
 
BTW, The Poverty and Justice Bible is associated with World Vision, which is not a distinctly Protestant organization:

"Working cross-denominationally, World Vision is connecting United States congregations not only with communities around the world, but also with one another. As neighboring U.S. churches join forces to help poor communities, new bonds of Christian unity are emerging at home as well as abroad.

World Vision’s commitment to serve the Church recently was
re-emphasized when the international aid agency reviewed the organization’s work with churches around the world. As a result, the World Vision International board of directors adopted a strategy that places churches in the forefront of World Vision’s work. This strategy asserts that God’s work among the poor is more effective when churches and World Vision work together. This includes churches in both wealthy and poor countries.

‘The Church and World Vision share our love for Christ and His mandate to serve the poor,” Haas said. “We may be Baptist, Methodist, or Catholic, but we’re all one in Jesus.’”
 
beloved

You wont get the gist of what I am saying untill you start a false religion, then you will see God and the sense with which I speak. By then ofcourse you will be lost just like those who follow Muhammad.

Catholic Charities eradicate Poverty by mobilizing the Poor, others do not. I hope you know the difference between a Catholic Charity and the rest. not all are the Same, or do you not live in a heretical country like I do and watch the BBC. Likewise I would advise you to support Catholic Charities and Catholic Charities only. Then your money would be out to good use.
  • it’s Mother Of God.
  • not all Catholics are saved?
  • Universal means “Catholic” - you say it yourself.
 
AtourDOMAN said:
beloved

You wont get the gist of what I am saying untill you start a false religion, then you will see God and the sense with which I speak. By then ofcourse you will be lost just like those who follow Muhammad.

Catholic Charities eradicate Poverty by mobilizing the Poor, others do not. I hope you know the difference between a Catholic Charity and the rest. not all are the Same, or do you not live in a heretical country like I do and watch the BBC. Likewise I would advise you to support Catholic Charities and Catholic Charities only. Then your money would be out to good use.
  • it’s Mother Of God.
  • not all Catholics are saved?
  • Universal means “Catholic” - you say it yourself.
Click to expand...
Thanks for your concern, but you sound more like a Fundamentalist than a Catholic with your fear speech.

There is no teaching of the Church that forbids engaging in charitable works with the separated brethren. What you write is your opinion - not the teachings of the Church. Ecumenism is also a part of Church teaching and work. We are not to isolate ourselves from others that hold the name of Christ.

Thanks for your concern, but I feel it is ill-founded

Peace
 
beloved

sorry I forgot to mention:

I quote Jerome: in effect he says, “if you have good works but remain a false teacher, you do not enter heaven you goto Hell.”

He’s a Church father on the Catholic God Pod from Days gone by if I am not mistaken.

Everything I have told I have heard from a Catholic Priest. You have to besotted with Christ and this “TRUE” religion we have, it is like no other, since God only honours the Seat of Peter.

Jesus said, “if they do not believe me, they will not believe you either”. I suggest you stop befriending heretics since they have no part in the Life to come. Or have you never read “the Desert fathers”. Or even the Gospel, “not eveeryone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter heaven”.

I could go on, and on… Do you never watch Catholic Television, they would tell you the same thing.

Regards

Atour
 
AtourDOMAN said:
beloved

sorry I forgot to mention:

I quote Jerome: in effect he says, “if you have good works but remain a false teacher, you do not enter heaven you goto Hell.”

He’s a Church father on the Catholic God Pod from Days gone by if I am not mistaken.

Everything I have told I have heard from a Catholic Priest. You have to besotted with Christ and this “TRUE” religion we have, it is like no other, since God only honours the Seat of Peter.

Jesus said, “if they do not believe me, they will not believe you either”. I suggest you stop befriending heretics since they have no part in the Life to come. Or have you never read “the Desert fathers”. Or even the Gospel, “not eveeryone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter heaven”.

I could go on, and on… Do you never watch Catholic Television, they would tell you the same thing.

Regards

Atour
Click to expand...
The forum rules state: "Messages posted to this board** must be polite and free of personal attacks**, threats, and crude or sexually-explicit language.

To say I have “besotted” Christ’s name and the Church and infer that I am a “false teacher” is a personal attack. I ask that refrain from that in the future.

If you can back up your opinions with official teachings of the Church, please do so - otherwise they remain your opinion. Even if your priest supposedly told you something, it still needs to align with the explicit teachings of the Church. Anecdotal secondhand statements are not sufficient.

You do not have to agree with me, but I reject your rebuke as falsely based until otherwise proven by official Church teaching.

You would dissuade me and others from doing the works that Christ commanded us to do in a manner that is acceptable because of your personal opinions. I cannot accept that.
 
From the CCC:

III. Human Solidarity

1939 The principle of solidarity, also articulated in terms of “friendship” or “social charity,” is a direct demand of human and Christian brotherhood.45

An error, "today abundantly widespread, is disregard for the law of human solidarity and charity, dictated and imposed both by our common origin and by the equality in rational nature of all men, whatever nation they belong to. This law is sealed by the sacrifice of redemption offered by Jesus Christ on the altar of the Cross to his heavenly Father, on behalf of sinful humanity."46

1940 Solidarity is manifested in the first place by the distribution of goods and remuneration for work. It also presupposes the effort for a more just social order where tensions are better able to be reduced and conflicts more readily settled by negotiation.

1941 Socio-economic problems can be resolved only with the help of all the forms of solidarity: solidarity of the poor among themselves, between rich and poor, of workers among themselves, between employers and employees in a business, solidarity among nations and peoples. International solidarity is a requirement of the moral order; world peace depends in part upon this.
You do realize that this includes such things as helping the poor & homeless, engaging with separated brethren in pro-life work and a host of other things.

Are you telling me not to engage in the work that is done in solidarity?
 
Hi Beloved,

No dont miss-understand me, I am not discouraging you from Good works regardless of who it may be with.

But you are right, what I profess is an Opinion, but that ‘opinion’ IS ‘Aired’ by the Catholic Church. And for me, it is influencial.

Sorry about my words, I mis-quoted Jerome which changes things I think, he said those who “lack teaching”. I know what your thinking thats hardly better - sorry about that. I’m not making a personal attack - again sorry if it seems that way - Apologies.

traditionalcatholicsermons.org/BishopSanbornSermonArchive/BpSan_FewAreChosen_10-14-01_1734.mp3

You are free to reject my advice. At least I told you - right? That’s me done. Your on your own now. But I will pray for you, if you don’t mind.

P.S. I do need to buy a “CCC” for myself I haven’t got one yet.

Kind regards,

Atour MArcous.
 
I’ve seen it. It is an interesting idea (a little like the NRSV-based Green Bible.)

The potential advantage of this Bible is that by focusing our attention on different verses than we usually concentrate on, we may have the opportunity to note aspects of the text we do not normally listen to.

Disadvantages include a rather poor translation (CEV is a translation for simple readers, with an aim at even a lower reading level than the Good News Translation), no Catholic Deuterocanon, and somewhat arbitrary decisions in highlighting verses.

If you are interested in reading a Bible with a social justice tilt, I suggest instead the NRSV-based (with full Deuterocanon/Apocrypha) New Interpreter’s Study Bible, which has many detailed notes on social justice and interpretive issues. Alternatively, you may enjoy the NAB(RE)-based Little Rock Catholic Study Bible which has a number of social justice issues highlighted. I think you will find either to be considerably more meaty the Poverty and Justice Bible. (Both of these have additional advantages of including the full Catholic canon, and having Catholic contributors: the *LRCSB *is Catholic, the *NISB *is ecumenical.)

In any case, happy Bible reading.
 
AtourDOMAN said:
Hi Beloved,

No dont miss-understand me, I am not discouraging you from Good works regardless of who it may be with.

But you are right, what I profess is an Opinion, but that ‘opinion’ IS ‘Aired’ by the Catholic Church. And for me, it is influencial.

Sorry about my words, I mis-quoted Jerome which changes things I think, he said those who “lack teaching”. I know what your thinking thats hardly better - sorry about that. I’m not making a personal attack - again sorry if it seems that way - Apologies.

traditionalcatholicsermons.org/BishopSanbornSermonArchive/BpSan_FewAreChosen_10-14-01_1734.mp3

You are free to reject my advice. At least I told you - right? That’s me done. Your on your own now. But I will pray for you, if you don’t mind.

P.S. I do need to buy a “CCC” for myself I haven’t got one yet.

Kind regards,

Atour MArcous.
Click to expand...
Everything is cool!
I do like Catholic Charities, so I will see what can be done in this area with them. I know there is a lot of need in my city because of the terrible economy (and all over the world, of course). So, thank you for your suggestion.

I appreciate your advice.
God bless you and keep you.
 
Bible_Reader said:
I’ve seen it. It is an interesting idea (a little like the NRSV-based Green Bible.)

The potential advantage of this Bible is that by focusing our attention on different verses than we usually concentrate on, we may have the opportunity to note aspects of the text we do not normally listen to.

Disadvantages include a rather poor translation (CEV is a translation for simple readers, with an aim at even a lower reading level than the Good News Translation), no Catholic Deuterocanon, and somewhat arbitrary decisions in highlighting verses.

If you are interested in reading a Bible with a social justice tilt, I suggest instead the NRSV-based (with full Deuterocanon/Apocrypha) New Interpreter’s Study Bible, which has many detailed notes on social justice and interpretive issues. Alternatively, you may enjoy the NAB(RE)-based Little Rock Catholic Study Bible which has a number of social justice issues highlighted. I think you will find either to be considerably more meaty the Poverty and Justice Bible. (Both of these have additional advantages of including the full Catholic canon, and having Catholic contributors: the *LRCSB *is Catholic, the *NISB *is ecumenical.)

In any case, happy Bible reading.
Click to expand...
I am a big fan of the RSV and NRSV… I have heard of New Interpreter’s Study Bible. I will look around for the best price and see if it is within my means to purchase.

I, too, realize the lack in the CEV translation… I just got the Poverty & Justice Bible to have the ease of the highlighted passages, which I will just note in my other Bible 😉

Peace and thanks for the info.
 
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