Customer Reviews

Catholic Women's Devotional Bible

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a Catholic, I've found that up to now, our devotional Bibles (which are usually hard to find!) have been very thin on inspirational articles, application notes and clear discussions of the scriptural basis of many of our traditions. This Bible contains profiles of women in the Bible, suggestions on how to use them as prayer partners, articles on the biblical basis of Catholic practices, a lectionary and a subject index. The NRSV translation is a great choice. It's clear, features inclusive language where appropriate without detracting from the historical feel of the text. Using it will give Catholics (and especially Catholic women) a great appreciation for their religion and will deepen their spirituality. I gave it 4 stars because I would have wanted a more extensive index (I think all Bibles should feature a concordance at the end), but this Bible is worth having and worth USING!

I am a Catholic woman who was looking for a Biblical devotional for daily use. Obviously hard to find unless one uses Protestant books. I purchased this book, but immediately felt disappointed. I am an at-home, homeschooling, very traditional Catholic woman, and some of the reflections rubbed me the wrong way, or were hard to relate to, because they were so contemporary and did not seem universal enough to apply to my life. They also struck me less as meditations and more as anecdotes. However, after awhile, the book began having an unexpected effect on me which, while different than I expected, was positive nonetheless. While I could not relate to some of the anecdotes or reflections, I did find myself learning more and more about how to apply scripture to my life, beyond the obvious ways the Church has always taught. It was as if, by relating the experiences and thoughts of other women, the book was giving me permission to insert my own story, my own sufferings and struggles and joys, into salvation history. So, while I do not find myself meditating on the given reflections in the way I expected, they DO inspire meditation! A second positive effect is, I find myself obsessively reading scripture out of curiosity as to what the next reflection will be! Three words of caution: First, while some reflections are only a page or two apart, occasionally there are many pages between daily reflections. In that case, one must make a choice of reading many pages, or skip large sections of the Bible to keep pace with the sequence of reflections. Second, there are a few reflections which are questionable in terms of theological accuracy. One example describes Christ's birth as involving pain, blood, and an umbilical cord, which sounds to me like a denial of the Virgin Birth. Another cautions us against allowing our religious rituals to come between us and another person; this can be read in an acceptably orthodox way as advising us not to be too rigid, but could also be read as permission to skip Mass in the name of charity. Third, I am personally not fond of the inclusive-language translation of the NRSV. I realize it is approved by the Church, but sometimes in the awkward effort to use inclusive language, the meaning is diluted or completely altered. For example, sometimes the word "man" is used not simply to refer generically to any human being, but is meant to refer to Adam, either literally or figuratively. Therefore, changing it to "person" or "humankind" loses some of the intended meaning. As does the use of "students" in place of "brothers"; clearly those words are not synonymous. Thankfully, there are footnotes indicating the original words whenever these alterations are used. But these alterations seem unnecessary; I don't know of any woman who has ever been offended by the original language of the Bible, which was, after all, authored by God. Overall, a worthwhile book. I would like to see a somewhat different version for women, perhaps drawing more heavily upon women saints than contemporary authors, and with reflections which are more truly meditative than anecdotal,using a non-incusive-language text.

This is an absolutely wonderful book for all women. It walks you through many Catholic traditions plus it features daily devotional stories all written by women. It helps to translate God's word with everyday devotionals. Plus it highlights women of the bible every weekend. THe sunday readings allow you to learn how to use the women of the bible to pray for those around you. This has really been my first devotional bible and I have really used it to open up my life to God!

This Bible is very easy to read, and it has inspired me to learn more about our faith and our relationship with God. The explanations provided are simple enough to understand, and provide a starting point for further reading if one is so inclined. I strongly recommend this Bible to all Catholics.

I have several bibles with different, including the NAB and
RSV-CE. I love this women's bible! It's the one that I use for bible study and for just reading in bed. There is a new Couple's CAtholic bible that is this same style that I haven't bought. Yet. :) Anyhow....any ladies out there that want a great study, personal bible this is it!

Inspirational plus. This Bible is my treasure.

The Bible is easy to read & understand. Chapters are divided and the readings are like short stories. Recommended for someone who want a Bible that is easy to read.

I love this Bible! It is very easy reading and has become the book that I pick up now every day to read! Its inspiring messages are so uplifting and positive. I would definitely recommend this Bible to all!

This has been the best gift I could have given myself. I have since purchased it for other women in my family.

I lead a women's prayer group and Bible study. Although we use several different Bibles and translations, this is one of the ones that the group prefers, and many women have purchased for their own use. The sidebar reflections on themes and tradition of the church are really wonderful. Many of these sidebars have prompted wonderful discussions in our group! I highly recommend this Bible. Blessings!