Customer Reviews

The Catholic Youth Bible: New Revised Standard Version: Catholic Edition

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Having taught scripture classes to Catholic high school seniors for years, I'm delighted, but not surprised, at the quality of "The Catholic Youth Bible". I'm delighted because, while it does not bill itself as a study Bible, the new CYB contains a host of short inserts, maps, and articles reflecting contemporary scripture scholarship. These are presented palatably both visually and linguistically. Its young readers will find in their hands an incomparable tool which will not only assist them in growing in their understanding of and relationship to God, but will teach them so much of what they need in order to live as responsible Catholic Christians in an increasingly complex world. Too often, these bright young minds are woefully underestimated. Even textbooks frequently dish up large servings of "whipped cream" where nourishing "meat and potatoes" are needed. The CYB provides a world of nourishing fare, laid out in invitingly tasty fashion. Earlier, I said I was not surprised that this is so. That is due to long experience with Saint Mary's Press. Early in my teaching career, I learned religious studies texts could be ordered with complete confidence sight unseen from the folks in Winona. The quality is that good, and it rarely wavers. This was definitely the publisher to take on this daunting task, and once again, Saint Mary's Press more than rose to the occasion. hing

I am a 15 year old Catholic, and to be perfectly honest, I had never really read the Bible. Yes, I hear it in Mass and in Religious Education, but reading the Bible on my own was just plain difficult before I got the Catholic Youth Bible. It breaks down the different parts of the Bible so that I can understand the differences between the books of the Bible, so that I can choose what it is I want to read. It also explains passages, prayers, and stories that I never knew were so important. It has sections entitled "PRAY IT!" "STUDY IT!" and "LIVE IT!" that explain how to use the words from the Bible to live better lives as Catholics. I have a much better understanding of basic things such as the LORD'S PRAYER!!! Now, every Catholic knows the Lord's prayer by heart but how many of us teens truly understand what each line means and what we should be thinking about when we pray it?? When the prayer appears in the book of Matthew, the CYB picks apart the prayer line by line and explains what significance the prayer should have in our lives and what the lines mean.I would go on forever about how great this Bible is, and how much it has made me grow in spirituality and understanding of Biblical teachings, but we would be here all day. So just buy it yourself!!! It is worth EVERY penny!!!

It makes me hungry to feast at the biblical banquet! I like the conversational teaching tone used in special features, the index to locate events and people in the life of Jesus, and the articles that guide a reader to apply the message to real life situations.

This volume truly appeals to youth. Several people I know who purchased The Catholic Youth Bible as a Confirmation gift said the young recipients were enthusiastic about having so much to choose from in one book.

Adults new in their study of scripture are also drawn to the translation, the suggested reading plans and cultural backgrounds. Directors of Religous education want to study the Catholic Connections articles and index of Bible passages related to each sacrament.

The book is well bound and printed on sturdy Bible paper. It will be of long service to anyone who wants to pray it, study it and live it.

The Catholic Youth Bible is hands down the best bible to put into the lives of teens. In my 16+ years of youth ministry, I have never seen any bible that Catholic kids keep with them and use like this one. Never have I had a bible that prompted our teens to say to me, "I was reading this part of that bible you gave us and I wonder what you think about....." I don't have any problem with the "not authorized for liturgy" that is sometimes the critique of this edition. You know what "authorizes" this bible for me? The fact that it is able to grab hold and draw of the interest of young people, to foster in them a hunger for the real presence of Christ in the scriptures and empower them to seek answers in God's word. This is a bible that even kids who think of themselves as "non religious" dive right into as soon as they get it. It is appealing and provides substantial commentary and support. This bible has become "the" bible of the youth programs that I direct.

Here is a Bible you can put into a young person's hands andstand back. Coaxing won't be needed. Young people are more apt to"surf" their way through a text. Attractive layouts mixed with inserts and side-bar commentaries invite them to learn more, make connections with everyday life, or slow down and dig deeper. The presentation of the small book of Lamentations for instance, offers brief reflections on urban violence, finding reason to hope, and growing through the experience of loss.

The interspersed reflections from the view of cultures which don't find voice in too many of our religious works is a welcome inclusion. The editors chose four cultural perspectives that highlight the Bible's universal appeal: African American, Hispanic and Latino, Asian American and Native American. The NRSV translation offers young people a readable and more accurate translation than previous options tailored to young people. There are "reading plans," offering topical journeys for those who want to learn about the bible's take on issues like suffering, poverty and vocation. A "Catholic Connections" feature offers brief linkages of a passage to Catholic teaching, life and worship. I enjoyed the prayer reflections, the background "introductions" to important biblical people, and the "Live It" reflections. Michael O'Neil McGrath's elegant illustrations are present to serve the text and encourage reflection. St. Mary's Press is to be commended for offering a hard-cover option. It is well worth the cost, this is one Bible that will get used over and over.

This Bible blew me away when I went hunting for one a few months ago to give to a youth who had come into my life. I was so impressed, I bought one for myself. This Bible is many things, but the first thing that I noticed, quite honestly, is that the colors were bright, the print readable, and the illustrations far less serious and far more engaging than your typical Bible. Without growing to an unwieldy size, the editors manage to throw in a wealth of study information, written in a modern, friendly style, that helps make even the dryest or most confusing parts of the Good Book both understandable and relevant to today's society. That is what makes it perfect for someone, like my young friend, who is unfamiliar with religion, Christianity, or just plain old Bible study. It's less intimidating that most Bibles and all material is presented in such a manner that you don't feel "unprepared" if you pick it up cold. Catholics are often les familiar with the Bible than many Protestant denominations, as we have a wholistic focus that is both valuable and worthwhile--however, a better relationship and understanding of the Word can only enhance one's spiritual life and experience as a Catholic. If that applies to you (which, I have to admit, it did to me) this is a wonderful way to get your feet wet in Biblical translation, discussion, interpretation, and modern relevance. Who won't like this Bible? 1 - Those more familiar and attached to more formal translations such as the King James Version 2 - Those already familiar with intensive Bible study, IF not working with youth or those less familiar 3 - most Protestants...the discussion is from a very clear Catholic viewpoint...not really controversial, just Catholic 4 - and traditionalists who are offended by the idea of making the Bible "accessible" and "relevant" through use of the lingo/parlance and point of view of today's under-25 set. I believe one reviewer felt that the Bible didn't need to be made culturally relevant, finding the sidebars on race, cultural differences, modern morality, and varying interpretations to be just another extension of the "Political Correctness" movement. I couldn't disagree more. The Bible should be the one book that everyone can "see themselves" in should they seek such a thing. This Bible does that for a new generation of Catholics and for a new, hesitant group of explorers. I'd ballpark the appropriate age for this version at around 13-35 years.

The Catholic Youth Bible is an incredible resource that anyone, any age will appreciate! The motto of "Pray it! Study it! Live it! truly sums up the purpose of the Bible. Engaging articles found throughout the text challenge the reader to life application. There are articles that help you learn more about scripture from a contextual approach as well. The Catholic Youth Bible could be used in many situations - the classroom, bible study groups, and for personal growth. "There's never been a Bible like this before" is definitely true and I guarantee this Bible will be one that you can't put down! Good book!

My confirmation class which includes youth and adults went wild over this Bible - lots of good questions and reflections in an engaging format... suggestions on how to "pray it" and "live it." When it comes to the "Catholic Connections", our class talks about ways in which our denomination views things similarly or differently - all leading to good discussion.

I knew this was the one for us when I looked "inside" on the Amazon webpage and saw the description of the literary genre of myth at the beginning of Genesis. This is a great option for congregations which love Holy Scripture and are NOT literalist.

We have given this as a First Communion gift for two of our children now and both have enjoyed it enough to want to read it. There are interesting call-out sections that especially appeal to kids. We've looked for youth Bibles for some time and haven't found anything as nice as this.

I've been using this with my teenager. I have a good religious foundation and love the explanations, stories, thoughts, etc. Every Catholic school shoud expose their students to this Bible.