Dear Catholic Exchange:
Is it OK to read the Jerusalem Bible? I know that it is Catholic, but I was wondering what you think?
Mary Smith
Dear Mary,
Peace in Christ!
We do recommend the Jerusalem Bible, along with the New American Bible and the Revised Standard Version-Catholic Edition (note: not the new versions of these translations).
With regard to translations of the Bible, it would be impossible to say that there is one in particular that is the “best” or “most authentic.” While some translations are better than others, no single translation can capture all that the original languages convey. What can be said is that it is important to select a translation that is both faithful and helps a person learn Scripture. For example, some translations are better for devotional reading, while others might be better for study. For serious study of the Scripture, it is most advisable to use several translations in order to compare passages and obtain the fullest sense of the passage itself. Most importantly, Scripture must be read in the light of faith, which means “within ‘the living Tradition of the whole Church’” (Catechism, no. 113).
Please feel free to call us at 1-800-MY FAITH with any further questions on this or any other subject. If you have found this information to be helpful, please consider a donation to CUF to help sustain this service. You can call the toll-free line, visit us at www.cuf.org, or send your contribution to the address below. Thank you for your support as we endeavor to “support, defend, and advance the efforts of the teaching Church.”
United in the Faith,
Amy Barragree
Information Specialist
Catholics United for the Faith
827 North Fourth Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)
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