Approved Bibles by the Catholic Church- A Comprehensive Guide to Authorized Versions
What Bibles are approved by the Catholic Church?
The Catholic Church has a rich tradition of sacred texts and religious teachings, and the Bible is at the heart of this tradition. As such, the Church has carefully selected and approved certain versions of the Bible to ensure that Catholics have access to the Word of God in a manner that is faithful to the Church’s teachings and tradition. In this article, we will explore the Bibles that are officially approved by the Catholic Church.
One of the most widely used Bibles among Catholics is the New American Bible (NAB). First published in 1970, the NAB is a translation of the Bible into English that is based on the Revised Standard Version (RSV). The NAB has been approved by the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD), which is an organization responsible for the publication of religious texts and materials in the United States. The NAB is widely used in Catholic churches, schools, and homes, and it is considered to be a reliable and accurate translation of the Bible.
Another approved Bible is the New Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition (NRSVCE). This translation is based on the Revised Standard Version (RSV), which was itself a revised version of the American Standard Version (ASV). The NRSVCE was published in 2011 and has been approved by the CCD. It is a more contemporary translation than the RSV and includes the deuterocanonical books (also known as the Apocrypha) that are part of the Catholic Bible.
The Jerusalem Bible (JB) is another translation that has been approved by the Catholic Church. First published in 1966, the JB is a translation of the Bible into English that is based on the French Bible de Jerusalem. It has been used by many Catholics and is known for its readability and accessibility. The JB includes the deuterocanonical books, and it is often used in Catholic liturgy and study groups.
The New International Version (NIV) is also used by many Catholics, although it is not officially approved by the Church. The NIV is a contemporary translation that aims to be both accurate and readable. While it does not include the deuterocanonical books, many Catholics find it helpful for personal study and reflection.
In conclusion, the Catholic Church has approved several translations of the Bible to ensure that its faithful have access to the Word of God in a manner that is faithful to the Church’s teachings and tradition. The New American Bible, New Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, and Jerusalem Bible are among the most widely used and recognized translations among Catholics. While other translations may be used for personal study and reflection, it is important for Catholics to use an approved version of the Bible to ensure that they are receiving the Church’s official interpretation of the sacred texts.
