The Catholic Canon- Decoding the Different Versions of the Bible Accepted by the Catholic Church
Which version of the Bible is considered Catholic? This is a question that often arises among both Catholics and non-Catholics alike. The Catholic Church has its own tradition and approach to biblical interpretation, which is reflected in the versions of the Bible it endorses. Understanding which version is considered Catholic can provide insight into the Church’s stance on certain biblical texts and its theological perspectives.
The Catholic Church recognizes several versions of the Bible, but the most widely used and accepted one is the Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition (RSVCE). First published in 1966, the RSVCE is based on the Revised Standard Version (RSV), which was itself a revision of the American Standard Version (ASV). The RSVCE includes the Vulgate, the Latin version of the Bible that was the official Bible of the Catholic Church for many centuries.
The RSVCE is significant because it incorporates the Church’s traditional readings and includes the deuterocanonical books, which are accepted as part of the Catholic Bible but not included in the Protestant Old Testament. These deuterocanonical books include Tobit, Judith, 1 and 2 Maccabees, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), and Baruch. The inclusion of these books is important for Catholics, as they believe they are inspired by God and have theological value.
Another popular Catholic Bible version is the New American Bible (NAB). First published in 1970, the NAB is based on the Revised Version (RV), which was a revision of the King James Version (KJV). The NAB is known for its scholarly translations and is often used in Catholic liturgy. Like the RSVCE, the NAB includes the deuterocanonical books.
The New Jerusalem Bible (NJB) is another well-known Catholic Bible version. Published in 1985, the NJB is a translation of the Bible from the original languages into English, with a focus on accuracy and readability. The NJB also includes the deuterocanonical books and is used by many Catholics for personal and liturgical readings.
While these versions are the most widely used, it is important to note that the Catholic Church does not have an official Bible. The Church recognizes the authority of the Bible but also emphasizes the importance of the Magisterium, or the teaching authority of the Church, in interpreting the biblical texts. This means that while Catholics may use different versions of the Bible, they rely on the Church’s teachings and interpretations to understand the sacred texts.
In conclusion, the question of which version of the Bible is considered Catholic is multifaceted. The most widely used versions are the RSVCE, NAB, and NJB, which all include the deuterocanonical books. However, the Catholic Church does not have an official Bible, and its teachings and interpretations play a crucial role in understanding the biblical texts.
