The Catholic Youth Bible, Third Edition, Nabre: New American Bible Revised Edition

I really enjoyed reading the captions under LIVE IT. This provides an easy explanation of the scripture and what it means.

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!!!

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.

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

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.

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.