Which Version of the Bible Do Catholics Use?

Question

Mormons use the King James version, non denominational churches use different bibles. Which bible do the Catholics use?

Answer 1

Douay

The Douay-Rheims Bible, also known as the Rheims-Douai Bible or Douai Bible and abbreviated as D-R, is a translation of the Bible from the Latin Vulgate into English. The New Testament was published in one volume with extensive commentary and notes in 1582. The Old Testament followed in 1609–10 in two volumes, also extensively annotated. The notes took up the bulk of the volumes and had a strong polemical and patristic character. They also offered insights on issues of translation, and on the Hebrew and Greek source texts of the Vulgate. The purpose of the version, both the text and notes, was to uphold Catholic tradition in the face of the Protestant Reformation which was heavily influencing England. As such it was an impressive effort by English Catholics to support the Counter-Reformation.

Answer 2

Many of the Protestant translations are available with the deuterocanonical books. There is no particular reason that Catholics should avoid the King James - although the Douay-Rheims is the Catholic equivalent and the KJV stole much from it. The most common Catholic Bibles are: The Ignatius Bible (New Revised Standard Version) I think this is the best overall, it's generally accepted by Bible scholars on all fronts as one of the most accurate translations (joint Protestant /Catholic translation). It is a fairly literal translation in modern english so the phrasing is awkward fairly often, but it isn't too hard to read. The New American Bible: Often derided by purists this is the translation used for the readings at Mass so it sounds very familiar to Catholics who go to Mass. It is very readable and the translation is the dynamic equivalence type for ease of reading. Not considered very accurate but only truly problematic in a few places. Not considered particularly inspiring in the language either. The Jerusalem Bible: Considered the most literary (poetic?) of the Catholic translations. Reasonably accurate translation. Avoid: Avoid: SKIP - the Good News Bible is still out there on the shelves in Catholic Book Stores. If you really love it okay you can read it. It is easy to read, but many passages don't convey the full meaning of the original languages. From a Catholic perspective some of the Protestant versions are problematic.

Answer 3

There is no "Set" Bible ...

"Choosing the right Bible

Which version is the best for you? It depends on whether you want it primarily for prayer, for study, for Sunday school classes, to take to Church to follow the sermon or for other purposes. Any of the listed translations would do, though you will likely hear only one translation, the New American Bible, proclaimed during Mass.

Like people, the translations come in different sizes and shapes. Some are hardback, some are paperback. Some, that we can call study Bibles, are large with supplementary notes, cross-references or comments, and others are pocket editions. They can be found in most bookstores.

Rather than recommending a specific Bible, I provide (see box below, "Modern Bible Translations") the most common editions currently available. You do not need to have an expensive edition. Bibles with gilded edges and suave leather covers are lovely as gifts but are not essential to Bible prayer or study. Most important is having a modern edition of the Bible that makes you comfortable.

If you feel you can handle a study Bible edition, it will be a bit thicker and heavier, but it will also contain lots of other information that you will find helpful for more intensive Bible study. "

Answer 4

I am not Catholic, but I am Christian. Personally I prefer the King James and New King James versions, but I am also a fan of the New Living and New Life versions, which I think that many young people can relate to much easier.

Answer 5

They use their own version which includes the The Apocrypha, a collection of books that have never been shown to be inspired, but in fact contradict each other. What is interesting is that while they use the same 66 books that most others use, they apparently tend not to study the Bible on their own, instead trusting the Priest to read and explain the Bible. Even though they use the same 66 books that most others use, they still follow creeds and commandments of men (the Pope) that clearly contradict the teachings of the New Testament.

Answer 6

Its up to the individual person of the Catholic faith to what version of the bible that they use, but as for the Catholic Church at the leadership level I am not sure. Probably the King James Version.

Answer 7

The New King James Version.

Answer 8

For what? And where? The official Bible of the Catholic Church is the Nova Vulgate. For liturgical use in the United States, we use the NAB. For devotional use, any Bible is acceptable.

http://www.vatican.va/archive/bible/nova_vulgata/documents/nova-vulgata_index_lt.html
http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/

Answer 9

Douay is correct.

We do not use the King James Standard. The KJS is missing several books from the Old Testement. They were removed in an effort to put more distance between christians and jews.

Joe

Answer 10

Generally we use the New American Bible (NAB), but there are other Bibles that we use (such as the Jerusalem Bible which I sometimes use.)

here is a link to an online edition of the New American Bible

http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/