The Catholic Youth Bible® Revised

• a 54-page concordance to help readers locate scripture passages
  
• over 700 articles to help readers Pray It! Study It! And Live It!
• introductions to the major sections of the Bible and all the books of the Bible
• biblical connections to many different cultures, illustrating the universality of the Catholic Church
• insights into how the Church has interpreted certain scripture passages throughout history
• 4 special indexes, 9 color maps, a 4-page color timeline,and 4 pages of full-color biblical art and photos

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.


A Great Gift, But Get One for You, Too!   April 1, 2000
Dan Gast (Saginaw, MI)
12 out of 13 found this review helpful

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.


A Bible the Teens Dive Into...   June 1, 2001
K. Sean Buvala (Avondale, AZ United States)
15 out of 17 found this review helpful

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.