What to do about my NAB?

Alex246 · #1 Nov 6, '09, 8:04 pm

I purchased an NAB a while ago. I have never previously possessed or read the Bible PERIOD (I'm pretty new to my faith), so it seemed like a good decision (I'd heard it's the translation used in mass readings, etc.). Now, after reading these forums a bit, it seems like an absolutely horrible one. I've already decided to outright ignore any and all footnotes and commentary. Now I am trying to decide what to do. I, as well as the rest of my family, have very little money, so I don't feel like I can justify going out and buying a new Bible when I already have one. Also, I know there are online bibles with better commentary and possibly better translation as argued by much of what I've read here. But this is a bit of a problem, since I don't find reading off a computer screen as spiritually fulfilling as holding the book in my hands. It seems unfulfilling and dry, not to mention the fact that I like to read for a while and the screen becomes a bit uncomfortable to look at with all that luminescent black on white. So I find myself caught in a bit of a quandary. Is this edition fine to read as long as I steer clear of the commentary? Or must I resort to reading off a computer until I get a better translation?

COPLAND 3 · #2 Nov 6, '09, 8:44 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex246

I purchased an NAB a while ago. I have never previously possessed or read the Bible PERIOD (I'm pretty new to my faith), so it seemed like a good decision (I'd heard it's the translation used in mass readings, etc.). Now, after reading these forums a bit, it seems like an absolutely horrible one. I've already decided to outright ignore any and all footnotes and commentary. Now I am trying to decide what to do. I, as well as the rest of my family, have very little money, so I don't feel like I can justify going out and buying a new Bible when I already have one. Also, I know there are online bibles with better commentary and possibly better translation as argued by much of what I've read here. But this is a bit of a problem, since I don't find reading off a computer screen as spiritually fulfilling as holding the book in my hands. It seems unfulfilling and dry, not to mention the fact that I like to read for a while and the screen becomes a bit uncomfortable to look at with all that luminescent black on white. So I find myself caught in a bit of a quandary. Is this edition fine to read as long as I steer clear of the commentary? Or must I resort to reading off a computer until I get a better translation?

It won't hurt to read it, but beware of the footnotes. I have a few DR Bibles, I can mail you one, free. The footnotes are Challaner, which are very good. You can contact me here http://litteralchristianlibrary.wetp...age/Contact+me The offer is there.

Discerning2 · #3 Nov 6, '09, 9:26 pm

What a great problem to have! Just read the dang thing.

AmbroseSJ · #4 Nov 6, '09, 9:43 pm

You can always print off what you want to read, be it a few pages or whatever. I've done that in many situations. I format the text in a word processor and print it out in my favorite size and font. I don't know which NAB you have, but the 1970 version is not too bad. Even if you have a later version, the text may not be very elegant or memorable, but it isn't actually dangerous. As far as the notes go, if you have any qualms about any of them that you read, just disregard them.

Geremia · #5 Nov 6, '09, 11:50 pm

You can always download this Douay-Rheims Bible with Haydock Commentary (commentary from the great Church fathers, in fact) and print it out. Here is a PDF version of the Douay-Rheims Challoner bible without commentary.

NHInsider · #6 Nov 7, '09, 5:20 am

keep an eye out at used book shops, yard sales, book exchange places (we have one at our local transfer station) for Bibles - they turn up all the time. Although most of them will be KJV, you'll find an occasional D-R or an RSV. Just watch out for (and avoid) the Watchtower version (JW).

Or ask at local parishes - very likely there are old Bibles in a closet somewhere that they'll be happy to place in a good home.

Alex246 · #7 Nov 7, '09, 6:52 am

Thanks for the offer, copland3. It was very generous. I don't think I will take you up on it though, since I don't really feel comfortable giving out personal information over the internet. It's probably a good thing that my parents have really drilled that in. I will be looking at your website though, it seems very informative

Based on what's been said so far, I think I'll just continue what I was doing before: read the Bible I already have, and give the notes a wide berth. If I feel like doing some more detailed study, I'll probably head to the online Douay-Rheums that Geremia posted. Thank you everyone who replied. In case you didn't notice, I have a tendency to be a bit scrupulous about these things.

**puzzleannie** · #8 Nov 7, '09, 7:01 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex246

I purchased an NAB a while ago. I have never previously possessed or read the Bible PERIOD (I'm pretty new to my faith), so it seemed like a good decision (I'd heard it's the translation used in mass readings, etc.). Now, after reading these forums a bit, it seems like an absolutely horrible one.

no one on these forums, save the apologists themselves, are an authority on this topic. I suggest you review the stickies on the scripture forum regarding acceptable Bible translations for private devotion and study, and the related articles from the CA homepage library, and not make your decision based on personal opinions of forum participants.

The US Bishops have approved the NAB, with some reservations for liturgical use, so if you rely on the latest editions, and the liturgical books when you are using them for liturgy (the missal, the liturgy of the hours etc) you will be fine.

Read the notes and commentary all you want if it helps. They are not divinely inspired, nor are they infallibly defined Church teaching. Or you can get along just fine without the notes. Gradually you can build a library of aids to bible study, those sold here on CA, or from Ignatius press and other publishers linked here will be reliable, so are many others.

COPLAND 3 · #9 Nov 7, '09, 7:22 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex246

Thanks for the offer, copland3. It was very generous. I don't think I will take you up on it though, since I don't really feel comfortable giving out personal information over the internet. It's probably a good thing that my parents have really drilled that in. I will be looking at your website though, it seems very informative

Based on what's been said so far, I think I'll just continue what I was doing before: read the Bible I already have, and give the notes a wide berth. If I feel like doing some more detailed study, I'll probably head to the online Douay-Rheums that Geremia posted. Thank you everyone who replied. In case you didn't notice, I have a tendency to be a bit scrupulous about these things.

I understand, and don't blame you at all.

teachccd · #10 Nov 7, '09, 7:37 am

Considering that most Catholics don't even own, much less read, a Bible dig into your NAB. Though I have noted some of its commentary to be a bit questonable, it will not corrupt you in any way nor will it sway you from being a good Catholic. So read to your heart's content and then, as was suggested, when you get a couple of bucks buy a good commentary. The Douay Rheims version is written in the same style of english as the King James and, for me, is a bit more difficult to understand at face value. It is a beautiful translation and it upholds the traditional teachings of the Church which I truly enjoy.

I guess to sum this up I would say to go ahead and use the NAB without reservation and get yourself used to the bible. Then there will be time to refine your bible study as we all must continue to do. God bless you and praise God that you are inspired to read the bible. You will do well....................teachccd