Some Additional Thoughts on the CSSI Bible

Back in March of 2011, I reviewed the Catholic Scripture Study International Bible (RSV-CE) published by Saint Benedict Press.  I noted that it wasn't a proper "study Bible" due to the absence of cross-references, more detailed maps, and notes/commentary.  However, I found it to be a very good apologetics study Bible, with a very nice overall feel and look to it. 

As I mentioned during that earlier review: "The real jewel of this study Bible is the apologetics content found in the 76 full color pages. Most notably, the eight pages of “Catholic Apologetics Bible Verses” I have found to be quite helpful. This section not only covers issues ranging from “Anointing of the Sick” to “Works” but does so with both biblical citations as well as direct quotations from the Fathers of the Church."

I stick by those initial comments, but I would like to add some practical insight into this edition which I gained during the past academic year.  As some of you know, this past Spring semester I taught a high school theology elective course on Catholic apologetics to our graduating seniors.  (I am excited to say that I have two full classes of this elective set for this coming academic year as well!)  One of the texts I used consistently was the CSSI Bible.  This was due to two main reasons:

1) The inclusion of the large-print edition of the SBP RSV-CE made it very useful for reading and proclamation during class.  It also provided plenty of room for personal notes and highlighting.  Even today, when I feel like reading from the RSV, I typically read from the CSSI Bible.  (Also, I do like the very flexible bonded leather cover.  It is far better than most other bonded leather covers that I have complained about in the past.)

2) The eight pages of "Catholic Apologetics Bible Verses" mentioned above were a handy and well-organized component of this Bible.  Not only did they point out verses that have been used to counter various Catholic teachings, but included ample counter verses as well as full quotes from the Fathers.  These "helps" were exceedingly useful when I was preparing for a lesson or when I was responding to a student question but couldn't remember the verse I wanted to cite. 

All in all, this is a fine Catholic Bible.  With that being said, I would love to see a future edition that incorporated some of those elements that I feel were missing.  By simply adding cross-references and some more maps, like the "Route of the Exodus" and "Paul's Journeys" for instance, I think the CSSI Bible would become a premier reference Bible for Catholics.

But until then, if you are interested in purchasing this already very useful CSSI Bible follow the below link:
Catholic Scripture Study Bible: RSV-CE Large Print Edition