State Your Case!

Sorry folks for the lite blogging this past week. Life has been full of exciting adventures on the home front, along with increasing responsibilities at the high school. But, alas, I have a few free days ahead of me, thanks to a nicely placed mid-winter break.

I just received some interesting Bible-related books in the mail over the past few days which I am interested in sharing with you. However, until I can look through some of them, I thought we could mix things up a bit.

As I have been re-reading some of the recent posts and comments surrounding the NABRE, I thought it might be interesting to engage in a little exercise I shall title "State Your Case". Clearly there is a great deal of passion from many people about why they like or dislike a particular Bible translation. So, what I am asking you to do is to clearly, yet concisely explain and defend why you like a particular English translation of the Bible. Just choose one. Think of it as your closing statement in a courtroom trial....but just not as long.

Here are some ground rules:
1) Keep focused on your favorite translation! If your argument is obsessed with pointing out every little perceived "fault" or "error" in other translations without recourse to your own translation of choice, I don't consider that a very good position to take in defense of your choice.

2) Use specific examples! If you need to compare and contrast translations to prove your case please do so.

3) Be independent in your thought! Please do not say "Fr. X says this" or "Mother X said that" about this or that translation.

4) Humor is welcomed and even encouraged!

5) Use real life examples! What I mean by this is how and where do you use your Bible of choice? Bible study? Mass? School? How has it worked in these situations? One could also consider explaining why they like the particular edition of their favorite Bible translation in this section. It's up to you.

So, state your case! Perhaps there will be a prize for the best entry. More on that later. Maybe...

NRSV.net Updates

After many months (or years) of little in the way of updates or any activity, the main NRSV site has now been overhauled. While the design of the site is different, much of the material seems to be the same. With that being said, it looks like they are making an attempt to better promote the different NRSV editions offered by HarperCollins. They also have information about getting a customized NRSV. I wonder what the options are on this, as well as if this is only for large, bulk orders for Churches and groups. I will see what I can find out about this. One thing that still surprises me is the fact that they don't have a search feature, which would allow you to look up passages of the NRSV.

Update: A reader found out that the custom option: "No, it is not available for individual purchases. You would need to order them in bulk as an organization."

Crossing the Goal: Scripture

Crossing the Goal is a popular Catholic TV program shown on EWTN which is designed specifically for men. It has been on the airwaves now for a couple of years, covering such topics as the Cardinal Virtues, the Seven Deadly Sins, the Theological Virtues, the Our Father, and other issues related to mature Catholic manhood and fatherhood.

Here is a little more info about the show's origins, straight from their website: "Danny Abramowicz, former NFL all-pro wide receiver and coach, along with his other team members, has created a television show with EWTN Global Catholic Network called, “Crossing the Goal” which uses a sports show format to encourage men to get into spiritual shape. Coach Abramowicz says, “He and his team consisting of Peter Herbeck, Vice President, Renewal Ministries; Curtis Martin, Founder of Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS); and professional broadcaster, Brian Patrick—provide real solutions to the spiritual challenges men face." Segments include “The Kickoff” where the problem of the day is quickly presented; “The Game Plan,” where two team members lay out the facts men need to know; “The Red Zone,” where the team talks about how they’ve dealt with the problem in their own lives, and the “End Zone,” where each team member gives the audience a take-away for the week."

Recently, they aired a program on Scripture, which you might find helpful. Check it out!

Lent 2010

Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God. For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment. Perhaps he will again relent and leave behind him a blessing, Offerings and libations for the LORD, your God.

--Joel 2:12-14

Aggie Catholics Mega Lenten Mega-Post

Do you have any questions about the upcoming Lenten season? Well, Aggie Catholics probably has the answer for you, as well as plenty of other fascinating information about this great season. Check it out!

Padded Leather Douay-Rheims for Sale

Reader Aaron is looking to sell an out-of-print 1989 padded leather Tan Douay-Rheims Bible, along with a paperback NAB. If interested, please go here for more information.

Essential Guide to the Holy Bible Offer

Mary Elizabeth Sperry has offered readers of this blog a special discount on an upcoming USCCB Publishing release entitled: Essential Guide to the Holy Bible. This small publication comes from the Libreria Editrice Vaticana. In these 70 pages:

Discover the Bible's extraordinary history, its worldwide scope, and its appeal as the "inspired word" of God in this new offering from the Vatican. Learn more about interpreting, understanding, and using it through selected stories and events. Unique sidebars cover different topics including (1) languages used in the Bible, (2) historical sources, (3) canon of the sacred books (4) related internet sites, (5) and apocryphal books of the Bible that still intrigue and make for great conversation and debate.

All readers of this blog can receive a 10% discount. All you need to do is give the promotion code “BIBLE” when you place your order. Again, you can order this book here.

A special thanks to Mary Elizabeth for extending this offer.