All Bibles are not the same. The Catholic Bible contains seven books of the Old Testament which are not found in Protestant Bibles. These books include:

• Judith
• Wisdom
• Tobit
• Sirach
• Baruch
• 1 and 2 Macabees
• Portions of Esther
• Portions of Daniel

These books are sometimes referred to as the "Apocrypha" by Protestants or the "Deuterocanonical" books meaning "also canonical" by Catholics.

Bible History

During the early centuries of the Church there was plenty of debate and discussion about which books actually were authentic and inspired Sacred Scripture. The early Church councils of Hippo (393) and of Carthage (397) both declared that the books currently contained in the Catholic Bible (the canon of Sacred Scripture) were the inspired Word of God and belonged in the Bible.

During the Reformation, Martin Luther and other Protestant leaders removed these books from the Bible. Luther even argued that the Letter of St. James and the Book of Revelation (The Apocalypse) should be removed from the Bible! The Council of Trent in 1546 reaffirmed what the councils of Hippo and Carthage had proclaimed over 1000 years earlier: that the texts found in the Catholic Bible are all the authentic Word of God and comprise the complete canon of Sacred Scripture.

Catholic Bible Translations

There are several different English translations available for the Catholic Bible. The primary ones include:

• Douay Rheims - This is the oldest English translation available and is frequently compared with the King James version because of its use of "Thee", "Thou" and other older forms of words. This translation is considered highly accurate but can be more difficult to read for some people.
• Revised Standard (RSV) - This was a joint translation project between American Protestants and Catholics with the Catholic Church completing the translation of the Apocrypha. This translation is considered the most accurate modern translation but still contains "Thee" and "Thou" when referring to God. This translation along with the New American Bible was approved for liturgical use in the United States.
• Revised Standard 2nd Edition - This version is almost identical to the regular Revised Standard but updates the language by getting rid of "Thee" and "Thou".
• New American Bible (NAB) - This version is the most common American translation. It was written for an eighth grade reading level and contains the most "modern" language of the primary Catholic translations. The New American Bible is available in more versions than any other Catholic Bible.
• Jerusalem Bible - The Jerusalem Bible, completed in 1966, is very similar to

Based on the Revised Standard Version - Catholic Edition, this volume leads readers through a penetrating study of the Gospel of John, using the biblical text itself and the Church's own guidelines for understanding the Bible. Ample notes accompany each page, providing fresh insights and commentary by renowned Bible teachers Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch, as well as time-tested interpretations …

The historical books of the Old Testament recount the fortunes of the people of Israel from the conquest of the promised land onwards. The First Book of Chronicles gives the background of the chosen people of God and the families that made up the twelve tribes, and records the career of David. Second Chronicles begins with Solomon in all his glory and ends with Israel's ignominious deportation …

Imprimatur: Dr. Mutz - Vicar General, Freiburg-im-Breisgau.

Commentary by Scott Hahn & Curtis Mitch Based on the Revised Standard Version - Catholic Edition, this fourth volume in this series leads readers through a penetrating study of the Book of Acts, using the biblical text itself and the Church's own guidelines for understanding the Bible. Ample notes accompany each page, providing fresh insights by renowned Bible teachers Scott Hahn and …

A word-for-word recording of the complete New American Bible Digital format for crystal clear sound and easy reference on compact discs Packaged in an attractive padded case with zippered closure for protection and convenience Lifetime Limited Warranty Total of 66 audio CD's 66 full color vibrant images of cathedrals and cross from around the world carefully printed on each disc. A truly …

Minute Bible meditationsfor every day of the year including a short Scripture text and brief reflections.

This translation of the Holy Bible is the Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, and has a burgundy leather cover with the words: "Holy Bible" in gold.  It comes with one ribbon marker. The pages are edged in gold and thumb indexed for a truly classic look. It is compact, easily readable and well bound. It is the translation used in official Church pronouncements, …

This translation of the Holy Bible is the Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, and has a black leather cover with the words: "Holy Bible" in gold.  It comes with one ribbon marker. The pages are edged in gold and thumb indexed. It is said to be the best English version of the Bible for Catholics.  It is compact, easily readable and well bound.  Comes in …

This edition of the New Testament is small enough (and sturdy enough) to hold up even when it's tucked into a crowded pocket or purse!  As such, it's perfect to carry with you for those moments in line or in waiting rooms when you can take some time for a moment's consolation from the Word of God.  A reprint of the reliable Confraternity edition published in 1941, the type in this …

Ignatius Catholic Bible RSV Second Catholic Edition A completely new typeset and designed edition of the acclaimed RSV translation, with additional minor revisions to any archaic language, particularly "thee", "thou" etc. Now, the only Catholic Bible in standard English is even more beautiful in word and in looks.

  T3 Teen Timeline Bible Study : Teen Study Kit. This study kit includes - workbook, chart, memory bookmark, fill-in chart and beads. Read more about the entire T3 Timeline here: Are you looking for "something" to get the teens in your parish or school talking, listening, and asking questions about their faith? Are you looking for a concise, entertaining, and impactful approach …

Why did yesterday's Catholic kids know the Bible so much better than today's? One MAJOR reason: this magnificent Bible picture book Even back in the Fifties, this book was considered ambitious. Today it would be unthinkable for a Catholic publisher to lavish so much time, talent and expense on a book intended primarily (but by no means exclusively) for young people. Consider the contents: …

Understanding the Scriptures is designed for the sophmore grade level.

The new edition of the New American Bible from Oxford, The Catholic Bible: Personal Study Edition is now available! The hardcover editon is thumb-indexed with 9 pt. type. In addition there is a glossary to terms that may be unfamiliar to some readers, the Sunday and weekday lectionary readings, a select NAB concordance, interesting essays, and an indexed section of New Oxford Bible Maps.

Edward Sri Perhaps the story of Christ's birth has become almost too familiar.  We've heard the story so many times that it fails to shock us: the appearances of the angel, a virgin giving birth, a child placed in a manger, the arrival of shepherds and magi. Today's reader, unfamiliar with the ancient Jewish world, misses the significance of many details in the Gospel accounts of the …

The Great Adventure Bible Timeline Chart This exciting new product is a 33” long fold-out chart that provides a full-color overview of God’s plan of salvation, including the key people, places, and events of the Bible. Get the “big picture” of salvation history at a glance! Track the growth of God's family from creation to the establishment of the Church. Discover which 14 books of the Bible …

The Pentateuch, also known to Christians and Jews as the "Law" ("Torah" in Hebrew), is the name given to the first five books of the Bible,  Genesis deals with the origin of the world, of man and of the people of Israel.  Exodus is an account of the epic journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land.  Leviticus deals with ritual holiness and worship.  Numbers …

Fr. Thomas M. Santa , C.Ss.R. This entry in the best-selling "Essential" series is intended to help readers understand the place of the Bible in Catholic tradition, the history of how the Bible developed, a guide to its interpretation, and its use in prayer. Also included are such helpful aids as tips for preparing for the Sunday lectionary readings, Biblical prayer services for special …

Behold, He Comes: Meditations on the Incarnation Daily Readings from Advent to Epiphany Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R.   The coming of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, is the central truth of the Christian faith. Everything in the Christian life depends on it and revolves around it. Against the backdrop of Scripture and the writings of the ancient Fathers of the Church, for each day of the …

Here is the ideal full-size Bible for students.  This edition is designed with many valuable features in a clear format for easy Bible reading and study. Special Features Large, easy-to-read 11 point type Over 70 photographs Self-explaining maps Bible Dictionary Doctrinal Bible Index Complete Footnotes and Cross-References