the-navarre-bible-new-testament

The Navarre Bible: New Testament

By Joe Felim

This new compact edition of the Navarre Bible is a godsend to anyone whose Bible reading reaches only as far as those little-consulted, onionskin-thin-paged editions with confusing notations and intimidating layouts. This Bible is printed on plain paper with an easy-to-follow commentary.

While the 12-volume Standard Edition of the Navarre Bible may be the crème de la crème of study Bibles, with its detailed notes and extensive commentary, this compact edition is perfect for those just beginning to embark on Scripture study or those who think they haven’t the time to pursue Scripture study. Also, being a single volume, it is much more transportable. The editors thoughtfully present their commentary in footnote form, which eliminates the need to flip back and forth between pages. The commentary itself utilizes Church Fathers, saints, councils, and more to aid our understanding of the sacred Word. It has been compiled by Navarre University’s theology faculty. A hearty thanks to them for their good work!

It’s a shame that the commentary uses “inclusive” language when the Church is trying to avoid it in the liturgy. For example, in the comments on Matthew 7:13-27 we read this clunky passage: “A person who strives to put Jesus’ teachings into practice, no matter what personal difficulties arise and even if he or she finds himself or herself surrounded by false doctrine….” The version of the Bible used here [RSV-Catholic Edition] does not use “inclusive” language, so why employ it in the commentary? Generally speaking, there are two reasons for using so-called inclusive language. The first one is bogus - that people can’t understand standard English. The second is craven - that standard English offends feminists. Oddly, by legitimizing “inclusive” language in the commentary, the commentators are signaling something they undoubtedly don’t intend, that the translation of the Bible they’ve chosen to use is either unintelligible or offensive. Thus the volume as a whole seems a tad bit schizophrenic.