Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: Old and New Testaments

AWESOME!! I've waited for this and am so happy to have it in my Catholic library. I have had the New Testament edition for several years and the notes are incredible for helping me understand the Scripture verses. These authors are very intelligent men and have put together an incredible resource. I highly recommend it. I have learned so much. I use it every day for my quiet time. I am a convert and the Ignatius Study Bible has helped me more than I can say to understand God's Word. It is very reasonably price for the incredible volume of material you receive. The print is nice and clear and easy to read. Wish I'd had this when I first became Catholic!! I don't think anyone would be disappointed in having this Bible.

The media could not be loaded. I’m impressed with the overall presentation of the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible Old and New Testament (ICSB) bonded leather edition. It exudes premium quality workmanship. The choice of RSV-2CE translation is excellent as it offers a clear and readable rendering of the biblical text. The alleged Protestant passages in it are not anti-Catholic and have a perfectly logical explanation, if one would just bother to read the accompanying annotations (variant readings in Greek and Hebrew, and other ancient authorities, for example). It's a beautiful, Church approved translation that neither sounds too casual nor archaic but conveys a reverential tone.The ICSB is bound with high-quality paper and durable bonded leather cover. They designed a typography that’s elegant to look at and invites you to read. The study notes help you navigate the more complex events in the Bible. The reader can follow along and not get confused about what’s going on. I find the introductory essays a great way to prepare you for the book that follows. Because they acknowledge and discuss diverse scholarly viewpoints, some misunderstood it as promoting liberal, modernist notions. No. It does not shoehorn those ideas.The ICSB is firmly rooted in sound Catholic exegesis, consistently upholding Sacred Tradition while engaging with contemporary scholarship. This post-Vatican II study bible demonstrates a commitment to the principles outlined in these pre-Vatican II Papal Encyclical Letters on Biblical Studies: Providentissimus Deus (1893 Pope Leo XIII), Spiritus Paraclitus (1920 Pope Benedict XV), and Divino Afflante Spiritu (1943 Pope Pius XII). I have these Letters in the front pages of my Douay-Rheims Holy Bible Baronius Press Edition (that white book in the photo).The simple maps could use some enhancements in detail, while the word study boxes would be less distracting without the fill shading. Gold gilding would have preserved the paper better, too. But I didn’t miss the ribbons because they can actually stain the page with their color. I read my Bible with a notebook beside me anyway. This is just nitpicking and not a big deal. Other than that the ICSB is a truly immersive Catholic study bible. Just about the only reason to knock off stars would be if the pages were disordered or there’s damage to the book. I checked my copy and verified that all is in order.But the ICSB is not just about the best of current scholarships. It is also pastoral. It's replete with references to the Catechism and teachings of the saints. It's the study bible that has conclusively perceived the hidden Messiah in the Old Testament as Jesus revealed in the New. It engages the reader in the rich imagery of ancient Israel's liturgy and its connection to the Christian liturgy of the Church. I love it. Highly recommended!

The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: Old and New Testaments is truly the gold standard of study Bibles. It stands out not only for its comprehensive approach to Scripture but also for the depth of commentary and scholarly insight it provides.The study notes, compiled by Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch, are a masterclass in theology and exegesis, seamlessly blending historical context, Church teachings, and practical application. The annotations are rooted in Catholic tradition, making them invaluable for deepening one’s understanding of Scripture in line with Church teaching. Yet, they remain accessible for those new to Bible study.What sets this Bible apart is its meticulous attention to detail. The commentary addresses key doctrinal points, clarifies challenging passages, and highlights connections between the Old and New Testaments that illuminate the unity of God’s plan of salvation. The inclusion of references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church is particularly helpful, offering readers a fuller picture of how Scripture informs the Catholic faith.The layout is another highlight. The text is easy to read, with clear division between Scripture and commentary. The maps, essays, and introductory materials for each book are thoughtfully designed and incredibly informative. It feels like having a seminary-level course in your hands.Whether you’re a lifelong Catholic, a curious Christian, or someone exploring faith, this Bible will be a source of inspiration and understanding. It’s not just a Bible; it’s a study tool, a spiritual guide, and a connection to the richness of Catholic tradition.If you’re looking for a study Bible that combines rigorous scholarship, faithful adherence to Catholic teaching, and practical insights, the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible is unparalleled. It’s an investment in your spiritual journey and an absolute treasure for any Christian library.

This is not your regular bible. The introduction to each book just blows you away by its presentation as well as the footnotes on each page. There are sections where the footnotes occupy more of the page than the bible content it supplements. I lead a weekly liturgy study group, and this bible prepares me for the task and gives me confidence to lead the discussions. Pages are white, the letters are not small (easy to read) and its construction is first rate (I got the leather look version). All these pluses come with a cost, size and weight, it is bigger and heavier that most. But for me, the value of its content overrides size and weight.

The bible is gigantic but otherwise its a great edition with beautiful commentary and much to learn. Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch do an incredible job with the commentaries and footnotes making this a very well rounded and insightful bible.Highly reccomend!