[Faith-Talk] Getting new perspective, reading Catholic Bible as Protestant

[Bill Outman]

Good morning, list.  

 

I have embarked on a project that will give me a fresh perspective, in fact
it already is doing so.  I am reading the New American Bible, the standard
that is being used in the U. S. Catholic Church today.  This is new for me
as a Protestant, not ever having doine this or ever being encouraged to.  

 

I am enjoying learning of differences in the rendering that impart a
different concept on some issues.  I am accessing this Bible version through
the BARD recordings.  I down loaded the Old Testament section yesterday and
will do so with the New Testament later.  

 

These include the Apocrypha, something that has been considered forbidden
territory in Protestantism.  This is intriguing to me, being able to read
for myself these passages and not having to rely on hearsay about them.  

 

I feel this is important, to have some different perspectives from what I
have been taught to believe, that I may converse more intelligently if the
opportunity arises.  This issue of whether those who have different beliefs
than our own would be welcome in our organization seemed to come to the fore
as a sticking point for some at our in-person division meeting at the
national convention.  This is one initiative on my part to attempt to smooth
that over some if I can.  

 

I will say that the NAB is written in clear, modern language that is easier
to follow than traditional texts such as the KJV are.  Topical headings are
given in the recorded text and the chapter delineations are retained.  I am
unsure if the vers numbers would be in the print text; not having them in
the recording actually makes the text flow better, actually.  

 

I hope all of you will feel blessed today, finding inspiration in whatever
path your faith journey is taking you on.  

 

Bill Outman