Known for the spiritual depth, insight, and accuracy of their books, Saint
Mary’s Press has revised and published a quality paperback of
The
Catholic Youth Bible and kindly sent me a copy to review.
The visually appealing cover not only encourages us to
“Pray It! Study It! Live It!®” the contents and unique features help Christians of
all ages to do just that.
Almost immediately, the front matter assures us, “This
Bible can change your life!” And how could it not? As the very next page
declares:
“God loves you
and wants to be in a lifelong friendship with you. The Bible tells the story of
God’s love, revealed most perfectly in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
Through Christ, God offers you forgiveness, freedom, companionship, and new
life. It is a wonderful gift!”
The page goes on to add:
“This Bible is
like no other because it belongs to you! So personalize it… make it a
reflection of who you are. You will discover countless places to . Write .Color
.Draw . Highlight . Journal”
The attractive color-washed illustrations and relevant
sidebars on the inside pages and colored-on “tabs” to mark various sections of
the Bible on the outer edges generate interest and make it easier
to find what you want. In addition, a colorful “bookcase” shows “How the Bible
is organized,” while introductory pages provide a “Quick Summary” and “Headline
Highlights” for each book of God’s Word.
To young readers or novices of any age, all of this
might seem like mere academics were it not for the inclusion of such
introductory features as “How Is This Relevant to My Life Today?” In Genesis, for
example, the text responds to that question with these words:
- · “God has the power to bring order out of chaos.
- ·
When we fail, God still cares for us.
- ·
Remaining faithful even when things seem
impossible can lead to unexpected blessings.”
Or, if we feel the distance between ourselves and,
say, The Book of Numbers, these responses to the relevancy of God’s Word will
help to close the gap between the distant past and today:
- ·
“Patience and trust in God go hand in hand.
- ·
When things feel overwhelming, we must not give
up on God.
- ·
God’s timing may be different from our timing.”
And, looking into the future with the relevancy of
Revelation, we find these encouraging words:
- ·
“Do not lose hope; evil will ultimately lose.
- ·
The magnificence of heaven that awaits us is unbelievable.
- ·
Through all the trials now and at the end of
times, Jesus is and will always be there for us.”
In the back matter of the book, other relevant helps
include “Core Beliefs,” a glossary, an “Overview of Salvation History,” a “Biblical
History Time Line,” and illustrations you can color. In addition, the feature “When
I’m Feeling” addresses typically encountered emotions with Bible responses to “Let the word of God guide and support you
as you face life’s joys and challenges.”
May God help us to seek and find this guidance throughout our lives!