From Precious Moments to Ignatius Press

I think I’ve owned a total of three Bibles in my life:

1. My pink Precious Moments Bible from my childhood.

2. The New American Bible (NAB) that showed me Catholics had ‘extra books’, given to me by the TEC community.

3. The one my homegirl, Shawn, the hippie mystic that she is, suggested I read in college: The New Jerusalem Bible. She thought I would like the flowery and poetic language, and I did.

Each of these Bibles brought me through a specific time in my life. My Precious Moments, which I read through the Psalms in 8th grade, began my journey on reading through Scripture. The NAB invited me to Wisdom and Tobit and got me through high school. The New Jerusalem brought me through a time of wavering faith; my faith was sinking like Peter did when he stepped out of the boat.

Recently though, I’ve become enamored with Scripture in a new way. I want to dive into the Scriptures like a deep-sea diver, uncovering the gems, jewels and hidden treasures along the way. Perhaps it’s because I now live near my Protestant brothers and sisters (literally, they are Protestant and they are my blood relatives) and seeing them opening their bibles daily encouraged me to do so as well. Or maybe the desire was sparked when I began working in campus ministry because college students have a lot of questions.

I wanted a bible that I could easily navigate my way through to help with the disputes in the Acts of the Apostles, the Bread of Life discourse in John 6, and the entire book of Revelation. I wanted a bible that gave a history and introduction to each of the books, one that was easy to navigate, had clear footnotes and a concordance. Essentially, I wanted a study bible. I did my research and knew that The New Testament Ignatius Catholic Study Bible published by Ignatius Press in 2010 was the one. It is to die for. Literally, because it’s our faith. Go martyrdom.

Do you love Scripture and want to fall more in love with Christ? This study bible is for you. Do you desire to learn more about the New Testament and the Greek word for repentance, eats or mystery? This study bible is for you. Are you looking for a new study bible that is easy to navigate? This one is for you!

My favorite features about this study bible include:

• Each chapter comes with an introduction, including a write-up about the author, date, themes and an outline
• Text and commentary, cross-references and footnotes are included
• Concise Concordance, an Index and Colorful maps included
• I appreciate good type, the text and bolded headings are perfect and make it easy to read.
• When I first checked this book out at the store I had to get my hands on it because I am such a sensory girl. It is just right. The paper is perfect; trees are still bringing us to salvation!
• As if that isn’t enough, Ignatius press has supplied study guides to go along. Download for free here.
• It comes in softcover, hardcover, leatherette and as an e-book. Happiness for everyone.

I pray that this study bible brings you and me to a greater understanding of Jesus and the Gospel message. May we use this knowledge to further the kingdom and truly live as Jesus calls us to live.

What Bible do you have? What do you like about it?

Thank you to Ignatius Press for this free copy to review. For this study bible and other great Ignatius Press items, visit here.