The general and introductory articles, reading guides, charts, maps, timelines, measures and weights, glossary and index received a separate approval in 2015 by the Very Reverend Ronald Hicks, then Vicar-General of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Using the Revised Standard Version Second Catholic Edition (RSVCE, 2nd), the volumes of the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible series listed below lead readers through an in-depth study of the books of the Bible by providing insights and commentary from renowned Scripture scholars Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch. Although their differences present nothing like the range of options found in Protestantism, they can be important nonetheless.

The NISB also provides brief book introductions and high-level outlines, about 100 one-page excursuses complimenting the annotations, 40 pages of essays on interpretation, a glossary, and 20 pages of maps. The result is a solid protestant-style study bible suited for Catholics and non-Catholics alike--depending on how deep one chooses to go in the notes. Mine has withstood several years of heavy use and the only signs of wear are on the outer edge of the cover where my hands have worn away and dulled some of the cover's finish--and even that is not readily noticeable. It has copious notes, explanations, historical information, and other materials to put people and events into context.Although the guides are (somewhat annoyingly) set apart from the books they comment on, they are helpfully cross-referenced to the biblical text (and vice-versa). The original translation was mixed bag: literal in some respects, but with a loosely translated Old Testament text made up of a combination of various textual traditions. The layout of the biblical text is wonderfully readable; its teaching enhancements, which give Catholics needed help in grasping the grand story of salvation history, are superb; and even the maps and charts are visually stunning.

The Revised Standard Version is a 1950s-era revision of the King James Version (the RSV Catholic Second Edition includes the deuterocanonical books). It uses “King James English” (“thees” and “thous”) when addressing God, but otherwise personal pronouns are translated into modern English. For one thing, there are fewer translations with the full canon, so one does not need to spend nearly as much time sifting through the numerous and various options out there. Ideal for people that haven't done a lot of formal or informal bible reading/study as well as people who have.I have no doubt subsequent readings will further unveil the mysteries and my understanding of Scripture.

Catholic or ecumenical study Bible editions are lacking for other current Catholic translations such as the RNJB, NCB, and ESV-CE, although study editions exist of the standard 66-book abridged canon ESV.The only place where it needs potential improvement is adding a further reading list for potential theological questions, i. Although it is not marketed as such, the New Jerusalem Bible contains many common features of study bibles.

Its translation is top notch, and its notes (if not its book introductions – which follow modern critical theories) are faithful to the Church in that they are keyed to the Catechism (which makes it an impressive study tool unlike any other). Individual volumes of some Old Testament books of the Bible will be made available beginning in late 2010. The cross-references presentation, although given a bit more space than in many NABREs, lacks a referring verse reference.This edition has come under fire in certain sectors because of seeming reluctance on Ignatius' part to disclose much information about it. This comprehensive, 2,400-page paperback contains completely rewritten study notes; new and expanded essays; and sidebars for both biblical text and study materials.