Preferred Translation of the Bible
New Revised Standard- Catholic Interconfessional
A Commitment to Accuracy and Integrity
The NRSV is widely regarded by scholars across Christian traditions as one of the most accurate and faithful English translations of the Scriptures. It reflects the best of historical, textual, and linguistic scholarship, using the most ancient and reliable manuscripts available. It also avoids theological bias in translation, allowing the text to speak for itself.
Honoring the Fullness of the Christian Canon
The Catholic Interconfessional Edition was selected because it includes the Deuterocanonical books- sometimes called the "Apocrypha" in Protestant circles- which were part of the early Church's Scriptures and are still considered sacred by the majority of Christians worldwide. Books like Wisdom, Sirach, Tobit, and 1-2 Maccabees provide important historical, theological, and ethical insights that shaped the Jewish context into which Jesus was born and the early Church's understanding of God's faithfulness.
The Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures (LXX) used during the time of Jesus included these. Excluding these books- something that occurred long after the time of Jesus and the apostles- can unintentionally narrow our understanding of the biblical story and its deep moral and prophetic traditions.
A Canon Closer to the Church
The canon of the Catholic edition reflects a more ancient and ecumenical view of Scripture. While no canon is free from historical complexity, this broader collection better reflects the diversity and richness of the Bible as it was received in the early Church before the divisions of the Reformation and the pressures of modern nationalism.
A Theological Choice
This is not just a textual preference- it is a theological conviction. In a world where Christianity is often distorted by political agendas and narrow dogmas, it is important to return to a fuller, richer witness of Scripture- one that includes voices of lament, resistance, wisdom,and hope that have been silenced. The Catholic edition of the NRSV helps restore some of that depth.
NOTE: Some earlier writings of this ministry may reference the NASB 2020 translation. While we initially appreciated its precision and readability, our theological journey has led us to the NRSV-CI as the primary text. This shift reflects a deeper commitment to a broader, more ecumenical canon and a translation shaped by consensus across Christian traditions. This better serves the theological and pastoral vision of Truth and Way Ministries.
