Difference between Catholic Bible and Protestant Bible.

Difference between Catholic Bible and Protestant Bible.

Exploring the Catholic Bible: History, Differences, and Versions


The Bible is a sacred text revered by millions around the world, and its importance in Christianity cannot be overstated. However, it’s essential to recognize that different Christian denominations may have variations in their canon and the versions of the Bible they use. In this article, we will delve into the Catholic Bible, its history, its differences from the Protestant Bible, and explore some of the notable versions of the Catholic Bible.

The Catholic Bible finds its roots in the early Christian Church. The process of canonization, determining which books would be included in the Bible, began in the first few centuries after the life of Jesus. The Catholic canon of the Bible was formalized at the Councils of Hippo (393 AD) and Carthage (397 AD), where the Church recognized the same books that are included in the Catholic Bible today. These include the Old Testament books (Hebrew Scriptures) and the New Testament writings.

The question of the Apocrypha, also known as the Deuterocanonical books, and its inclusion or exclusion from the Bible is a matter of historical and theological debate between different Christian denominations. Here is a brief overview:

The Catholic Perspective:
From the perspective of the Catholic Church, the Deuterocanonical books were considered part of the biblical canon from early on in Christian history. The Councils of Hippo (393 AD) and Carthage (397 AD) confirmed the inclusion of these books in the canon, which is now recognized as part of the Catholic Bible. The Catholic Church views these books as divinely inspired and an integral part of the Old Testament.

The Protestant Perspective:
During the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, some reformers questioned the inclusion of the Deuterocanonical books in the canon. Influenced by Jewish scholarship that regarded these books as not part of the Hebrew Scriptures, some Protestant leaders, including Martin Luther, moved them to an appendix or labeled them as apocryphal, considering them valuable for reading but not on the same level of authority as the rest of the biblical books.

It’s important to note that the Protestant Reformation led to differences in the canon among Protestant denominations themselves. Different Protestant traditions have variations in their canon, with some including the Deuterocanonical books, some excluding them, and others treating them in a separate category.

Differences between the Catholic Bible and the Protestant Bible:


The primary difference lies in the inclusion of additional books in the Catholic Bible, known as the Deuterocanonical books or the “Apocrypha” by some Protestant denominations. These books, such as Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, and parts of Esther and Daniel, are not found in the Protestant Bible. The Catholic Church considers these books to be divinely inspired and an integral part of the Old Testament. In contrast, Protestant denominations generally consider these books to be valuable for historical and spiritual reading but not on the same level as the books in the Hebrew Scriptures.

The Difference in Translation:
Another distinction between Catholic and Protestant Bibles is the translation used. The Catholic Church has authorized specific translations that are officially recognized for liturgical use. These translations often align with the traditional Latin Vulgate, which was translated by St. Jerome in the 4th century. Some popular Catholic Bible translations include the Douay-Rheims Bible, the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSV-CE), the New American Bible (NAB), and the New Jerusalem Bible (NJB).

List of Catholic Bible Versions:


1. Douay-Rheims Bible: This translation, completed in the 17th century, is one of the earliest English translations of the Catholic Bible and is based on the Latin Vulgate.
2. Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSV-CE): This edition is a Catholic adaptation of the RSV translation, incorporating changes to align with Catholic teaching.
3. New American Bible (NAB): This translation was commissioned by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and is commonly used in the liturgy in the United States.
4. New Jerusalem Bible (NJB): Originally published in French, this translation provides a modern and scholarly rendition of the Bible.
5. Christian Community Bible (CCB): Developed by the Catholic Biblical Federation, this translation aims to make the Scriptures more accessible to readers.

Conclusion:
The Catholic Bible holds a significant place in the religious life of Catholics worldwide. Its history traces back to the early days of Christianity, and it encompasses additional books that are not found in the Protestant Bible. These Deuterocanonical books, along with the recognized Old and New Testament writings, form the basis of the Catholic Bible. While variations exist in translations, the Church has authorized certain versions for liturgical use, ensuring a faithful representation of the sacred text. Understanding the differences between the Catholic Bible and the Protestant Bible allows for a deeper appreciation of the diverse religious traditions within Christianity.

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