The inspiration for the publication of "The Didache Bible" was an address given by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI, shown here in an October 2008 photo. (CNS photo/Max Rossi, Reuters)
Posted on 02/19/2015 2:11:15 PM PST by NYer
The inspiration for the publication of "The Didache Bible" was an address given by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI, shown here in an October 2008 photo. (CNS photo/Max Rossi, Reuters)
The Didache Bible (RSV, Second Catholic Edition): Ignatius Bible Edition, recently published by the Midwest Theological Forum with Ignatius Press, is a 1960-page study Bible featuring extensive commentaries, based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, for each of the books of the Bible. The Didache Bible also includes over 100 apologetical inserts, over two dozen full-color biblical maps, and a 43-page glossary and a topical index.
Rev. James Socias, Vice President of the Midwest Theological Forum, spoke recently about what inspired the creation and publication of The Didache Bible and how it can be used by Catholics for group and individual study.
Why did Midwest Theological Forum decide to publish the Didache Bible?
Fr. Socias: The primary inspiration for the Didache Bible was the address given by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, in 2002 on the tenth anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. In this address, Cardinal Ratzinger strongly advocated the use of Scripture in the Catechism as a means to explain the faith and emphasized how it was important to read Scripture within the living tradition of the Church.
While the Catechism has greatly benefitted from its many references to Sacred Scripture, we found it surprising that there was nothing that would allow the reader to go the other way around; that is, a Bible with commentaries that referenced the Catechism. Such a Bible would facilitate a better understanding of how a particular verse or verses are directly related to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
In reflecting on this, we came to see that a Bible with commentaries based on the Catechism would be a good companion to the Didache Series textbooks, which are also based on Scripture and the Catechism. This, in effect, was our inspiration to publish the Didache Bible.
What is the importance of consulting the Catechism when reading the Bible?
Fr. Socias: As Cardinal Francis George says in the preface, the Second Vatican Council “affirmed the importance of Sacred Scripture in the life of faith.” The Deposit of Faith, which is contained in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, is safe-guarded and transmitted by the Magisterium of the Church, and the Catechism is the basic summary of this great wealth of Catholic teaching. Catholics who desire to understand the faith more completely will naturally want to study the Catechism and read the Bible on a regular basis.
By basing the commentaries on the Catechism and by referencing the relevant parts Catechism, the Didache Bible provides the reader with a means to better understand how the teachings of the Church are based on Scripture and how the living tradition of the Church interprets those verses of Scripture.
How does the Didache Bible respond to the Second Vatican Council’s call to renew the Catholic faith in the modern world?
Fr. Socias: In Dei Verbum (no. 10), the Second Vatican Council taught that the task of authentically interpreting the Word of God has been entrusted to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. By basing the commentaries of the Didache Bible on the Catechism, we show both how the Church has interpreted the different parts of Scripture and how that Scripture has become part of her magisterial teaching.
Additionally, Guadium et spes (no. 58) speaks of how the Gospel of Christ renews the modern world and advances culture, perfecting them in Christ. By promoting the Word of God and its authentic interpretation, we hope to assist the Church in her mission of renewing the faith in the modern world.
How did you determine which paragraphs of the Catechism to include with the different commentaries?
Fr. Socias: As a first step, we looked at which verses of Scripture were quoted or referenced in the various paragraphs of the Catechism and worked backwards. We then looked at how these verses were explained in the Catechism and incorporated these teachings into the commentaries as appropriate.
Subsequently, these draft commentaries were carefully reviewed by a team of Scripture scholars, such as Fr. Paul Mankowski of the University of Chicago and Fr. Andreas Hoeck of St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver. As part of their work, the team not only corrected the commentaries but drafted new material as appropriate and made suggestions as to other relevant paragraphs of the Catechism that should be included.
What are some of the elements that comprise the Didache Bible?
Fr. Socias: In addition to the commentaries based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Didache Bible provides references to additional paragraphs of the Catechism. This enables the reader to go back to the original source and see what further information on a particular topic the Catechism offers.
Another important element of the Didache Bible is the apologetical explanations. These 105, one-page explanations cover topics that help the reader to understand the faith better and to explain the faith to others.
When speaking with non-Catholics, it’s not enough just to say the Catechism tells us these things. Therefore, the apologetical explanations are based not only on the Catechism but also rely heavily on Sacred Scripture, which is useful when speaking with non-Catholic Christians. When possible, they are also based on natural reason, which is useful when speaking with non-Christians. Sample topics include such Catholic beliefs and practices as honoring or venerating the Blessed Virgin Mary, going to Confession, and believing in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
The Didache Bible also offers a comprehensive glossary of Biblical terms, a topical index, numerous maps of the various places mentioned in the Bible, Introductions to the books of the Bible, timelines of Biblical events, and other helpful information, such as how to read the Bible.
How can the Didache Bible be useful to teachers and students?
Fr. Socias: For teachers and students—whether in Catholic high schools, parishes, homeschools, or in a family setting—the Didache Bible can be a useful instrument to help understand how the Word of God is interpreted by the Magisterium and how Scripture, along with Sacred Tradition, is the foundation of Catholic teaching.
Although it was developed as a companion to our Didache Series textbooks, the Didache Bible is really accessible to anyone. For example, it is great for parents, who are the primary educators of their children. It is also ideal for Bible study programs and anyone wanting to learn more about their faith and Sacred Scripture.
How can the Didache Bible be of use to someone trying to study the Bible in-depth?
Fr. Socias: The Didache Bible is a great tool for Bible study. For those wanting a more in-depth understanding of Sacred Scripture, the commentaries will help them to understand what the Bible says in the light of the teachings of the Church and how this Scripture helps to form the faith. The other elements of the Didache Bible will assist in better understanding the historical context of different parts of the Bible, the meanings of biblical terms and concepts, and the relationship between the different books of the Bible. The commentaries also help the reader to see how the Bible is a unified whole and how the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New.
The Didache Bible not only helps the reader have a better understanding of Scripture but also of the Catechism, which is the surest interpretation of the faith. In short, the Didache Bible makes evident how the Catechism and Sacred Scripture complement each other.
What are some tips on reading the Bible for a person who is trying to grow in his or her spiritual life?
Fr. Socias: The Church highly recommends that Catholics read the Bible regularly. The practice of lectio divina or the prayerful reading of the Scripture makes a good place to start. In this traditional practice, you slowly read a selection of Bible verses, re-reading them, if necessary, and then meditate on what has been read, pondering what the Word of God is trying to say to you. Next, you pray that God will speak through his Word and, finally, place yourself in God’s presence and contemplate on what God is saying.
Understanding what God is trying to say to us through Sacred Scripture is much easier and more fruitful when we have the Church as our guide. For example, in the Didache Bible commentaries you can read what the Catechism has to say about a particular verse or selection of verses.
Of course, in addition to lectio divina, there are many different methods of reading the Bible. Sometimes, as in a Bible study group, a book or books of the Bible can be studied methodically from beginning to end. Other times, a person might want to know what the Bible says about a particular topic. In this case, he or she can look up the term in the topical index and read the relevant Scripture passages about this topic. In both instances, the Didache Bible will help the person better understand what the Church has to say about these verses or selections of Scripture.
It is always a good idea for Catholics to make a resolution to read the Bible each day, at least for a few minutes. Doing so helps us grow in our relationship with God and helps us to understand our faith better. Of course, it is important for Catholics who want to grow in their understanding of the faith to study the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Didache Bible helps in both these regards.
Being more familiar with the Bible and the Catechism gives us the tools to be an effective witness of the faith and to defend the faith when needed.
• View sample pages of The Didache Bible (PDF format)
Catholic ping!
Ping
I wonder if the original “Didache” is included in this ‘teaching Bible?’
The Greek word didache means “teaching.” The Didache is the short title of an ancient document that contains some very early Christian doctrines. It may have been written by Paul and/or Barnabas around 49 AD.
Here is a good translation and commentary on the “Didache:”
http://www.bswett.com/1998-01Didache.html
I wondered the same thing but after checking the table of contents, realized it was not. For us Catholics, this really fills an empty 'niche', supporting scripture with the catechism. Check out the pdf link.
Drat, the Didache or “the teachings of the apostles to the gentiles” should have been included in the New Testament. I think I’ll just stick with my New Jerusalem Edition of the Bible.
**When speaking with non-Catholics, it’s not enough just to say the Catechism tells us these things. Therefore, the apologetical explanations are based not only on the Catechism but also rely heavily on Sacred Scripture,**
So true.
New Jerusalem is always excellent.
Not infallible ...it contains human error..
The dating is given to be LATE first century or early 2nd..
Draper, J. A. (2006). "The Apostolic Fathers: The Didache". The Expository Times 117 (5): 177–81. doi:10.1177/0014524606062770.)
So it is highly unlikely written by ANY apostles ot their contempories
Thanks for the ping and the link to the original Didache.
Thanks. I'm sure it's been asked before, but.. I'd appreciate an update on which versions Catholics on FR recommend.
Some like the Douay Rheims — especially if you like the language of the King James.
Others (and worldwide) accept the Jerusalem.
Always good to check on EWTN for the RSV too. The Navarre postings on the Daily thread are from the RSV.
Thanks very much.
My RSV didn’t make it through my last move. I want to buy a new Bible and am on limited funds and have to choose one for now.
It’s between Douay Rheims and Jerusalem I think. Should get both I guess..
Appreciate your comments.
Well you guys finally did it...
The muzlims have their Koran...The Mormons have the book of Mormon...And now the Catholics have the didache bible...
And why the didache you may ask...Because the Holy Bible, the words of God, as with the muzlims and Mormons condemns your religion in so many places that you can't use it to defend your religions...
Once again, not surprisingly, you did not read the article. Your comment is based on the title, not the content. The Didache Bible does not include the Didache book.
The word didache means teaching. The "Didache" is the short name of a Christian manual compiled before 300AD. The full title is The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles. Some Christians thought the Didache was inspired, but the Church rejected it when making the final decision on which books to include in the New Testament.
Please read the article in its entirety before posting comments.
Yes I read it...Your religion now claims it has a new bible...One that lines up with your catechism...
And the fact is; it did not come from God nor is it any more of a bible than the book of Mormon or the Quran...
The Bible that you embrace, comes from God and was compiled by the Catholic Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, explains scripture. We have both books - one is scripture, the other explains it. Your statement reflects a total misunderstanding of the Bible.
Did you read it and the commentary? Commentary contains why Swett thinks it is 49 AD and not later, and 49 AD is first century.
“contains human error...:” if this, contains human error, how do you justify the other books of the New Testament? Surely not acceptable because the Catholics chose them in the mid-300s?
Written of course by ROME ..LOL
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/didache.html
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didache
The Didache, an early handbook of an anonymous Christian community,
http://www.paracletepress.com/didache.html
“contains human error...:” if this, contains human error, how do you justify the other books of the New Testament?
..THIS IS NOT THE NEW TESTAMENT ..it is an interesting read on the formation of the church..nothing more.. just like your kids history book is not INFALLIBLE' neither is this .... If someone does not understand that scripture is the word of God and this book is the word of man there is nothing any Christian can do to explain it.. because it is spiritually discerned
Surely not acceptable because the Catholics chose them in the mid-300s?
No the early church chose them.. and there was no Roman Catholic church then ...and BTW Rome did not have a canon of closed scripture until Trent.. so if this was "inspired" writings they could have added it like they did the others
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