If you want to read the whole Bible, you might be stuck with the electronic device of your choice or really tiny print. If that's the course you choose, then let me suggest this read-the-Bible in a year plan (free download) and say that my current translation of choice is The Ignatius Bible: Revised Standard Version - Second Catholic Edition
(it even comes in a Kindle edition).For reading the New Testament only, a pocket edition is much more practical. I have two, each with advantages and drawbacks.
The New Testament (Challoner-Rheims)
is the last revision of the venerable Douay-Reims translation before the arrival of the New American Bible. It still uses "thee" and "thou" and has the old Catholic spellings of Old Testament names like "Jeremias" and "Noe." If that's going to distract you, then this isn't the edition you want.On the other hand, it is definitely more pocket-sized than the alternative I'm about to offer; the language is often euphonious and fairly easy to read; the footnotes are few but helpful; and it offers a read-the-NT-in-a-year plan right with the text itself. It's even got a system wherein you can read the whole NT twice in a year.
My other choice is The New Testament And Psalms: Revised Standard Version, Dark Blue, Second Catholic Edition
. It's less pocketable than the other version, being about an inch wider and two inches taller, but then I've never been comfortable stuffing a Bible in my pocket anyhow. It's probably a little heavier, too.The text is very nicely typeset; the language is current without being obtrusively modern ("inclusive language" is not used); the few footnotes are printed as end notes, lessening potential distractions and making the pages look much less busy; and the inclusion of the Psalms adds a valuable resource.
If I had to pick one ... I'd pick them both.
If you are planning to try to read the Bible or just the New Testament in a year, let me offer you a few hints:
- Have a plan and stick to it. "A plan" is more than just a list of the readings for each day. Know when you're going to do your reading: with your morning prayers, at lunch, before Mass, whenever. If the first time you pick doesn't work, find one that does. Be persistent. (I don't recommend picking evening or night times if you can avoid it; you may find yourself skipping days when you're tired.)
- Should you miss a day, don't worry about it. Make it up the next day if you can and if you like. Missing a day is not that important. Quitting would be important. If you fall even farther behind, fine. Don't start over. Pick up where you left off. Don't give in to discouragement.
- The goal is not to race through it and get it done. You may find that happening on occasion, though if you're just read the NT, the daily readings should only take a few minutes. If you find a passage that makes you want to take time and reflect, do it.
