One day there was a blurb online about a new Bible for
women. This was on www.revgalblogpals.org.
RevGalBlogPals (RGBP) is comprised of a diverse group of women in
ministry. I've followed the blog off and on for years, and belong to
the Facebook group. When I saw the story about a new women's Bible, I
admit my first reaction was "ho hum". However, when I read the
website promo, I was enthused! Every editor and commentator is a
woman. They are from a variety of backgrounds and denominations, and
many are ordained clergy. This Bible is the CEB Women's Bible,
published by Abingdon Press.
Among the features of this study Bible
are: introductions to every book of the Bible, maps, profiles of
women, & sidebars within the chapters to add clarity and food for
thought. There's an index to every woman in the Bible, named or
unnamed. There are questions for reflection and discussion, which I
find useful for small group study or for stimulating thought when
preparing to write a devotion or sermon. (or blog post!)
There are also suggested bible reading
plans. There is a 30 day “overview plan”; 90 days through the New
Testament; and one year through the Bible plan.
One of my favorite stories is in John
chapter 4, the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. In small
groups over the years, we've discussed this story, and struggled with
the traditional interpretations, which seemed so derogatory of the
woman. In our study, we've remarked on her openness with Jesus about
her lifestyle and how quickly she asks about the proper way to
worship. The sidebar “portrait” in the CEB Women's Bible compares
her with Nicodemus, who comes to Jesus in the darkness of nighttime.
This woman encounters Jesus in broad daylight, showing she has
nothing to hide. The sidebar portrait also points out the depth of
their theological conversation. We are asked to consider what might
be our “water jar” that we can leave behind so as to better
testify what Jesus has done in our lives.
The Common English Bible translation
(or paraphrase) is a newer version. It uses “ordinary” language
to be accessible to most readers. For my personal Bible reading, I
use the NRSV and the newer English Standard Version. But I do
encourage the use of different translations and paraphrases in our
small group studies to enhance comprehension and discussion. The
accessibility of this version will be an asset in these groups.
I enthusiastically endorse this Bible for personal reading, study, and use in discussion groups. I look forward to many years of using my copy for all these purposes! This Bible would also make a nice gift.
I received a free copy of the CEB
Women's Bible in exchange for a fair review.
