Bible journaling is a way of engaging in the study of scripture. It can involve different forms of note-taking, written reflections or creative responses. These can be done either directly in a Bible or in a separate place such as notebook or journal.
Approved Catholic Bibles
As Catholics, it’s helpful to start with a Church-approved Bible. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops provides a list of Approved Translations of the Bible. It’s also good to look inside the Bible for the Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat.
Personally, I have several different Bibles. One is The Great Adventure Bible from Ascension Press. Among its many features is a suggested reading plan. Another is the Didache Bible from Ignatius Press which has commentaries from the Catechism. Both of these are the Revised Standard Version – Second Catholic Edition (RSV-2CE). With these, I take notes in the margins or on sticky notes which I then insert into the Bible.
Catholic Journaling Bibles
There are a some Catholic Bibles that have spaces in the margins to write or be creative:
The Ave Catholic Notetaking Bible (RSV-2CE) from Ave Maria Press
The Catholic Notetaking Bible (NABRE) from Our Sunday Visitor
The Catholic Notetaking Bible: Blessed is She Edition (NABRE) from Our Sunday Visitor
Journal Edition Catholic Bible (NRSV-CE) from Catholic Bible Press
Inspire New Catholic Bible (NLT) from Tyndale House Publishers
I do most of my creative Bible journaling in an Inspire Catholic Bible. While the New Living Translation is not an approved translation, it does have the Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat. When Bible journaling, I’ll study the scripture first using one of my other Bibles and then reflect on it with creative journaling in the Inspire Bible.
I hope this helps you find your favorite journaling Bible if you don’t already have one or, if you’ve decided you need another one just for journaling. The most important thing is that you find a Bible that you’ll enjoy owning and reading. Whether it’s a particular translation you like, the features within the Bible or a pretty cover, whatever draws you to the Bible is what will draw you closer to God through his Word. ✝️
