Roman Catholic Biblical Scholars Helped Translate the New Common English Bible

Contact: Audra Jennings, The B&B Media Group, 800-927-05017 ext. 104, ajennings@tbbmedia.com

 

NASHVILLE, August 17, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Of the 200 biblical scholars and church leaders involved in creating the just released complete Common English Bible translation, 12 are members of the Roman Catholic Church.

 

Nearly four years in the making, with a total of more than 700 people involved and a budget of $3.5 million, the complete Common English Bible is in its third printing after only one month in stores and is becoming known for being "built on common ground."

 

"When we say 'built on common ground,' we mean that the Common English Bible is the result of collaboration between opposites: scholars working with average readers; conservatives working with liberals; teens working with retirees; men working with women; many denominations and many ethnicities coming together around the common goal of creating a vibrant and clear translation for 21st century readers, with the ultimate objective of mutually accomplishing God's overall work in the world," says Paul Franklyn, PhD, associate publisher for the Common English Bible.

 

"It's an honor and a pleasure to be associated with this good project," says Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, translator of Maccabees, and professor of New Testament, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry. "Based on the best modern biblical scholarship, the Common English Bible conveys the message of the Bible in a clear, accurate, and inspiring way."

 

Twenty-four denominations are represented by the translators and readers. Roman Catholics who helped build the Common English Bible are:

 

Translators and where they teach:

·         Raymond F. Collins, STD, The Catholic University of America, Saunderstown, RI

·         John J. Collins, DLitt, PhD, Yale University, Guilford, CT

·         Carol J. Dempsey, OP, PhD, University of Portland, Portland, OR

·         Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, BD, PhD, Boston College School of Theology & Ministry, Cambridge, MA

·         Patrick Hartin, ThD, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA

·         Luke Timothy Johnson, MDiv, PhD, Candler School of Theology, Atlanta, GA

·         John Kaltner, PhD, Rhodes College, Memphis, TN

·         Margaret M. Mitchell, PhD, University of Chicago Divinity School, Chicago, IL

·         Pheme Perkins, PhD, Boston College, Wayland, MA

·         Anathea Portier-Young, PhD, Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC

·         Seung Ai Yang, PhD, Chicago Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL

 

Reading Group Leader:

·         Randall Blakey, Lay Minister, Chicago, IL

 

The complete Common English Bible debuted online and on 20 digital platforms in June, and in paperback format in mid-July. Now in its third printing, the Common English Bible totals 500,000 copies in print, including the New Testament-only editions released a year ago. Originally expected this fall, the entire Bible paperback edition already in stores is selling quickly. Six other editions, including one with the Apocrypha, are now releasing.

 

Visit CommonEnglishBible.com to see comparison translations, learn about the translators, get free downloads, and more.