Mary,

This is a common question; it's even in our searchable knowledge base:

https://www.AskACatholic.com/SiteSearch

There are a lot of quick answers there, so give it a try.

I searched the knowledge base for you and found these web postings that may help:

• Which Bibles are Catholic and which are Protestant and what English translations are used at Mass?
  
• Which Catholic Bibles are approved by the Vatican?
• Is it OK for Catholics to use Protestant translations of the Bible?
  
• What do you recommend for a serious Bible Study or exegesis of Scripture plus is this site OK?
  
• Is the New International Version (NIV) Bible agreeable with the Catholic Church?
  

My personal view is the best Bible for your at-home readings is the one that you will use!

That said, Protestant Bibles will always have missing books. Besides getting the full Word of God, you'll always get more for your money with a Catholic Bible.

I hope this helps,

Mike

Mary —

Mike is correct. The best bible to use, is the one you'll read.

That said, Protestant Bibles are missing (7) seven books in the Old Testament. They have some very good translations but are just missing books.

The easiest Catholic Bibles to read are the New American Bible or the Jerusalem Bible.

The best Catholic Translation is the Revised Standard Version — Catholic Edition but it's a bit tougher reading — not impossible but the English a slightly antiquated.

John