Catholic Teen Bible: Contemporary, Not Cringe

Carolyn Astfalk employs the opinions of her teens and young adult to review Life Teen’s Catholic Teen Bible. 

Catholic Teen Bible

Published by Life Teen

Life Teen’s Catholic Teen Bible (2025 edition), using the NABRE text, presents the Word of God in a compelling, contemporary, inviting, and eminently practical style. Too often, graphics and illustrations that aim to attract young people come off as cringeworthy. When I shared this Bible with my four children — male and female, ages almost-thirteen to 22 — they remarked on the illustrations, which manage to be both contemporary and reverent. 

The presentation is classic with a modern twist, employing colors and layers that make the graphics appealing to Gen Z and Gen Alpha without sacrificing the quality of classic depictions. Moreover, the text placed over or accompanying the graphics always remains unobtrusive yet readable. No big thought balloons or gimmicky text blocks. Just crisp fonts and high contrast. 

Practical Presentation 

The Scripture presented is the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE), one of the translations approved for study by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. There is enough white space on the page to keep the text from looking crowded, and the book names are included on each page in a way that makes tabs unnecessary. Readers can easily flip from book to book using the marks on the foredge. Margins are narrow, however, leaving little room for notetaking or drawing. 

By comparison, the Catholic Teen Bible is more compact than other Bibles on our family’s shelves. Pages are thin enough to keep the Bible a comfortable size for hands and lap, yet aren’t flimsy or prone to tearing. The illustrated softcover is smooth, sturdy, and attractive. 

Content Aimed at Usability 

The content before and after the biblical text is, in my opinion, outstanding. Often teens (and adults) feel a tug to dive more deeply into Scripture only to lose their way, becoming overwhelmed by the complexity of the sacred texts. Some books may seem boring or confusing, and the reader’s fervor is replaced by frustration. Catholic Teen Bible aims to mitigate that frustration with a clear-minded, easy-to-read approach. 

It covers how to navigate the Bible and provides overviews of both the Old and New Testaments, including the different types of writing encountered in the Bible. Additionally, it provides tools for praying, such as a guide to Lectio Divina, how to pray the Rosary using Scripture, and a thematic concordance (a series of topics such About Dating or Dealing with Doubts and a list of relevant Bible passages). 

Finally, there are fifteen micro studies, which are perfect for focused reflection. As an example, one study is “Jesus Reminds Us to Be Childlike.” Relevant verses are referenced followed by several related questions for reflection. Each study also includes a short meditation and a concluding prayer. 

The Practical Apologetics section is useful for those who want to better understand the Biblical basis for elements of the Catholic faith and defend it. Also included is a reference for Scriptures we hear at Mass, and, finally, recommendations for fifty verses to commit to memory. 

The writing style is very approachable. It conveys bold truths in an encouraging yet challenging manner in language that is easily understandable. 

Catholic Teen Bible is a tremendous resource, attractively packaged, and highly usable that would make a great gift for any teen or young adult, male or female. It makes an especially handsome and thoughtful gift for Confirmation. 

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Copyright 2025 Carolyn Astfalk
Images: Life Teen