The Word on Fire Bible: Exile and Return

The Word on Fire Bible is a groundbreaking new book introducing readers to the strange, colorful world of the Bible. It was designed to appeal not just to Christians, but to nonbelievers, searchers, and those with far more questions than answers. It doesn’t presume any experience with the Bible; in fact, it was created for people reading the Bible seriously for the first time, who may be unsure of what to make of its many events and characters.

Inside this volume, you’ll find the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Tobit, Judith, Esther, and 1 and 2 Maccabees surrounded by illuminating artwork and helpful commentary from Bishop Robert Barron, the Church Fathers, and some of the greatest saints, mystics, artists, and scholars throughout history. You’ll discover insights from Clement of Rome, Bede, Pope Paul VI, John Cassian, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Gregory the Great, Henri de Lubac, and many other teachers in the way of the Spirit.

The translation used in The Word on Fire Bible is the New Revised Standard Version: Catholic Edition (NRSV-CE), which has received wide acclaim from academics and Church leaders. It stands out because of its accuracy and readability, being as literal as possible yet as free as necessary to make the meaning clear in graceful, understandable English. It’s a wonderful translation—both for those who have never read the Bible and for those who have studied it for years.