Word on Fire has updated their fundraising page to seek contributions toward the fifth volume of the Word on Fire Bible (which is planned for publication in summer of 2025). The page includes a video introduction by Bishop Barron. Volume V will be titled Exile and Return and will include the following books of the Old Testament:
- 1 and 2 Chronicles
- Ezra
- Nehemiah
- Tobit
- Judith
- Esther
- 1 and 2 Maccabees
The cover design is inspired by the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Israelites returned from exile. Above images of the temple, the cover prominently features a scroll with the first words of the Hebrew text of the Shema (“Hear O Israel” in English — Deuteronomy 6:4-5).
In line with previous volumes, Volume V will include commentary from saints, theologians, Church Fathers, popes, and Catholic writers. A recent marketing email listed several of the commentators that are cited in each biblical book:
- 1 and 2 Chronicles: St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Ambrose, and St. Augustine
- Ezra: St. Bede and Pope Benedict XVI
- Nehemiah: Pope St. Paul VI and Pope St. John Paul II
- Tobit: Origen, Dante, and St. Francis de Sales
- Judith: St. Jerome and St. Athanasius
- Esther: St. Clement of Rome, Aphrahat, and Hans Urs von Balthasar
- 1 and 2 Maccabees: Pope Francis, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, and G.K. Chesterton
I can’t wait to read Tobit. Such a beautiful book and I hope the commentary elevates it to its rightful place and draws in Protestants who never knew Tobit.
I still need to order volume 3 & 4.
Every cover in this series looks like a grimoire or a masonic initiation manual.
There. I’ve said it.
Maybe Bishop Barron is part of some Satanic plot to undermine the Church.
Whoa, that escalated quickly. I sure hope that’s a joke.
Haha. I didn’t consider it escalatory (is that a word?). I was just a little perplexed by the “grimoire or a masonic initiation manual” remark so was looking for a little enlightenment as to what, if anything, was being implied. I found it a bit out of left field considering the beauty that is contained in these volumes.
I think I was clear: I just don’t like the design.
It’s kind of that weird esoteric-occult-ayn rand fountainhead-libertarian-bro esthetic.
Like a bible cover designed by Zack Snyder.
I’ve got nothing to say about the content one way or the other.
Glad to see them using the NRSV-CE, at least? Wish it were the RNJB?
In response to the escalation:
The interior of the WOF Bible will offer detailed explanation of the front design of the book and who designed it, they make it very clear that it is not for spellbinding, sorcery, or masonry. Otherwise, I believe the overarching art style and aesthetic is geared towards those who want something groundbreaking and powerful, in the ‘way of beauty’ as Bishop Barron puts it. In a perfect world I would try to force the RSV2CE to fuse together with the RNJB and create a unified eclectic translations that appeals to both the Ignatius Bible fans and the wider English Catholic world who cling to the JB and it’s legacy.
I am incredibly confused by the lack of a coherent check out program- every option to support Vol 5 leads back to testimonials, and the same menus that take you nowhere. We want to support Vol 5 but there is no end to the loop after pressing any number of buttons offering our support.
I like the freedom of speech going on here. In my case, I have purchased and enjoyed the first four volumes and very much look forward to enjoying volumes 5 – 7. As with every new Bible and new translation, I initially spend time learning to engage with the Bible, getting to know the nuances which distinguish it from the other Bibles in my collection. Each Bible has a different personality that needs to be appreciated. I think the multiple volume format of the WOF Bible may amplify the true biblical mysticism that is not apparent in the typical one volume version. When I read the details about the layout of the tabernacle, the original traveling temple, I still get an eery feeling. Of course, eery always becomes love and respect for God. Relative to the comparison to a Masonic initiation, what are covenants if they are not a clear form of initiation?