The history of Bible translation within the Catholic Church is characterized by a rich tradition of rendering the Scriptures into the language of the faith community. The CCNT features eight complete Catholic New Testaments that show the full range of expression for this central text of study, worship, prayer, and contemplation. A wide spectrum of people - including new and experienced Bible readers, homilists, and teachers - will gain from having this resource on their bookshelves. The Douay-Rheims, RSVCB, NRSVCB, and NAB are called formal equivalent translations (popularly referred to as "word-for-word" translations). This means that scholars rendered the New Testament's original language into English that is as close as possible to its original wording. The result is a translation that is particularly valuable for careful analysis of the text. Meanwhile, the JB, GNB, NJB, and Christian Community Bible represent the "thought-for-thought" school of Bible translation (technically described as dynamic or functional equivalent). This method places the priority on the intended meaning of the original vocabulary, adapting it to English syntax and grammar.

Such a translation tends to be easier to read and understand. The texts are conveniently displayed on facing pages (four translations per page), with the same set of verses on each one. The order in which the translations appear on the pages demonstrates a progression in translation philosophy from formal to functional equivalency.