By Brian Figeroux, Esq. 

The Revised New American Bible (RNAB), the Revised Standard Version (Catholic Edition) (RSVCE), and the Jerusalem Bible (JB) are three significant translations of the Bible used widely within the Catholic tradition. Each offers unique perspectives on moral, ethical, and leadership principles. This analysis explores how the teachings and values presented in these translations can inform a Catholic perspective on choosing between Joe Biden and Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, considering Biden’s age and Trump’s felony convictions.

Revised New American Bible (RNAB)

Key Themes and Principles

1. Justice and Righteousness:

The RNAB emphasizes justice and righteousness, as seen in passages like Micah 6:8, which calls for acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. These values are critical in evaluating presidential candidates’ moral character and policy priorities.

2. Compassion and Service:

Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels highlight compassion and service to others, especially the marginalized and poor (Matthew 25:35-40). These themes are prominent in the RNAB, guiding Catholics to value leaders who prioritize social justice and compassion.

3. Integrity and Accountability:

Proverbs 11:3 states, “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” Integrity and accountability are crucial qualities for leaders, emphasizing honesty and moral uprightness.

Revised Standard Version (Catholic Edition) (RSVCE)

Key Themes and Principles

1. Wisdom and Discernment:

The RSVCE often highlights the importance of wisdom and discernment in leadership. Proverbs 3:13-18 praises the value of wisdom, vital for making sound decisions that benefit the common good.

2. Leadership and Responsibility:

Romans 13:1-7 discusses the responsibilities of leaders and the importance of governing authorities acting as servants of God, promoting justice and the well-being of the people. This passage guides Catholics in evaluating a leader’s effectiveness and moral responsibility.

3. Humility and Service:

Philippians 2:3-4 encourages humility and service to others, mirroring Jesus’ example. Leaders who demonstrate humility and a commitment to serving others align with these biblical principles.

Jerusalem Bible (JB)

Key Themes and Principles

1. Justice and Compassion:

The JB strongly emphasizes social justice and compassion, reflecting Catholic social teaching. Isaiah 1:17 calls for defending the oppressed, which is a key consideration for evaluating a candidate’s social justice policies.

2. Moral Integrity:

Psalm 15:1-2 underscores the importance of moral integrity, stating that those who walk blamelessly and do what is right will dwell with the Lord. This principle is essential for assessing the ethical conduct of candidates.

3. Commitment to Peace:

Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God,” highlights the value of peace and reconciliation. Candidates who promote peace and unity are in line with this teaching.

Evaluating Biden and Trump Through Biblical Principles

1. Joe Biden

Integrity and Moral Character:

Biden’s long career in public service has been marked by a focus on empathy, integrity, and ethical governance. His personal and political life reflects an adherence to the values of justice, compassion, and service emphasized in all three Bible translations.

Age and Wisdom:

At 81, Biden’s age raises concerns about his physical and mental stamina. However, the Bible often associates age with wisdom and experience (Job 12:12). Biden’s extensive experience and consultative decision-making process reflect the biblical value of wisdom.

Policies on Social Justice:

Biden’s policy proposals focus on healthcare, education, and support for marginalized communities, aligning with the Bible’s emphasis on justice and compassion. His commitment to addressing systemic inequalities and promoting social welfare is consistent with biblical teachings.

Accountability and Transparency:

Biden’s willingness to admit mistakes and adapt indicates a level of accountability valued in the Bible. His transparency in addressing his age and health issues demonstrates integrity and honesty.

2. Donald Trump

Integrity and Moral Character:

Controversies, including multiple felony convictions, have marred Trump’s presidency and public life. These legal issues raise serious questions about his adherence to the principles of integrity and righteousness emphasized in the Bible.

Leadership Style and Decision-Making:

Trump’s decisiveness and focus on economic growth reflect a pragmatic approach to leadership. However, his often unilateral decision-making style lacks the consultative aspect praised in the Bible, particularly in the RSVCE’s emphasis on wisdom and discernment.

Policies on Social Justice:

Trump’s policies emphasize strong national interests and economic growth but have been criticized for lacking compassion in areas like immigration and social justice. His approach does not fully align with the Bible’s call for defending the oppressed and promoting social welfare.

Accountability and Legal Issues:

Trump’s felony convictions and ongoing legal battles highlight significant issues with accountability. The Bible underscores the importance of leaders being accountable for their actions, and Trump’s legal troubles suggest challenges in this area.

Comparative Analysis

Integrity and Legal Issues

All three Bible translations emphasize the importance of integrity and moral uprightness in leadership. Biden’s relatively scandal-free career and commitment to ethical governance align more closely with these biblical principles. In contrast, Trump’s felony convictions significantly deviate from the biblical standard of integrity.

Wisdom and Experience

The Bible values wisdom and experience, which are often associated with age. Biden’s long career in public service and consultative approach reflect the biblical value of wisdom, despite concerns about his age. Trump’s leadership style, while decisive, often lacks the collaborative and discerning qualities highlighted in the Bible.

Justice and Compassion

Biden’s focus on social justice and support for marginalized communities aligns with the biblical emphasis on justice and compassion in the RNAB, RSVCE, and JB. While Trump’s policies emphasize economic growth, they have been criticized for not fully addressing issues of social justice and compassion.

Accountability and Service

The Bible values leaders who are accountable and serve selflessly. Biden’s career reflects a commitment to public service and accountability. Trump’s leadership style and legal issues raise significant concerns about his alignment with these biblical principles.

Conclusion

The RNAB, RSVCE, and JB all emphasize qualities such as integrity, wisdom, justice, compassion, service, and accountability as essential for righteous leadership. In evaluating Joe Biden and Donald Trump through the lens of these biblical principles, Biden’s long career in public service, focus on social justice, and overall adherence to ethical standards align more closely with the values emphasized in these translations of the Bible. Trump’s decisiveness and economic focus are notable, but his felony convictions and approach to governance raise significant concerns about his alignment with the biblical principles of integrity and accountability.

Ultimately, the teachings of the RNAB, RSVCE, and JB suggest that a leader who upholds righteousness, seeks wisdom, balances justice with compassion, serves selflessly, and maintains accountability is best suited for leadership. In this context, Biden’s qualities and record appear more closely aligned with these biblical ideals.

  biden, comparative analysis, presidential elections, Revised New American Bible, Trump