What does it mean when a Bible is Interconfessional?

When we talk about a Bible being interconfessional, we are referring to a version of the Bible that is designed to be used by Christians of different denominations and traditions. An interconfessional Bible is one that has been translated in such a way as to be acceptable and useful to a wide variety of Christian communities, regardless of their specific theological beliefs or practices.

The term "interconfessional" comes from the Latin word "confessio," which means "confession" or "statement of faith." In the Christian context, the term is used to refer to the different theological beliefs and traditions that exist within the Christian church. These different confessions can often be a source of division and conflict, particularly when it comes to interpreting and understanding the Bible.

An interconfessional Bible seeks to bridge these divides by presenting the text in a way that is accessible and understandable to Christians of different backgrounds. This means that the translation will often take into account the different theological perspectives of various denominations and traditions, and will seek to present the text in a way that is neutral and inclusive.

One of the key features of an interconfessional Bible is that it will often include footnotes or annotations that explain certain passages or provide context for the text. These notes may include information about the historical and cultural context in which the text was written, as well as explanations of different theological interpretations of specific verses or passages.

Interconfessional Bibles may also use language that is more inclusive and less specific to a particular denomination or tradition. For example, instead of using language that assumes a particular theological perspective (such as "saved by grace" or "baptized in the Holy Spirit"), an interconfessional Bible may use more neutral language that is acceptable to a broader range of Christians.