How do you handle the Word of God (hard-copy)?

[Jon Lake]

lol

"watch how you turn the pages!"

Carefully!

 

[Kevin]

I just bought two new (expensive) bibles this past week. And I threw the boxes out with the trash.

When I lived in the South, I noticed an almost superstitious view of the printed word. Several times I saw people who made no claim at all to being a Christian (one was a stripper!) treat the "book" as if to drop, or mistreat a printed copy of God's Word was an invitation for immediate, direct, Divine punishment.

in my opinion these actions reflect a cultural (Jungian?) conditioning. For what it's worth, I kind of liked it.

 

[Grymir]

When I am to have guest who are of the Religion of Peace I do put the Bible on the top of all other books on my highest shelf so as not to give him wrong impressions though.

I bet that drives them nuts!!

I also don't write in my Bibles. (I have a stack of notebooks for that! Just like the Apostle Paul didn't! Hence his bring me the parchments statement really sticks out to me) Keep them zipped up when not using, in Bible covers. If it's not one that I am currently using, into the original box it goes. And never, never use them with dirty hands. They cost me alot.

 

[Davidius]

I have about two bibles for every three years of age, and I treat all of them with great respect. It is my opinion that nothing should be put on top of a bible, except for another bible. The reason for this is that it is a symbolic action, and, contrary to modern popular belief, symbolics do matter! If I symbolize my belief that the Bible is the most important book on Earth, period, it somehow convinces/reminds me of the fact every time I put one away - I do this, because the Bible is the Word of the Lord.

I think all of this boils down to a simple question/thought: "How can you profess to set great store to the things represented in the Bible, if you cannot bring yourself to set great store by the Bible itself, which is a far smaller thing to do, and much less inconvenient (from a worldly point of view, as following the Lord is in all ways profitable)?"

I like this. The Scriptures tell us that we cannot say we love God if we do not love our neighbor. Jesus says that if we do a good work for another person, we have done it for him. By obeying our authorities, we obey Christ. Our world is setup in such a way that religious devotion to an invisible God is expressed through our behavior towards the Visible. To reverence the word of God by being careful with the scriptures makes sense to me.

 

[Pergamum]

If you only have one copy you should care for it, like any other book as a matter of stewardship, but I am against treating it differently - partly because I see my neighbors, both Christian and those in the Religion of Peace treat the Book superstitiously, even while not following its teachings.

When I am to have guest who are of the Religion of Peace I do put the Bible on the top of all other books on my highest shelf so as not to give him wrong impressions though.

I once read in a book on world religions that if you are among them you should carry the Bible above waist level since If I recall correctly it is considered a sign of respect, valuing it highly etc.

Yes, that too. And they have special stands to put their book in too to display it in their house.

Some farmers will write verses out from this book (always in the Arabic, even though they cannot read Arabic) and plant them in their fields to help their rice crops too.

 

[TsonMariytho]

I like this. The Scriptures tell us that we cannot say we love God if we do not love our neighbor. Jesus says that if we do a good work for another person, we have done it for him. By obeying our authorities, we obey Christ. Our world is setup in such a way that religious devotion to an invisible God is expressed through our behavior towards the Visible. To reverence the word of God by being careful with the scriptures makes sense to me.

But we can't just blindly transfer our honor of the invisible to the closest available visible objects, or we will end up toting around holy relics. There has to be a separate, existing reason to honor the visible object (or person). I think the points that some have made above about (a) being a good steward of all that is entrusted to you, and (b) not allowing a brother of weaker faith to get a wrong impression, are the most convincing I've seen for treating the physical Bible well.

 

[Presbyterian Deacon]

I just walked into my library to find a half a cup of (cold) hot cocoa on top of my ESV Reformation Study Bible, where my son apparently abandoned it earlier this morning. Bet that would drive some of you crazy!

 

[Jon Lake]

I have about two bibles for every three years of age, and I treat all of them with great respect. It is my opinion that nothing should be put on top of a bible, except for another bible. The reason for this is that it is a symbolic action, and, contrary to modern popular belief, symbolics do matter! If I symbolize my belief that the Bible is the most important book on Earth, period, it somehow convinces/reminds me of the fact every time I put one away - I do this, because the Bible is the Word of the Lord.

I think all of this boils down to a simple question/thought: "How can you profess to set great store to the things represented in the Bible, if you cannot bring yourself to set great store by the Bible itself, which is a far smaller thing to do, and much less inconvenient (from a worldly point of view, as following the Lord is in all ways profitable)?"

I like this. The Scriptures tell us that we cannot say we love God if we do not love our neighbor. Jesus says that if we do a good work for another person, we have done it for him. By obeying our authorities, we obey Christ. Our world is setup in such a way that religious devotion to an invisible God is expressed through our behavior towards the Visible. To reverence the word of God by being careful with the scriptures makes sense to me.

Ditto! Augustine called Scripture a love letter from God. Since it is a tangible, visible gift from the Almighty, it deserves respect.

 

[bookslover]

I have about two bibles for every three years of age, and I treat all of them with great respect. It is my opinion that nothing should be put on top of a bible, except for another bible. The reason for this is that it is a symbolic action, and, contrary to modern popular belief, symbolics do matter! If I symbolize my belief that the Bible is the most important book on Earth, period, it somehow convinces/reminds me of the fact every time I put one away - I do this, because the Bible is the Word of the Lord.

As for putting a Bible on the floor: I have two of them beneath my bed, mostly because I always read/study/think/work in bed. At the moment, they are accompanied by Spurgeon, Edwards, Immens and Dr. Humphreys; they are in good company.

I also never take notes in my Bible, but that is because I never take notes, period. Not at lessons or lectures or sermons, or in books, and therefore not in my Bible. Usually, if I think something is worthwhile, I memorize it. If I'd take notes anywhere, it most probably would be in my Bible. One of the more robust ones, that is, for my main Bible, which is a wonder and unicum in the art of bookprinting, might tear were I to do that.

As for general neatness, I am pretty strict on that with all books, and even more so with my Bibles. I lent two of my older Bibles to my younger siblings for use in church until they had/have their own Bibles, and made very sure to instruct them on how to use it, and how to use it carefully. They still look good.

I think all of this boils down to a simple question/thought: "How can you profess to set great store to the things represented in the Bible, if you cannot bring yourself to set great store by the Bible itself, which is a far smaller thing to do, and much less inconvenient (from a worldly point of view, as following the Lord is in all ways profitable)?"

I agree. This is a good post. I never place another book on top of the Bible. I never just toss my Bible from one place to another (I've seen people, after church, just throw their Bibles with a spin into the trunks of their cars.) I would certainly never place a coffee cup or soda can on top of the Bible. And, I never mark my Bibles, either (or other books).

It's not a matter of biblioatry, of worshipping the Bible or reverencing the paper and ink. It's just a matter of showing respect for the book that it is - the Word of God.