what do you do with a falling-apart Bible?

Yesterday Once More · Sep 20, 2020

Hello. One of my Bibles is in such bad shape that I had to tape the spine just to hold it together. Probably a combination of use and cheap binding. I should buy a new one soon. Throwing a Bible away is unacceptable--it's too precious. What would you say, then, is the most constructive means of divesting myself of a falling-apart Bible?

SkyWriting · Sep 20, 2020

Joshua Knape said:
Hello. One of my Bibles is in such bad shape that I had to tape the spine just to hold it together. Probably a combination of use and cheap binding. I should buy a new one soon. Throwing a Bible away is unacceptable--it's too precious. What would you say, then, is the most constructive means of divesting myself of a falling-apart Bible?

This is the only sacred method approved by God:

fwGod · Sep 20, 2020

Bibles begin to fall apart after using it for so many numbers of years. So repair it as best you can, buy a zipper folder to put it in then put it in a good viewing spot in your home like people put their china and best treasured objects. Retire it as a valued thing that has done a good job for you through the years. Have it open flat. But only to look at, never use anymore.

Then buy a new Bible to actually handle and read.

sunshineforJesus · Sep 21, 2020

I would put it in storage and than buy a new one.

Joined2krist · Sep 21, 2020

Put it in a safe place within your house

HARK! · Sep 21, 2020

Give it to someone who doesn't have one; or seal it, and bury it, for future generations to find.

Civilization has collapsed in the past. It's pretty arrogant to think that modern civilization is above that.

Tolworth John · Sep 21, 2020

Joshua Knape said:
Hello. One of my Bibles is in such bad shape that I had to tape the spine just to hold it together. Probably a combination of use and cheap binding. I should buy a new one soon. Throwing a Bible away is unacceptable--it's too precious. What would you say, then, is the most constructive means of divesting myself of a falling-apart Bible?

Buy a new one and bin the old one.
It is a book that is all, there is nothing magical or sacred in or about a bundle of paper.

Tionbai · Sep 21, 2020

It is the Holy Word of God, but you should not cling to the piece of paper, as Tolworth John states. If it is still usable, I would leave it for future generations as some have suggested, but if it is completely worn out, I would throw it away and buy a new one. And if you feel that you should have left a Bible for future generations, buy a new one for them as well and put somewhere for them to find, since they will have more use of a Bible they can handle than paper that will dissolve in their hands.

Treasure all of the wisdom He has taught you through studying this Bible and seeking His face, but remember that it is He, the Lord and His Word and His Book, not the specific paper on which you have read it, that is the Word of God.

Any highlights that may be specifically helpful to a new reader in your eyes, you may add unto the new Bible you wish to give away.

Heavenhome · Sep 21, 2020

Joshua Knape said:
Hello. One of my Bibles is in such bad shape that I had to tape the spine just to hold it together. Probably a combination of use and cheap binding. I should buy a new one soon. Throwing a Bible away is unacceptable--it's too precious. What would you say, then, is the most constructive means of divesting myself of a falling-apart Bible?

I would retire it to my bookshelf.(I did this with my old one).

I agree there's nothing magical in paper but my old Bible is like an old friend that's seen me through a lot and I like to keep it.

Arc F1 · Sep 21, 2020

Joshua Knape said:
Hello. One of my Bibles is in such bad shape that I had to tape the spine just to hold it together. Probably a combination of use and cheap binding. I should buy a new one soon. Throwing a Bible away is unacceptable--it's too precious. What would you say, then, is the most constructive means of divesting myself of a falling-apart Bible?

I've lost all of mine over the years but at least I still have the knowledge that was gained from them. I prefer the book to the electronic version.

Arc F1 · Sep 21, 2020

Tina Bisgaard said:
It is the Holy Word of God, but you should not cling to the piece of paper, as Tolworth John states. If it is still usable, I would leave it for future generations as some have suggested, but if it is completely worn out, I would throw it away and buy a new one. And if you feel that you should have left a Bible for future generations, buy a new one for them as well and put somewhere for them to find, since they will have more use of a Bible they can handle than paper that will dissolve in their hands.

Treasure all of the wisdom He has taught you through studying this Bible and seeking His face, but remember that it is He, the Lord and His Word and His Book, not the specific paper on which you have read it, that is the Word of God.

Any highlights that may be specifically helpful to a new reader in your eyes, you may add unto the new Bible you wish to give away.

Agreed on future generations. I would love to have my first Bible and be able to pass it down to one of my girls or grandchildren.

Joined2krist · Sep 21, 2020

Tolworth John said:
Buy a new one and bin the old one.
It is a book that is all, there is nothing magical or sacred in or about a bundle of paper.

Really? have you tried it yourself?

It's not just paper but something sacred. Those pieces of papers contain words that are spirit and life, reading any verse can melt a hardened heart and set him in the right direction, it can still lead a soul to Jesus Christ.

That's why many people still keep old Bibles, you never know who will stumble upon them in future

Junia · Sep 21, 2020

Tolworth John said:
Buy a new one and bin the old one.
It is a book that is all, there is nothing magical or sacred in or about a bundle of paper.

Exactly the Word of the Lord ensures forever, long after paper and ink have gone. Nothing can change that

Junia · Sep 21, 2020

Endures

paul1149 · Sep 21, 2020

You could have it rebound if it is valuable to you, otherwise you can do whatever you want with it. The Muslims believe their Koran, that is, the book itself, is holy and must not be destroyed. Consequently we have hundreds of thousands of ancient Korans extant - NOT. They somehow accidentally manage to lose or be robbed of their failing Korans. IOW, their doctrine is unrealistic and impractical and no one follows it.

Our situation is different. The Word of God is living and active, not mere ink and paper. So we should respect the book itself, and we may well grow sentimental about our personal copies, but there is no deep obligation to the physical copy.

FutureAndAHope · Sep 21, 2020

Yesterday Once More said:
Hello. One of my Bibles is in such bad shape that I had to tape the spine just to hold it together. Probably a combination of use and cheap binding. I should buy a new one soon. Throwing a Bible away is unacceptable--it's too precious. What would you say, then, is the most constructive means of divesting myself of a falling-apart Bible?

If your bible brings you fond memories, keep it somewhere safe as a keepsake, and get your self a new one.

Tolworth John · Sep 22, 2020

Joined2krist said:
Really? have you tried it yourself?

It's not just paper but something sacred. Those pieces of papers contain words that are spirit and life, reading any verse can melt a hardened heart and set him in the right direction, it can still lead a soul to Jesus Christ.

That's why many people still keep old Bibles, you never know who will stumble upon them in future

My old bibles that have fallen apart go in the paper recycling bin.

ViaCrucis · Sep 22, 2020

It's really up to you, traditionally Bible disposal has involved either respectfully cremating* it or burying it in the ground (something similar is done in Judaism where retired Torah scrolls are buried in a Jewish cemetery). If you don't want to dispose of it, you could always donate it to your church, and if nothing else, just hold onto it.

Whether you hold onto it, donate it, or respectfully dispose of it is up to you.

Given that burning of books is generally seen as a sign of disrespect, it would be understandable that one wouldn't want to go this route, I merely bring it up as something which has been done historically.

-CryptoLutheran

what do you do with a falling-apart Bible?

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