Crossposted - looking for help finding a Bible

[abadsign]

(I am crossposting this to a few forums because I'm hoping to get some responses tonight before I have to sign off - hope that's okay)

I have recently become a Christian. I learned about Jesus through talking to other Christians online. The thing is... and I know this is going to sound pretty crazy but circumstances have brought me here... I do not have a Bible, and all the ones I see at Christian bookstores are too expensive for me. I can only read the Bible when I go to the library, or get online at a public computer (there are some public terminals in my city and also at the library of course). I have a lot of credit card debt and I really have a hard enough time eating well these days.

So my question is this... does anyone know where I can get a free Bible? I know that churches do that sort of thing but I don't really know yet what kind of church I want to go to (I've just been talking and praying with other Christians I know online so far) and I don't want to take something free from a church that is expecting me to show up again next week when I really might not. See my dilemma?

Any help would be great.

 

[Joykins]

If you know where the Gideons are handing out Bibles, you could go there. I believe they also sell Bibles really cheaply. Also you could ask one of your Christian friends from online if they have an extra.

 

[GK]

I'd call a local church and tell them your story. There might be a few churches out there who think christianity is supposed to be about "fair business practices" and expect something from you in return, but most will be happy to just give you a copy. If the first church you call wants you to jump through a bunch of hoops, thank them, walk away, and call/visit another.

If you would rather purchase a bible, stay away from the "christian book stores" that are more gift stores than book stores. Nothing wrong with those stores or the products they sell, but you don't need a $30-80 dollar bible. Go to walmart or target or whatever similar-type store is in your area. They'll most likely have a plain bible for under ten bucks.

I'd recommend checking with a church, though. First, it won't cost you anything. Second, the christian faith is something that can only be lived in relationship. While that does not require "church membership," a church can be a really good place for someone who is new to the faith. Talk with the pastor. Be honest that you are new and you aren't sure you're ready to join any particular church, but that you want a safe place to check this stuff out and grow. Once again, if they give you any flack about this, if they try to pressure you on the spot to join their church or if they suggest their church is the only church and all the rest are bad, kindly thank them and walk away. A healthy church (the sort you are looking for) will be excited to let you come and hang with them for a bit, even if it's only for a few weeks or months while you decide where to go next. They'll be honored to share what they have without expecting anything in return.

 

[ImaginaryVoyager]

I bet there are plenty of churches that would give you a free Bible. I've been to some that have stickers on them that tell people to just take that one from the church if you need a Bible.

Also, I'd just check the bookstores, too. I like hardbound Bibles and I got a NASB for $7 and a KJV for $10, both hard bound, when a Christian bookstore was having a sale.

 

[abadsign]

Update: I went into a local church and they gave me one. I can start my study now!

 

[GK]

Yay!

 

[YellowSapphire]

I'm glad you got your Bible. To others who have this issue, though, they sell the KJV for $1 at DollarTree.