Electronic v Paper

[ByTheSpirit]

So I have really tried to get into using my iPad for Bible Study and reading but I am just unable to do so. I have such programs as eSword, Olive Tree, and yes the Bible App, and Yet having a physical copy of the scriptures, whether NIV, NLT, ESV, etc just captures my heart in a way nothing else can.

Am I the only one that struggles reading from an electronic device? Any here who eventually overcame that issue?

 

[EpiscipalMe]

eBibles are nice to have on hand for traveling and looking up verses. While I have used them for reading longer passages, nothing beats a good old printed copy.

 

[“Paisios”]

I have several print versions of the Bible, and much prefer that format. But like EpiscipalMe said, the electronic version (I use Olive Tree) is handy for searching a particular passage or when traveling.

 

[tstor]

So I have really tried to get into using my iPad for Bible Study and reading but I am just unable to do so. I have such programs as eSword, Olive Tree, and yes the Bible App, and Yet having a physical copy of the scriptures, whether NIV, NLT, ESV, etc just captures my heart in a way nothing else can.

Am I the only one that struggles reading from an electronic device? Any here who eventually overcame that issue?

I use a printed copy during the day. Sometimes I like to lay in bed with the lights off at night though. It is then that I use my iPad for reading.

 

[Tree of Life]

So I have really tried to get into using my iPad for Bible Study and reading but I am just unable to do so. I have such programs as eSword, Olive Tree, and yes the Bible App, and Yet having a physical copy of the scriptures, whether NIV, NLT, ESV, etc just captures my heart in a way nothing else can.

Am I the only one that struggles reading from an electronic device? Any here who eventually overcame that issue?

After many years of resistance I have finally transitioned over to 100% electronic Bible. Many things are gained and other things are lost. I'm sure people felt the same way when they transitioned from the scroll to the codex.

 

[Hammster]

So I have really tried to get into using my iPad for Bible Study and reading but I am just unable to do so. I have such programs as eSword, Olive Tree, and yes the Bible App, and Yet having a physical copy of the scriptures, whether NIV, NLT, ESV, etc just captures my heart in a way nothing else can.

Am I the only one that struggles reading from an electronic device? Any here who eventually overcame that issue?

I, too, use the apps for study tools. But I cannot part with printed bible. I tried. Just not the same.

 

[WilliamBo]

eBibles are nice to have on hand for traveling and looking up verses. While I have used them for reading longer passages, nothing beats a good old printed copy.

Agreed, I use Google to look up a verse but I still love my paper bibles... it just feels more authentic and original

 

[ByTheSpirit]

Well I certainly appreciate the advantages I get from using an electronic Bible. Namely in the means of note taking, highlighting, and ease of transport for someone like myself who likes to read from multiple translations. It always grieved me a bit to highlight a verse and write notes on my Bible knowing that it would either bleed through or cause damage to the paper. But yes, a physical copy just feels more personal somehow.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

Well, while I used to read printed books in the past, personally, I prefer the electronic reading now. Sometimes in a paper book, the font is too small. Other times in a printed book, I have to turn on a lot of light so as to prevent eye strain. I have gotten used to writing online a lot and I also have read countless Christian articles online. So it is natural for me to read an online book more than a printed one now. While I can read a printed book if I need to, I prefer an ebook (Because I can adjust the light setting and zoom in (by pinching on what I want to see). When things are too bright on my eyes with a tablet, I simply dim the screen brightness.

If you want that more printed book feel and yet you desire to use programs like Esword, I would suggest getting a Kindle ereader (the non backlit version). Granted, you have to do download Esword in a special way with the Kindle, but people have done it.

See this article here:

Esword for Nook, Kindle or Android - e-Sword Questions & Answers

As for the Kindle ereader (the non backlit version), here is what it looks like:
(it looks like a regular piece of paper):

...

 

[Hammster]

Well I certainly appreciate the advantages I get from using an electronic Bible. Namely in the means of note taking, highlighting, and ease of transport for someone like myself who likes to read from multiple translations. It always grieved me a bit to highlight a verse and write notes on my Bible knowing that it would either bleed through or cause damage to the paper. But yes, a physical copy just feels more personal somehow.

I use pencil.

 

[ByTheSpirit]

I use pencil.

I was never smart enough to do that lol

 

[Jesus4Ever]

I don't have an actual bible. I just use free bible apps online and I have no problem with it.

 

[Hammster]

I was never smart enough to do that lol

Took me awhile.

 

[ByTheSpirit]

Took me awhile.

Yeah the other day I was using a Gel Pen to make some notes and I kid you not, it put a blot of ink on the page I didn't notice and ran my hand right across it. Now that particular Bible (which is one of my favorites) has a massive red ink smear on the page from bottom to top. Good grief

 

[Winken]

Well, while I used to read printed books in the past, personally, I prefer the electronic reading now. Sometimes in a paper book, the font is too small. Other times in a printed book, I have to turn on a lot of light so as to prevent eye strain. I have gotten used to writing online a lot and I also have read countless Christian articles online. So it is natural for me to read an online book more than a printed one now. While I can read a printed book if I need to, I prefer an ebook (Because I can adjust the light setting and zoom in (by pinching on what I want to see). When things are too bright on my eyes with a tablet, I simply dim the screen brightness.

If you want that more printed book feel and yet you desire to use programs like Esword, I would suggest getting a Kindle ereader (the non backlit version). Granted, you have to do download Esword in a special way with the Kindle, but people have done it.

See this article here:

Esword for Nook, Kindle or Android - e-Sword Questions & Answers

As for the Kindle ereader (the non backlit version), here is what it looks like:
(it looks like a regular piece of paper):

...

I've got one of those. It has sat on the shelf for far too long. However......it is just too EZ to pick up the Bible, and comforting, at that.

 

[dysert]

Since I'm on a laptop *a lot*, I've gotten very used to eSword. Having multiple translations, reference works, and note-taking ability all in one place is just too convenient. Add to that the ability to instantly do searches and to copy/paste, and I rarely break out my hardcopies anymore. I don't take my hardcopy Bible out, either. I can look up stuff and read the Scripture off my phone just as well.

Now the iPad is a different story. I've never gotten into the iPad (even though I've had one for years). Between the laptop and the phone, I'm doing well.

 

[W Johnson]

Printed for me, I usually have two or three open to different areas to compare and it is easier to do with books.

 

[pescador]

I have never gotten used to reading Scripture on my laptop. It's just not as comfortable to me as reading from a printed bible, preferably leather. When I go to eat alone at a restaurant (several times a week) I always bring a printed, leather-bound reference bible. Aside from the reading it is an excellent silent witness. Unfortunately you don't often see people reading their bibles in public. 8^(

 

[Kersh]

I had been using electronic for a while, bit recently felt that God was telling me to use paper as my primary Bible. Today, I forgot to take my reading glasses, so I had to use my phone. I had forgotten how easy it is for me to get distracted when my Bible also has a web browser, email client, and a few dozen other apps that have nothing to do with Scripture. I think that there is a use for a Bible apps, but there are problems as well. For me, it is just too much of a distraction to be used for everyday Bible Study and devotions.

 

[ByTheSpirit]

I had been using electronic for a while, bit recently felt that God was telling me to use paper as my primary Bible. Today, I forgot to take my reading glasses, so I had to use my phone. I had forgotten how easy it is for me to get distracted when my Bible also has a web browser, email client, and a few dozen other apps that have nothing to do with Scripture. I think that there is a use for a Bible apps, but there are problems as well. For me, it is just too much of a distraction to be used for everyday Bible Study and devotions.

I have found this to be a problem as well