No Bibles in Churches?

FaithfulServant · May 18, 2004

Hello, I looked through the other forums and I couldn't find a good place to ask this question and if there is a better place feel free to redirect me but I am hoping to find some answers here. Okay, here is my question:

Is it a new custom or fad to not have Bibles in pews at Churches? I have been to a few different denominations of churches recently and it seems more and more of them do not offer Bibles in pews. This is most common in Baptist churches and I have found one Church of Christ that does, but the point is NOT what denominations do it, but WHY?

I mean, if a nonChristian comes to Church and does not own a Bible and the preacher says "Please turn in your Bibles to ______...". Is this new custom to save money or something? If anyone can offer up some answers I would greatly appreciate it.

God Bless ,

Steffani

Blessed-one · May 18, 2004

you mean the church does not have ANY spare bibles to give out to people at all?

at my church, we used to hand out bibles to people when they walked in the door and had them return the bibles after service. Now we only hand out bibles to newcomers. Why? it encourages people to bring their own bibles. As christians going to worship God, it's only logical that we should bring our own. And it works.

HeatherJay · May 18, 2004

Hmmm...I had no idea that there were churches who CHOOSE not to offer Bibles to everyone during service. I know there are some that can't for financial reasons. But, I have to wonder why, as well. First of all, by offering pew Bibles, everyone can follow along in the same version as the pastor. Second, a pew Bible is no less inspired than my personal Bible. Why would it matter if I brought my own or used the church's?

To each his own, I suppose, but I would find it disconcerting to walk into a church without Bibles in the pews.

Blessed-one · May 18, 2004

well, there are churches that don't have the luxury of bible holders behind the back of seats...

HeatherJay · May 19, 2004

Blessed-one said:
well, there are churches that don't have the luxury of bible holders behind the back of seats...

LOL, well, I know that. It's just not something I've experienced. It would be strange for me.

FaithfulServant · May 19, 2004

HeatherJay:
I also find it upsetting. If I forget to bring my Bible one day to church I have no where to turn, and newcomers to church who don't have a Bible aren't able to take one to have in their home.

Blessed One:
No no, these churches I speak of do have the bible holders on the back of seats - but these Bible holders only hold Hymnals. These churches can certainly afford Bibles, but simply don't have them and I am sure there must be a good reason why that I am just not aware of....

Tara · May 19, 2004

It would be very interesting to hear what they say if you ask them why they don't have bibles. They don't need bible holders, they can leave them on the seats.

Paula · May 19, 2004

I've noticed this trend too. I once asked why this is the case, and was told that it saves expense, as Bibles frequently tend to be removed and not returned to the pews by people who want to distribute them to others.

My own church has a screen up in front showing the Scriptures the Pastor is reading or referring to, which is very convenient for newcomers who may not own a Bible just yet. However, when new visitors request a Bible, they will receive one, but it's not forced on them.

HoT-MetaL · May 19, 2004

Whilst our church does not have bibles on the chairs, we can provide them if people need, theyre usually clearly visible. Because our church is expanding and growing at a fast rate, the level of maturity is high enough that people bring a notepad, bible, and then research the sermon and apply it to their lives during the week.

God Bless, metal.

Nikicarol · May 19, 2004

In our church we have bibles available if needed by they are at the back. What annoys me is that they are willing to put envelopes for offerings/tithes within easy access at the end of each row, but not bibles! I personally would think it good if bibles were given to those that needed them - after all that is what the church is there for - to spread the word of God. About a year ago my church did provide bibles for all the children in the church as a gift, so it's not all bad.

love - Nicky

kermit the toad · May 19, 2004

FaithfulServant said:
HeatherJay:
I also find it upsetting. If I forget to rbing my Bible one day to church I have no where to tunr, and newcomers to church who don't have a Bible aren't able to take one to have in their home.

Couldn't you ask the person beside you to share for that particular day? Of course, it would be more convenient if you were able to a borrow a copy for yourself, but can't you share?

FaithfulServant · May 19, 2004

Couldn't you ask the person beside you to share for that particular day? Of course, it would be more convenient if you were able to a borrow a copy for yourself, but can't you share?

Sure you could share, but would a newcomer who wasn't a Christian feel comfortable asking a stranger to see theirs? I think not!

I've heard the excuse that "they put it up on the screen so you don't need your Bible" and I think that is just silly. As far as "it cuts back on expenses", maybe those churches should consider not paying hundreds and thousands of dollars for pretty stained glass windows and all the other little things that aren't necessary but are just for decoration.

It just makes me sad to imagine what God is thinking as He looks down on this

praying · May 19, 2004

A church without Bibles, seems odd to me unless finance is the reason. Seems more than odd someone brought up the very good point of ministering to non-believers.

Sun_flwer · May 20, 2004

I've always brought my own bible. I don't think i've ever seen a church i've attended handing them out. Do some churches really do that?

Karl - Liberal Backslider · May 20, 2004

Doesn't really bother me one way or another. I like to listen to the reading - what's the point having someone read it if we all just follow it in our own Bibles?

To be honest, any preacher whose sermon involves "turn with me to page...." is giving a lecture; I tend to think that stuff belongs in Bible study rather than the sermon.

But that's just me.

KleinerApfel · May 20, 2004

Our church bought pew Bibles just 2 or 3 years ago.
The church financed most, but a few were donated by members of the congregation.
There is one at each end of the pews, or just one on a short pew. That works out at about one per four or five people if the pews are full.

It's interesting that one person here said their church found they went missing, so they don't bother getting more.
Isn't it a good thing non-believers want to read them? Maybe some will be saved!
Surely not that many go astray that it's too much to replace them - maybe small softback versions, could be purchased cheaply in bulk for the purpose of giving away?

I think I'd be excited if a few of ours walked, but sadly they don't even get read much by the congregation. (Not because they are using their own either.)

Blessings, Susana

kermit the toad · May 20, 2004

FaithfulServant said:
Sure you could share, but would a newcomer who wasn't a Christian feel comfortable asking a stranger to see theirs? I think not!

Good point, I didn't think of that.

FaithfulServant · May 21, 2004

what's the point having someone read it if we all just follow it in our own Bibles?

Because you will remember it twice as much if you read it and hear it. Plus, you will know where to look for it the next time you need that scripture!

It's interesting that one person here said their church found they went missing, so they don't bother getting more.
Isn't it a good thing non-believers want to read them? Maybe some will be saved!

I agree 100%, how can it possibly be a bad thing if they go missing?

Knight · May 21, 2004

Our church does not have Bibles in the seats for two primary reasons:

1) We currently meet in the local High School. This would be just one more thing to set up, put away, lose, whatever....

2) People are encouraged to bring their own Bibles. This helps encourage people to read it on their own at home as well.

We do have some available for new attenders. We also have a small bookstore where anybody can buy a basic text edition for $5.00.

Oblio · May 21, 2004

What are these things pews that you speak of ?

Eastern Orthodox generally do not say, 'open your Bibles to Book, Chapter, Verse' but rather preach a short homily to the faithful to underline and expound upon the Epistle and Gospel of that day. In depth study of Holy Scripture is done outside of the service which is reserved for worship.

No Bibles in Churches?

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