Items of Interest December 10, 2012 Issue

Holy Bible, e-book divine?

Dave Horn

This article originally appeared on christiansciencein.com. September 7, 2012

In a recent issue of the Detroit Free Press, Cassandra Spratling reports that most American families no longer own a Bible. But many now read the Scriptures electronically on iPads and smart phones, which begs the question, do electronic devices have a place in worship?

It might be impractical to swap an e-reader for a paper Bible in a Catholic mass, since the Holy Book is held high and displayed on the altar. Some Protestant worshippers agree a Bible printed on paper makes them feel closer to God, since it doesn’t need batteries.

The question is moot for Quakers in unprogrammed meetings. Their worship is mostly silent prayer, on the theory that God is ever present, and if everyone stops talking and listens, His voice might be heard.

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