Why I Switched Back to a Physical Copy of the Bible

The numbers of digital resources for Bible study has exploded in the last few years. The amount of resources and the speed at which they can be accessed was unheard of when I became a Christian in the late 1990’s. In particular, the availability of good iPhone and iPad Bible apps has seemed to eliminate the need for a physical copy of the Bible. After all, why carry around a one thousand page book when you can access it on something that fits in your pocket?

For the last several years I have tried having my daily devotions with a digital copy of the Bible. I’ve read the Bible from my iPhone, my iPad, and from the Kindle app on my MacBook. For me personally, returning to a physical copy of the Bible for my daily devotions has been more fruitful than reading from digital devices. Not only that, I’ve started carrying a physical copy of the Bible in my laptop bag so I have it when I want to read the Bible. Here are a few reasons why.

I Can Write in It
Yes some Bible apps have note taking capabilities, but there is something about reading with a pencil in my hand. A pencil in my hand helps me focus my attention and helps me feel like an active reader instead of a passive reader. I can write questions in my Bible and notes in the margins for when I read again later. While I love my Bible apps, I can’t do that with them.

I Can’t Do Anything Else With It
We have to admit that our devices have many temptations on them. Our iPhones have social media apps, our tablets have games, and our computers have work on them. For many of us, this is more than we can handle and it is easy to play around on another app instead of reading the Bible. Your Bible is your Bible and that is it. When you have it on the table and nothing else, it focuses your attention on it and it alone.

I Am Reminded to Read It
There are times when we face a crowded schedule and need a physical reminder to read the Bible. Looking at your phone or tablet won’t remind you to do that, but looking at your Bible will. It serves as a reminder not just for daily devotions, but also to read the Bible you get little gaps of time during the day. Put it in a place where you will see it. It could be on the night stand, next to your favorite chair, or at your desk at work.

Bible apps are helpful, but I’m starting to see that they are not a replacement for physical, well-read copy of the Bible.