Bulletin Inserts by Dr. Hoyt W. Allen, Jr.

"THE ‘OLD BIBLE’ PROBLEM”

By Dr. Hoyt W. Allen, Jr.

Most people are very conscious about treating their Bibles with respect, just as they are with the American flag. They do not want to treat it as though it was just another flag or another book. Some have asked - Is it a sin to write in one's Bible?

My Answer - The Bible is God's sacred book of directions for mankind. It must not be treated without respect, as God is speaking through it, even though He used 40 different writers and had it recorded in three languages, over a period of 1,500 years. It tells from where we have come and why we are here and where we are going. It gives us encouragement and hope through our daily lives. It grants to us the way to secure eternal life. To write on the pages (notes in the margins, underlining words, etc.) is to my judgment not sinful. Nearly every page in my Bible has Hoyt's markings. This allows me to more quickly locate certain words and to be more useful as a Bible teacher.

Now, when a Bible gets to the age that it is worn out: the pages are brittle, and just unusable, - HOW DOES ONE DISPOSE OF A WORN-OUT BIBLE RESPECTFULLY?

When I was asked this question I have to admit I answered, “I have no problem disposing of it in the trash”. That did not mean that I do not believe it or have less respect for it, but this particular copy of the Bible has fulfilled it’s purpose (to point mankind to God for a starter). Therefore, it should be “put to rest”. This of course prompted my curiosity and I wrote approximately twenty ministers, Bible Societies, Publishing companies, etc. No one gave me an acceptable answer.

Thus, here is a thought. A congregation could have a “Bible Sunday”. People would be invited to bring any unusual Bibles (various foreign translations, aged Bibles, etc.), which would be placed on display in the lobby. The Sunday School lesson, the sermon, and the selected songs would revolve around the Bible. Then, a special “Worn Bible Ceremony” could be shared. As a “Call” was extended for worn Bibles they could be brought to the platform and placed in a special container. It would be stated that they would be privately and respectfully burned as one does a worn American flag or they could be buried. This would be a decent disposal of old worn Bibles which were unusable. Also see the Web Page: www.bookmenders.com!