Doesn’t matter! Although I love writing and highlighting stuff in mine.

I agree with Brenda, I love writing and underlining in mine, and I have many different Bibles that I use. I think any way you read the Bible is good, it’s the text that matters, not the vehicle.

I have just started doing it this way. I wanted to do it chronologically as well, so I am doing NASB in that way. I think it is ok, though what I am doing is keeping a doc of questions/concerns I have as I read, and then researching them later.

I agree with both of the above to a certain degree:

1) I feel that having a hard-copy bible can help develop respect for God’s word as a real thing.

2) I write notes in my bible, diagrams and even questions that I can hopefully answer when I have a better understanding – this becomes a growth chart of sorts.

3) Having the bible in electronic format means that it can be accessible everywhere.

4) Having an electronic copy of the bible means that it’s searchable and very easy to copy into other documents (the King James is not copyrighted, which helps with this).

5) I feel that a hard-copy bible, especially one that you are familiar with, is very useful for personal soul-winning (but not absolutely required – people can get saved without a bible).

6) Having a hard-copy bible helps me show my children that I have a respect for God’s word without relying on their theological understanding.

7) A hard-copy bible is going to more reliable than an electronic copy.

8) Some people have an easier time remembering where to find portions of text based on their physical location on a page.

9) Hard-copy bibles often come with supplementary materials. (Although this could be a point against some bibles as well, especially when the notes cast doubt on the authenticity or even probability of certain passages!)

So, although some of these points refer more to what one owns rather than just what one reads, I believe that it is important to have a physical copy of God’s word (preferable a nice looking bible that you can be proud of) but whether physical, electronic or living breathing flesh, God’s word is powerful and should be read.

“In the beginning was the Word, ... and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” John 1:1,14

I’d like to make a comment in response to the people who said they liked to write and comment in their Bibles. First, this is probably not applicable for most people, but depending on what culture you live in, it could be incredibly disrespectful to write your own thoughts in a holy book, especially Scripture. Second, I find that when I write notes in my Bible, it’s hard for me to learn anything new, because my mind is always drawn back to that one time I learned that one thing, and it distracts me.
To answer the real question, I agree with jerusalem lover, in that it is God’s power in the Word that speaks to you, and probably isn’t dependent on the media. I think it’s up to your preference and convenience. For me, the things I read on my computer are usually informal, etc, like emails or comics, so when I read the Bible online, I’m already in the mindset of not absorbing and receiving the word like I should. I like to have something tangible when I really want to do deep reading. However, there are so many great features about the internet, and having different versions available, plus different study guides, concordances, cross-references, etc.
All this to say, whatever you want! :)

Being in a Muslim country, I usually read online or use my PDA where I have installed a Bible software. I think what really matters when you read the Word, is the condition and intentions of your heart. That way, the Holy Spirit can easily manifest Himself to you and share His wisdom with you :)

Peace,
Kaye

the most important thing is to be reading the Bible daily. it doesn’t matter if you read online or from a hard-copy, though i LOVE my Bibles and write in them and date passages that have really jumped out at various times. like a spiritual journal. anyway, just be in His Word daily, even for 5 minutes at first, and it will change your life, whether online or not.
see www.biblegateway.com for great stuff too.

I agree with most everything everybody has said! Reading the Bible is great, and if reading it online is the way the works for you, that’s great! If it’s the only way to have access, then who am I to say “a hard copy is better”? Having said that, my Bible is covered with notes from many, many Scripture classes. It’s the Bible I pray with and teach from. My Bible also has terrific footnotes and introductory comments to each book.

Good luck!!!

Right! The important thing is that you READ it and LIVE it. You can have the Word in the forty-five pound translation or a pocket-sized, online, on disk, on PDA, but stop making excuses and open it up and read it with an open heart.

> 1) I feel that having a hard-copy
> bible can help develop respect for
> God’s word as a real thing.

This assumes, of course, that God’s word would be real. Which assumes that there is a God, to begin with. Care to support this assumption?

> open it up and read it with an open heart

Read it with an open mind too:
http://skepticsannotatedbible.com

I think a hard copy is better. I am going to buy one soon but I dont want a new flashy bible I want a cloth covered olden one. I don’t really know why it just feels right to have that type of one.

You must read from a hard copy to get the full effect. The internet does not feature the magic fairy dust that the book binders sprinkle on the pages to make it holy.