BIBLE NEWS: Is an electronic Bible any less Holy?

There is a long and storied tradition in our country of swearing in public officials on a Bible.  A recent trend of swearing in people on Bible apps on tablets is causing some consternation amongst traditionalists (and praise from modernists).

“There is an inherent respect given to the print version of the Bible that doesn’t attach itself to a Kindle or the iPad," Donald Whitney, a professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, told Fox News Latino. "Because the Bible is nothing else. It is a holy book to Christians and it is the Word of God. If you have a digital device it may contain the Bible but it also contains other things.”“I don’t think it’s sacrilegious," said Walter Kim, associate minister at the Park Street Church in Boston. "In fact, during our own worship service it’s a regular experience that people are pulling out their iPads and iPhones, looking up the passages that are being read or preached from the pulpit. We recognize that the most important thing is that people are engaged with the Bible. In whatever form it comes, whether it’s electronic or print.” 

BIBLE NEWS: A Bible-Based Tablet?

It comes as no surprise to anyone who knows me, but I am an avid user of the Apple iPad. It is not only used for surfing the web and checking e-mail, but also for studying the Bible, taking notes during sermons, and reading Biblical references. So, I viewed with interest the news that a new group is looking to bring about a "Biblical tablet computer" filled with books about the Bible, Christian radio stations, and a "safe" web browser.

The Edifi tablet is a full-colour touchscreen, much like Apple's iPad - but it's pre-loaded with Bible passages, Christian radio stations and free religious e-Books.

The seven-inch Android tablet is $149, and will launch soon in America - and even non-believers might be tempted by its low price.