In January I started reading a 90 day plan for the Bible. It puts you through the entire testament in 88 days, a pretty hurried pace. About 2 weeks into it, I modified the experiment even more and decided to not follow my paper calender and regular bible. I am only reading scripture using either my phone or iPad. This includes research for school, some sermon preparation, my more prayerful reading times and the previously mentioned 90 days.
I am halfway through, and I can say that the experiment is interesting. It is quicker to underline things electronically, it just takes a finger tap. But I have a harder time going between passages when I think I see a connection. One of my favorite reasons for reading large portions of scripture is placing these connections together.
I am doing this because the way people are reading the Bible is changing. It has to be understood, especially when we think about what it would mean to be a bookless society (I don't think this will ever happen), but how does it change when people are only reading scripture on a screen in worship?
So it is just an experiment. In April I can offer my thoughts on the whole enterprise.
All this said, how do you read scripture?
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I use my hardback NRSV still. I have experimented with other methods, but I come back to the same issue you do. I like to flip back and forth making connections. That is just a bit harder to do with iPad and online bibles. I am also a visual person. I can picture where on a page the verse was. However, in terms of searching, I typically use online search sites (bible.oremus.org) and a sweet cross reference site (openbible.info/labs/cross-references) when doing research and sermon prep. Bible Works also figures heavily into my preparation reading.
To answer your question. I use a variety of sources/methods to read scripture depending on why and where I am reading. I read the bible through several streams.
Posted by: Brian J | February 16, 2011 at 07:59 AM
I have been doing the 90 day Challenge on youversion.com and find it to be a very insightful devotional time. I have used my phone some, but since it isn't an OS or Android based phone it is kinda hard. Reading on the computer is a lot easier. Still, I am fond of good ole paper. Reading on the computer isn't as bad if I use accordance, but it still seems easier putting connections together with my paper bible.
Posted by: Klay Harrison | February 16, 2011 at 08:00 AM
One of many reasons that I still prefer to read a print copy of scripture is that it cuts down on distractions. When I read online or on my iPod, there is always the chance that I will be interrupted by a text message, facebook or twitter update, or any number of other things. Sometimes (very often, in fact) I find that I need to completely 'unplug' in order to really immerse myself into the reading of scripture.
Posted by: Ihop | February 16, 2011 at 08:09 AM
Thanks for your input....I think this will be an interesting season. Since Accordance is on iPad now, that side of things is actually easy. YouVersion is a great tool, and I am mainly doing this because they have really pushed a new movement in scripture in the local church. I want to just know what it would be like to use it exclusively.
Posted by: chad | February 16, 2011 at 08:26 AM
I'm doing the NLT One Year Bible on You Version. I've done every bit of it online or on my phone. Don't know that I'll stop reading my actual printed Bible, but this has helped my consistency, and I think it's brought some freshness to the text that had faded for me.
Posted by: Chris Hanchey | February 17, 2011 at 05:34 AM
I've been using "Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals" It takes you through scripture along with the rest of the liturgical reading.
Posted by: Russell Purvis | February 17, 2011 at 07:39 AM
Chad, Been enjoying your blog since starting at Asbury (exl) last semester. Actually here now for an intensive class (NT 520). Would like the chance to meet you if you are on campus on Friday (18-Feb) and Saturday. I will be BC157 from 9-6 and hope to have breaks. e-mail or text me at 901-409-1432. Thanks, Keith
Posted by: Keith Price | February 17, 2011 at 07:12 PM
Keith-
Good to hear from you again. I am actually heading down to Louisiana this weekend and will be out of town. I hope we can maybe find some time later on. Thanks
Chad
Posted by: Chad | February 18, 2011 at 02:41 AM