Bible, phone, or both?
There are few who would disagree that new technologies, mobile applications, and social media networks pervade the everyday experience of many peoples’ lives and are changing the way most of us do life in general. Recently, I conducted a survey to find out about how and why people are using Bible apps on their smart phone or mobile device. Also, to discover what impact it may be having on their spiritual life. I was particularly interested to know if Bible app ownership leads to greater Scriptural engagement or if it’s just another one of those apps, sitting there, using up a slice of the device’s memory.
The survey was conducted completely online and promoted via my Facebook page and Twitter account. I utilised the #chsocm hashtag on Twitter to help reach a wider audience than my followers alone. Retweets, Facebook Likes and Comments ensued, and two weeks later I closed the survey with 60 responders having completed all twelve questions. Of these, 31 were female and 29 male from countries including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. None of the respondents were atheist, agnostic or of a faith other than Christianity.
There was a fairly even distribution of Bible readers surveyed across the given age brackets.
The low response rate from children under 18 years probably reflects the adult nature of my social network and promotional arena rather than implying a lack of interest; however, this is an area worth exploring. Bible app usage amongst children is a yet untapped area of research.
Not everyone who responded to the survey actually owned or used a Bible app. In fact, 27% did not use a Bible app. The reason for this is not clear from the survey and is a question that should be further explored in the future. Of those who do own and use a Bible app, the responses were enlightening.
Bible app owners appear to use their digital Bibles with similar frequency to their print Bibles.
So if users are not reading their Bible more often, what are they doing with their Bible app?
Instead of replacing the printed Bible, digital Bible applications appear to be fulfilling a role that endorses and expands scriptural understanding, reading and sharing within existing and wider social networks. In the final post in this series we will explore the features that make Bible app users wax lyrical and also reflect on the exciting potential of Bible app usage both today and in the near future.
This post is the second in a three-part series exploring the use of Bible apps…
I use my phone as a torch
… and I am not alone! Over one million people on Facebook use their phone as a torch (or flashlight, for our American friends). Why? There are plenty of times I find myself needing light, like when dashing to the car at night or scrounging for keys in the dark, cavernous depths of my handbag.
If you’re like me, you don’t like walking in the dark. I like to see at least a few paces ahead (preferably more) so I know there’s a clear path. That’s why I use my phone when it’s dark. Yes, a purpose made torch might be better, but my phone is always with me. (In fact, it’s sitting on the desk beside me as I type. Who knows what important updates I will miss if it’s not kept within reach?) It’s on hand. It’s easy to use. It’s accessible. Using my phone as a torch makes as much sense to me as using my Bible app for daily devotionals … and I am not alone. One of the most widely known Bible apps is a free version made available by YouVersion. In May 2011 they had recorded over 22 milliion downloads of their application with more than 1 million registered users actively bookmarking and sharing Bible verses with users across the Web. These are impressive figures, and this is not the only Bible app!
What is a Bible app?
A Bible app is a digital version of the Bible stored on your phone. It is that and much more. Depending on the app, there is an amazing variety of useful features. You need not settle for one translation, the Bible App by YouVersion has 25 English translations and many in other languages. Moving between translations is a seamless activity, even for the technologically challenged. Yes, just when you thought your smartphone was only good for texting, updating Facebook and playing Angry Birds along comes a range of applications that can make your smartphone a hub for spiritual growth and encouragement. Just browse the Applications store for your phone and you will find there is a large number of complete Bibles available for free download, or for a small cost.
What can I do with it?
- Access and compare multiple translations
If you use an app such as The Bible App by YouVersion, Cadre Bible, or MySword, you are able to access a library of Bible translations. Many are stored on your phone’s memory so constant WiFi or 3G access is not required.
- Share verses across multiple social media networks
Browse through your social media stream and you will notice people love to share personal insights as well as wise and/or witty sayings from famous people. The Bible has much to say on the human condition and these apps make it easy to share single and multiple verses on Facebook and Twitter, or even by good old email and text. Many apps allow you to connect your Facebook and Twitter profiles with your Bible app for easy sharing.
- Highlight and bookmark
Just like you would do in your print Bible, you can highlight in a myriad of colours and bookmark your favourite verses.
- Write personal and public notes
Like writing in the margins of your Bible or jotting down a thought or two in a notepad? You need not miss out when using a Bible app. Most allow you to keep notes attached to Bible verses for personal reflection at any time. If your musings are too good to keep to yourself, YouVersion allows you to make them public, to share with the online community.
- Refer to dictionaries, concordances, and authoritative study notes
Not only are you able to compare translations, but you can refer to Bible dictionaries, concordances such as Strong’s and Matthews, and benefit from the scholarly writers such as Charles Spurgeon and John MacArthur, as well as devotional writers such as Max Lucado.
- Follow a reading plan
Following a reading plan is made incredibly easy with a Bible app. Simply select a reading plan from the wide variety of choices available and each day your reading is provided and your progress tracked. Read on the train, in the shopping queue, while waiting for a pizza; there are no more excuses!
Who should try using a Bible app?
Anyone who owns an iPhone, Blackberry or Android should have a Bible app on their phone. You may not use it as your main source of Bible reading, but you will find it handy. You may find yourself reading more frequently as you tap on the Bible app in between Facebook, a text, a call and the next level of Angry Birds. And if you share, it might not only be you who is encouraged.
Download a Bible app. Sign up for a reading plan. Share a verse or two and give it a try. Let that smartphone of yours help light your spiritual path, too.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 ESV
This post is one in a three-part series exploring the use of Bible apps…
