it must be some desperate losers trying to get more converts to believe in there garbage
2006-10-27 10:20:34 · 31 answers · asked by SN 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Gideons International is an evangelical Christian organization dedicated to distributing copies of the Bible (in either the King James Version or the New King James Version in the United States, but other translations in over 80 languages in more than 180 countries of the world) to those who might not otherwise encounter it, most famously in hotel rooms. The organization was founded in 1899 in Boscobel, Wisconsin as one of the first parachurch organizations dedicated to Christian evangelism. It began distributing free Bibles, the work it is chiefly remembered for, in 1908, when the first Bibles were placed in the rooms of the Superior Hotel in Iron Mountain, Michigan.[1]
In addition, this practice has inspired other religious organizations to distribute their sacred texts in similar fashion, such as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints with the Book of Mormon.
The organization describes its link to the story of Gideon thus:
"Gideon was a man who was willing to do exactly what God wanted him to do, regardless of his own judgment as to the plans or results. Humility, faith, and obedience were his great elements of character. This is the standard that The Gideons International is trying to establish in all its members, each man to be ready to do God's will at any time, at any place, and in any way that the Holy Spirit leads."
In keeping with this symbolism, the symbol of the Gideons is a two handled pitcher and torch, recalling Gideon's victory over the Midianites as described in Judges chapter 7.
In addition to their well-known hotel-room Bibles, the Gideons also distribute Bibles to members of the military of various countries, to hospitals, nursing homes, prisons and also to students.
Popular Culture References
The placement of Gideon Bibles in hotel rooms has made the Gideon Bible a frequent subject for comment in popular culture; it is alluded to among other places in the Beatles song "Rocky Raccoon", the Jethro Tull song "Locomotive Breath", and the Bill Hicks comedy album Rant in E-Minor, in which the legendary comedian speculates how Gideons operate and considers capturing and studying them as hobby. The Manic Street Preachers titled their third album The Holy Bible. It included the lyrics "I know I believe in nothing but it is my nothing" and "All I preach is extinction". Of the album title, Richey Edwards (lyricist) said "In every hotel in the world, the only constant is the Holy Bible."
More recently, the Louisville, Kentucky band My Morning Jacket released a song called "Gideon" the lyrics of which say in part "Religion - Should Appeal To The Hearts Of The Young. Who Are You? What Have You Become?" The band The Hold Steady mentions a character named Gideon who rips the pages he likes from "the Bible from his bedstand in the motel" (presumably left by Gideons) in their song "Cattle and the Creeping Things".
Also in the 1996 film Mission Impossible, Tom Cruise stumbles upon a clue to unraveling who is conspiring against him when he notices that the bible in his hotel room is a Gideons International bible but stamped from a hotel in a different city. When this clue is later revealed to the conspirator, he remarks "They stamped it didn't they, those damn Gideons."
2006-10-27 10:23:37 · answer #1 · answered by BadWX 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm guessing they treat you okay at the hotels right? They likely put the bibles in there for people who want to read them, travelers who feel the urge. Just like many hotels have pay-for-view porn, not because they are stud, former frat boys, but because they want to meet the needs of all of their customers. In addition, it is tradition. Also, the hotels are privately owned and the owners have made that choice, which they should have. That's what's so great about America. Unfortunately, there are a few people out there who are either ignorant, angry, disrespectful or lost who fail to realize the greatness of our country. I don't think anyone was ever forced to open up a drawer and read a bible, just like no one is forced to tune in to the porn. You have a choice and so should everyone else.
2006-10-27 10:27:29 · answer #2 · answered by straightup 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They are placed there by the Gideons for people to use, and take with them if they want. What you should do now is take a real long hard look at yourself , and see if that stupid comment following your question made you feel bigger, smarter, more informed, or none of the above. It's a shame that when some people are given the chance to learn something, they choose to condemn others and remain ignorant.
2006-10-27 10:46:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
It's a long standing tradition for us white folk. Don't you remember being handed the New Testament to you at school when you were a kid?
I think reiligious zealots thought that people travelling might get some idea about killing themselves in the name of God, or maybe murdering others in the name of God. How the Testament was supposed to save them is another story altogether. Killing in the name of God seems to be a favorite pasttime throughout the centuries.
2006-10-27 10:30:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because of hate-filled bigots like you. We need to pray for protection from you "desperate losers".
BTW, how many times have you been banned before? Since you just joined today, I figure this must be a new account for you. The biggoted hate you spew must have gotten you banned before.
I hope all that hate keeps you warm at night.
2006-10-27 10:36:26 · answer #5 · answered by Saul Goldberg 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I disagree with you, but I can answer the "Who."
Gideons International
Mission:
The Gideons International serves as an extended missionary arm of the church: Our sole purpose is to win men, women, boys and girls to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ through association for service, personal testimony, and distributing the Bible in the human traffic lanes and streams of everyday life.
2006-10-27 10:22:48 · answer #6 · answered by Robert 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Murder, Rape, Drugs, Suicide, Prostitution all happen in hotels
Wouldn't you want something with a pleasant message next to you at night while you sleep in the same bed that some one was murdered in?
Sleep well next time you lay your head down at the Hilton....
You never know what could have happened in that room before you checked in...
2006-10-27 12:03:15 · answer #7 · answered by Rachel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's your opinion, but there are a lot of bible readers and churchgoers that cannot even do a day without the bible, so it's there for them. If there were a book for atheists, they'd probably have that too (probably in the other night stand, lol). Don't take it personally. If you don't read the bible, that's fine too. It's just there for those who read it religously, no pun intended ;)
2006-10-27 10:23:57 · answer #8 · answered by A 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Who knows why, I know I never read them.....I personally think hotels should not encourage religion, but stick with taking care of the rooms.
2006-10-27 10:23:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The Marriott family is Mormon. There is a Bible and Book of Mormon in Marriott hotel rooms.
2006-10-27 10:49:06 · answer #10 · answered by Adoptive Father 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋