What to do with old bibles?

Question

Hi,
I work at a used book venue, and we get a fair amount of used bibles in, and I pass many of them onto local charities, but I get a lot that are ripped up, overly drawn in, missing pages (sometimes half of the whole book) and generally unsuitable for use anymore. What can I do with these? What is the christian/catholic way to dispose of old bibles? I feel guilty throwing them away, I always feel like God is going to strike me with lightning when I toss them in the dumpster O_O eek! Anyone have any answers out there?

Thanks!
~Marne

Answer 1

I doubt he would do that. In Jesus's time the Bible didn't even exist. It wasn't until a couple hundred years later parts of the Bible that is present were put together.
So go recycle them or something, at least you're cleaning the world a little.

Answer 2

Consider the practical value of these bibles. Can people actually read them without being constantly distracted by the tears, marking and such? If not, then they aren't fulfilling their function, conveying the word of God. To treat the book itself as a sacred object is understandable but it borders on idolatry. The book itself is a receptacle, a conveyance. It is the meaning that matters.

By destroying the books, you are not depriving anyone of an opportunity to hear about God. Even old churches get razed. Go ahead and recycle them, make them useful again. If you can't do that, bury them and let them decompose naturally. (Burning is another option but I don't recommend it in this environmentally sensitive age.)

Answer 3

The English word "homosexual" was not invented until the early 1800's. So any Bible translated before that time will not use that word. However when you read the description of the act being condemned ("a man lying with another man as he would with a woman", for example) it is clear that it is speaking of what today is called "homosexuality". Older Bibles also does not speak of "gays", because that use of the word only dates about 20-30 years. So a translation made 400 years ago would not use it. Languages change, that is why the Bible needs to be retranslated every generation or two.

Answer 4

In all seriousness, if you are really freaking out about this, you can bury them since the paper will biodegrade. It is an acceptable way of dealing with 'holy' objects. Jews bury things like that in a cemetery because it's forbidden to destroy stuff like that.

Look, if they are ripped up, drawn in, etc.. than I wouldn't really think of it as a 'sacred' thing anymore. They have already been destroyed. My opinion is that it's not exactly a holy object anymore when it's been damaged like that. It's just paper with printed words. I say you can recycle the paper or even just toss them out.

Answer 5

Hi Marne,God is not going to strike you dead its very possible you could be helping someone by disposing of them /read out of context could lead someone in a direction that wasnt meant we do not want to worship a book just the God we know exists,God would never want you to feel guilty.............God Bless

Answer 6

Dear Marne,
Even portions of the bible can be used in ministry in poor countries. If you want to get rid of the Bibles you can send them to me as we are probably going to have a Bible drive soon. My address is 620 Cottonwood Drive Richmond, KY 40475. I would be glad to take any of them off your hands. BTW I don't think God is in the lightning bolt striking down business...that was Zeus. Thanks again and God Bless. you.
In Christ Jesus,
Brad Coleman

Answer 7

If they take up too much space throw them away just ike you would any other old books. But keep the VERY OLD ONES as they might cost MILLIONS in the future.

Answer 8

I wouldnt worry too much, its not god your throwing away, nor is it his word. its his inspired word thats been ripped up and abused.

if i made a book id much rather someone get a new clean one, then an old ripped and crumpled one. *shrug*

if god doesnt smite people for doing wicked acts in his name, i doubt he'll smite you for tossing a material object away when he speaks against being materialistic.

Answer 9

I would give them to a church to dispose of or I would ask a priest on this.

Answer 10

Donate them to the local mosque lol or to the local library!