In libraries, do they put the bible in the fiction or non-fiction section?

Question

In libraries, do they put the bible in the fiction or non-fiction section?

Answer 1

I do hope this is a serious question and not an effort to bash religious folks.

The simple answer is "non-fiction", which is no problem if we understand what that term means.

"Fiction" vs. "non-fiction" is a very simple, in some ways, crude way to classify ALL books! It's main point is to feature the fiction (novels, etc), a very popular type of literature of pleasure reading.

But there are MANY types of writing besides. In other words, MOST types of writings are "non-fiction" (and it wouldn't be much of a library that simply lumped all its non-fiction books in one common heap). This includes a great many works that discuss theories and opinions (from philosophy to political science)...

In fact, there is MUCH in academic books that could hardly be called "non-fiction" in the strictest sense, since they often are using theories and interpretations to explain things --natural as much as supernatural-- and books on the same subject differ from one another, often vigorously debating amongst themselves.

Of course, a classifications system's job is not to pass judgment on which views are correct (or 'most correct'), just to organize them by the subject they are attempting to address.

Take a look at the Library of Congress classification system (could do the same with Dewey Decimal and other lesser known systems):

A - General Works
B - Philosophy, Psychology, Religion
C - Auxiliary Sciences of History
D - History: General & Outside the Americas
E - History: United States
F - History: United States Local & America
G - Geography, Anthropology, Recreation
H - Social Sciences
J - Political Science
K - Law
L - Education
M - Music
N - Fine Arts
P - Language and Literature
Q - Science
R - Medicine
S - Agriculture
T - Technology
U - Military Science
V - Naval Science
Z - Library Science & Information Resources

Note that in this system, "fiction" books (novels, etc) would all fit within "P" -- and would only be a small part of that section.

Now it is true that some works could be classified in more than one way. For example, there are works of all sorts that could be considered "fine literature" (including religious works, histories and biographies). Hardly surprising since the system is invented to try to organize the books -- the books are not written to fit the system!

Answer 2

For those who said 'neither', it should be noted that the Dewey Decimal System is only for non-fiction, so if it's put in the 200's under Religion in the Dewey Decimal System, then it's in non-fiction. Along with the Koran, the Rig-Veda, the Book of Mormon, etc., all in 'non-fiction'. Probably enough to make your head spin.

Answer 3

No, it's under religion, Dewey Decimal System category 200. The bible is 220.

Answer 4

It's in religion. Neither fiction or non fiction, but it's a pretty good question anyway!

Answer 5

I would have to question the statement that the Dewey system is only for non-fiction.

Most of the classics are works of fiction.
Most plays are fiction.
Most poetry is, technically, fiction.
.

Answer 6

I'm giving you a star because that is an awesome question!!!
I beleive they usually have a section just for religion but if they didn't I wonder also where they would put it.

Answer 7

well the librarian system used in our country places bible along with quoran and other religious books into ... surprisignly.. "religious"
by its principle bible is not a belletry, didn't you notice that? it is more likely a textbook or history book.

Answer 8

I have seen it under Self help section.

Answer 9

i believe they put it in reference section

Answer 10

they put it in inspirational