After a Sunday service, a couple asked me to help them download a Bible app and a hymn app on their phones. During the process, the couple argued several times. The wife firmly opposed her husband downloading the apps, believing it to be a waste of time and unnecessary, as they already had physical Bibles and hymn books. The husband, however, felt that having the Apps on his phone would make it more convenient to read and listen to the scriptures anytime.
The sister was very emotional and angrily said, "You've been a believer for five or six years and haven't even finished reading the Bible once. What's the point of downloading these apps? It's just a waste of time!" The husband, feeling embarrassed in front of everyone, retorted, "What do you think you know? You're being ignorant. What's wrong with downloading Christian apps?"
Faced with their arguments, I could only try to mediate. But this incident also made me reflect on the necessity of downloading Christian apps (such as Bible or hymn apps).
For those who don't know how to use smartphones, downloading such apps is indeed unnecessary. But for those who do use smartphones, Christian apps can bring a lot of convenience.
I said to the sister, "Whether it's a physical Bible or an electronic version, as long as you read it earnestly, you will gain something." The sister insisted, "Reading a physical Bible is more moving. What kind of spiritual impact can reading the Bible on a phone have?"
This reflects the different reading habits and perspectives of individuals. We should respect everyone's preferences: some prefer physical Bibles, which is commendable; others are accustomed to electronic versions, and we support that too. In God's eyes, what matters is not the method we use to read the scriptures but whether we genuinely thirst for His word.
In today's era, let us embrace different approaches with broader minds and a willingness to explore new things, growing richer in our journey of faith.
(Originally published by the Gospel Times, the article has been edited under permission and the author is a preacher in Jiangsu Province. )
- Edited by Karen Luo, translated by Oliver Zuo
