Disposing of a Bible

[wolfsong]

For 20 years I have carried a pocket sized New Testament Bible in one of the thigh pockets of my work uniform. It had belonged to my late mother, and I never went to work or entered the prison without it. Alas, recently I mistakenly forgot to take it out of my pants pocket before doing laundry and it went through both a washing and a drying. It is ruined beyond redemption (I hope that I am not!).

So, lately I have been pondering how to dispose of it properly. Research suggests burying or burning. I was just wondering how you all may have disposed of a Bible. I believe following the same etiquette, decorum and solemness as disposing of our flag calls for would be correct.

Thoughts?

Peace and God bless, Wolfsong.

 

[Colonialgirl]

May I suggest that you carefully wrapped it up in some type of waterproof container and perhaps if permitted , Bury it atop your mothers grave site as a tribute to her and a way of saying "Thank You" and may GOD bless her soul.

 

[nekvermont]

May I suggest that you carefully wrapped it up in some type of waterproof container and perhaps if permitted , Bury it atop your mothers grave site as a tribute to her and a way of saying "Thank You" and may GOD bless her soul.

That's a very nice Idea. I'm not trying to be a smart azz or anything but I would also put a note in it that said "sorry mom but I put it through the wash"

 

[Bob Wright]

Well, I've never done that! Though several other items have been inadvertently put through the wash cycle.

And I guess I've never disposed of a Bible. Somehow burning a Bible brings back the Bible burnings of WW II. I'd say burying to be the most respectful thing to do.

Bob Wright

 

[gramps]

Wolfsong, I have several of those Bibles. PM me your address, and I will send you an replacement.
gramps

 

[Fox Mike]

That is a very good question. I have, over the years, accumulated a number of Bibles but never even thought of how to properly dispose of one. Most all 'searches' go with burning or burying.

 

[sfhogman]

I think that Colonialgirl has it right.
To me, it's the Word of God, not the paper and ink that one should revere. I'm sure that any respectful means of disposal would be acceptable, since this Bible is no longer useful.

Jeff

 

[T.A. WORKMAN]

I would not destroy it, I would keep it even though it is ruined it was your mothers at one time.
Terry

 

[LAH]

You might consider having it buried with you when the time comes.

 

[olcop]

I would think burial would be the proper disposal method, I especially liked the suggestions to bury it at you mother's grave site or have it interred with you when that time comes----till then, I agree that it is a special remembrance and that you keep it, till the time comes and it should be preserved as well is possible. And thank you for your faith and thank your mother for her love for you.

 

[jimbo1096]

I'll have to admit that I have never disposed of one. I still have all of my wife's' and her father's, one from Mom and a couple of mine. I have probably given away or lost more bibles that I can remember.
Since it is no longer usable, bury it with respect in any of the ways suggested above that you are satisfied with. I wouldn't want to burn it, that seems disrespectful.

 

[bobski]

its book.
its not alive.

 

[Bob Wright]

its book.
its not alive.

True, it is only ink on paper, but what WORDS it contains! We, as Christians,believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. The words it contains in print have changed many lives, even likely the course of history.

Just as a memento from a deceased loved one is important to someone, so is a Bible. It is something to be cherished and honored. Men and women have given their lives to perpetuate its teachings. And it is "alive" today as much as when it was first recorded. It is the Word of God, it should be held in reverence, even in its disposal.


Bob Wright

 

[jimbo1096]

Well said Bob, as usual.

 

[tookalisten]

You might consider having it buried with you when the time comes.

I really like this idea the best. Especially since you carried it with you so long. Put is somewhere safe and let your loved ones know you want it in your pocket when laid to rest.