The Bible App has transformed our engagement with scripture. Do we still need physical Bibles?
By 
Chris Goswami2023-07-18T14:05:00
As the world’s most successful Bible app turns 15, Chris Goswami chats with YouVersion’s CEO to find out how the technology is changing our discipleship
Over the past three months, I’ve dropped into services at nine churches, including Pentecostal, Baptist, CofE, Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox.
Not one offered me a printed Bible.
It’s not that these churches believe the scriptures are unimportant, it’s that everybody already has a Bible, on their phone. And, even if you don’t, many churches display the Bible reading on screen.
We’re so used to our Bible apps it seems surprising that, only 15 years ago, a Bible on your phone was inconceivable!
Related articles
-
OpinionThe police tried to stop me preaching. They won’t succeed
When street evangelist Monique Bailey set out to share the gospel in King’s Cross, she didn’t expect a police officer to stand in her way. She explains why the experience reminded her of the need for every Christian to bring light into dark places, no matter the consequences
-
ReviewsWhen Culture Hates You is a timely call to unapologetic faith
In a culture increasingly hostile to Christian values, this book challenges believers to stand firm in truth - no matter the cost, says our reviewer
-
OpinionCory Asbury is right. Our worship needs heart surgery
Worship artists make ungodly compromises in order to be successful in Christian music. That’s according to Cory Asbury, the writer of ‘Reckless Love’ who recently criticised artists for acting in ways which are “antithetical to the way of Jesus”. Scottish songwriter Andrew Mitchell, who himself stepped away from the Christian music industry in the US explains why he agrees with Asbury’s comments
More from Technology
-
OpinionThe Church is taking on AI, here’s how
Following this week’s AI Global Summit, which is being hosted at Bletchley Park, Chris Goswami looks at how Christian leaders are responding to the threats and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence
-
Opinion10 tips on social media…brought to you by the Pope
The Vatican has released a dense 20-page document on how Christians should approach social media. Rev Peter Crumpler distils the highlights
-
OpinionCan Chat GPT lead someone to Christ? We put the machine through its spiritual paces…
It’s the AI software everyone is talking about. It can write essays, impersonate famous people and even give you personalised poetry. But can Chat GPT offer any of its millions of users spiritual wisdom? Our editor put the machine to the test
- Issues
- Topics A-Z
- Writers A-Z
- © 2025 Premier Christianity
Site powered by Webvision Cloud