how to dispose of old bibles catholic

This type of disposal honors their sacred purpose and returns them to the earth in a dignified way. Letting candles burn down entirely, or, if this presents a hazard should the … The Secretariat recommends burying the Sacramentary in an appropriate location on church grounds, or perhaps in a parish cemetery if there is one. Description. Pretty tricky … It addresses the disposal of objects that have a sacramental nature. Questions may be sent to Fr. How should one dispose of a ruined Bible? They'd always appear well-worn, with tattered edges on the old leather covers. Christian Truth. To me, your concern about what to do with a used Bible reflects a love for the Word of God in general (Psalm 119:105-112). It is important to understand that it is not the paper, binding, and ink that are "sacred" or "holy." A full copy of the service was made for the patron to share with her congregation. A brief article which addresses the question of how to treat blessed objects. If the Bible has been blessed you might choose to follow that custom. I’ll talk about that in a minute but first, let’s roll that intro. If the Bible has been blessed you might choose to follow that custom. Question: "What is the proper way to dispose of a ruined Bible?" Saunders, pastor of Our Lady of Hope Church in Potomac Falls, at straightanswers@ourladyofhope.net or Our Lady of Hope Church, 46639 Algonkian Pkwy., Potomac Falls, VA 20165. What is the appropriate means to dispose of an old Bible. A little birdy tells me that Catholic types tend to bury their Bibles and used religious memorabilia, if they have been blessed by a priest. Offer to a family member 2. Its disposal should be handled with respect. 17 thoughts on “ How Do You Dispose of Old Family Bibles? Bibles could be disposed of in a similar way, acknowledging the sacred text that it contains. The way the ancient people disposed of biblical manuscripts was to burn them after they had been carefully copied. I'm Catholic and I have an old Bible, it's a bit torn up so I want to get rid of it being that I have a brand new Bible. Diocese of … Choosing a study Bible is a lot easier for Catholics than it is for Protestants! Its disposal should be handled with respect. It is, therefore, a matter of personal conviction. “Even though we don’t venerate the Bible as a physical object, we should treat old Bibles with respect because of the sacred truth they contain. Answer: There is no specifically mandated means of disposing of old Bibles. Please be sure to always cherish blessed religious objects at home, venerate them with piety, and when necessary, dispose of them properly. 1983 - Present. There are no hard-and-fast rules for “pious disposal,” but common sense should help you figure it out. Suite 615 Arlington, VA 22203 703-841-2590. To dispose of the pages, ink, and binding when they are worn out does not show a lack of respect for the message itself. Copyright 2011-2020 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved. Because the Palms have been blessed by a priest and therefore are holy objects, the palm branches used for Catholic Church services, especially those used on Palm Sunday, should not be disposed of in the regular fashion. There are a number of ways to do that. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America doesn't have an official policy for the disposal of Bibles. If, for some reason, the priest had to dispose of a Sacred Host, he would completely dissolve the host in water and then rinse it down the sacrarium with water. There is no specifically mandated means of disposing of old Bibles. This is why a Bible app on the iPad, or the Bible memorized and recited, is just as much the Bible, just as much holy Scripture, as the paper and ink. Some have even suggested following a custom used in various Eastern Churches whereby liturgical books or Bibles are placed in the coffin of the deceased as a sign of devotion and love for the Liturgy. However, it seems a bit unholy to just throw it away, so is there a way to properly dispose … Christian Resources International. A little birdy tells me that Catholic types tend to bury their Bibles and used religious memorabilia, if they have been blessed by a priest. This is because there are fewer translations that contain the full canon of Scripture (including the deuterocanonical books of the Old Testament), and the number of such bibles that include study tools is smaller. Some Catholics follow a custom of disposing of religious articles that have been blessed either by burying or burning them, but even that is not mandated by law. But for my money, I think that only the attitude matters. Below are just a few ideas for who you may want to donate your Bible to: Churches, who may in turn donate the book to the needy. It is important to understand that it is not the paper, binding, and ink that are "sacred" or "holy." We worship God. If not, dispose of it as you would any other book. There is no specifically mandated means of disposing of old Bibles. There is no single, "correct" way to dispose of an old or extra bible. This means you should not just throw it in the garbage when it breaks or has to be replaced. Getting your old bibles on the mission field is easy. All sacramentals can be either burned or buried in order to properly dispose of them. How to dispose of them? We worship God. A brief article which addresses the question of how to treat blessed objects. The same can be said of Bibles, of which there are literally billions of spare copies floating around the world … disposal is an issue. A holy book is afforded the same respect as a human being in every religious tradition in the world -- except, apparently, the one practiced by one pastor in Florida. It is, therefore, a matter of personal conviction. Drop it off at a local church. Some Catholics follow a custom of disposing of religious articles that have been blessed either by burying or burning them, but even that is not mandated by law. Another organization that ships Christian resources overseas, CRI … Some Catholics follow a custom of disposing of religious articles that have been blessed either by burying or burning them, but even that is not mandated by law. On Catholic.com, similarly open-ended guidelines are given. The customary way to dispose of Bibles that can't be used any longer is to bury them or burn them. Larger Work. What this means is that disposing of an old Bible is not diminishing the value of Scripture. The high church group will say that the flag principle apples to Bibles and at times will actually have Bible burning services were worn out Bibles and often prayer books and hymnals are respectfully burned within the context of thanking God for the blessing that the use of the physical books have been to the faithful in the life of the church. The customary way to dispose of Bibles that can't be used any longer is to bury them or burn them. After a rosary has been broken, there is a way to dispose of the pieces to show respect to the rosary's religious past. As far the old and unusable Korans are ... had little or no guidelines for disposal of religious texts. “Even though we don’t venerate the Bible as a physical object, we should treat old Bibles with respect because of the sacred truth they contain. All Contacts 800-377-0511. That is why there are no “originals” like critics always demand. After a rosary has been broken, there is a way to dispose of the pieces to show respect to the rosary's religious past. If the Bible has been blessed you might choose to follow that custom. To dispose of the pages, ink, and binding when they are worn out does not show a lack of respect for the message itself. If Catholic Online has given you $5.00 worth of knowledge this year, take a minute to donate. However, it is up to the person’s conscience to dispose of a Bible as it is generally not considered a sacramental because there does not exist a specific blessing for it. Consequently, Catholics are instructed to dispose of old sacramentals in a way that shows due reverence. “Some Catholics follow a custom of disposing of religious articles that have been blessed either by burying or burning them, but even that is not mandated by law. As a result, there is no proper or biblical requirement for how to proceed in this area. Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, September 13, 2001 This is why a Bible app on the iPad, or the Bible memorized and recited, is just as much the Bible, just as much holy Scripture, as the paper and ink. Burning a Bible should be done in private, because the act might be misinterpreted by other Christians. This question came in via a reader. Burn the Item. There is no "biblical" way to dispose of an old/damaged/ruined Bible, as the Bible itself does not address this question. If not, dispose of it as you would any other book. USCCB Approved Translations of the Sacred Scriptures for Private Use and Study by Catholics. Steve@lovepackages.org 217-532-6701 … What this means is that disposing of an old Bible is … Description. Burning them is considered a respectful way to dispose of your religious items that were blessed by a priest. In the Catholic faith, there is a custom of disposing of Bibles and other blessed items either by burning or by burial. There are not supposed to be “originals”. God is the giver of good gifts and the things we use in our life of worship, prayer, study and service. Your rosary, if it has been blessed, is considered a sacramental item. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax … Catholic Church’s Disposal of Blessed Palms And Other Items. Your rosary, if it has been blessed, is considered a sacramental item. According to Catholic Answers, there is no specifically mandated way to dispose of an old Bible. Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Donate it to a thrift shop 3. Very often, a Bible that we may think is to… In showing proper reverence, Catholic tradition simply states blessed items that are broken or damaged should be burned or buried. An unwanted holy book, be it Jewish, Christian, Muslim, or any other scripture, can be disposed of humanely and appropriately, but not burned. One of the parish groups could go through the basket to sort out, for example, rosaries that could be repaired and given away or sent to a group that could use them. Somebody’s Bible had come to the end of its useful life, they’re ready to move on and wanted to know what’s the right or the biblical or the respectful way to dispose of an old Bible. Bibles, even parts of old Bibles, can be sent to: Now granted, a Gideon Bible has probably not been blessed, so it is not technically a sacramental. If you donate just $5.00, or whatever you can, Catholic Online could keep thriving for years. You bury them. I took it with me to make sure that it was disposed of properly – but I am not sure what that is! I don’t know if a pastor would agree with me, but if the Bibles aren’t in good shape, and there is nothing about them that would make them a valuable treasure, then I don’t see what’s wrong with disposing of … Each year we'd receive about a dozen Bibles, nearly all of which were the King James Version. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News. Whether one burns a Bible or throws it away or donates it or buries it, so long as one doesn’t intend sacrilege–as, of course, the Florida Qur’an burner does–all seems well. If not, dispose of it as you would any other book. Arlington Catholic Herald. However, it is up to the person’s conscience to dispose of a Bible as it is generally not considered a sacramental because there does not exist a specific blessing for it. Let me encourage you to think twice before impulsively buying a new one. The approaches to disposing of a used Bible vary, but the approaches are driven by respect for what people are discarding. Donate it. If the Bible is in reasonable condition, consider donating it to a person or to a charity that will use it. Often, the leather was so old and dry that it chipped like paint on the side of a weathered shed. After an item has been burned, its ashes should also be buried. Larger Work. I was helping a friend move and he had an old bible that he wanted to throw away. If it’s still in fair condition, you might put it on a book donation table to benefit someone else. We also ship Christian books, study guides, Sunday school literature, and more.Try to fill up the box so contents don’t shift in the mail: stuff empty spaces with newspaper or some other filler if necessary. The service concludes with either the burning or burial of the books. 1. However, a variety of traditions have developed that are helpful to be aware of if one encounters a situation in which there is the need to dispose of an older Bible. Catholic tradition offers these means of disposal in order to ensure that objects used in worship are not casually discarded or mistreated, even when … All sacramentals can be either burned or buried in order to properly dispose of them. If your Bible, though is getting worn, consider having it Bible rebound. However, "for some it would be burying, which would be a … How To Properly Dispose Of Sacred Texts The burning of Qurans by the U.S. military in Afghanistan has led to days of rioting by Muslims who say it … The Catholic faith often burns old Bibles and then buries the ashes in a sacred or safe place. In the case of sacramentals (devotional items blessed by a priest), Catholics are instructed to dispose of old sacramentals in a way that shows due reverence. ewtn news/catholic news agency After the switch to a new Mass translation, old liturgical books should be respectfully buried, either intact or after being burned, according to the U.S. bishops. I think we can maybe learn something about our Bibles there, which is to say, you could dispose of a Bible in the same way, but your attitude could be very different. Arlington Catholic Herald 200 N. Glebe Rd. Most people donate because Catholic Online is useful. "There is no specifically mandated means of disposing of old Bibles. Answer: There is no "biblical" way to dispose of an old/damaged/ruined Bible, as the Bible itself does not address this question. Here's how to dispose of an old Bible --Aleteia An unwanted holy book, be it Jewish, Christian, Muslim, or any other scripture, can be disposed of humanely and appropriately, but not burned. Pretty tricky huh? Respectful disposal The proper disposal of votive candles and other devotionals, if they have been blessed, is to burn or to bury them, most preferably the former in the case of candles. Some Catholics follow a custom of disposing of religious articles that have been blessed either by burying or burning them, but even that is not mandated by law. None of which are disgraceful. The Bible does not comment within its pages regarding how to dispose of an old or damaged Bible. Reply. Although this Bible was published in the 1880s, it is in wonderful condition with original clasps. What you want to avoid is someone combing through the garbage only to discover a statue of the Blessed Mother in the dumpster. These types of family Bibles were very common in the Victorian era and for obvious reasons are … In our consumer-driven society, we are constantly allured by new editions, fresh designs and updated versions. Reply. I am sure someone there would appreciate it. It is somewhat a matter of Christian liberty how we dispose of an old Bible.” Though we see the Bible as holy, we do not worship the Bible. The Secretariat recommends burying the Sacramentary in an appropriate location on church grounds, or perhaps in a parish cemetery if there is one. One proper method of disposal of votive candles and other devotionals, if they have been blessed, is to burn them. Pope Francis. If the item does not disintegrate into the Earth, such as plastic, it is acceptable to break apart the item then discard it appropriately. The 1983 Code of Canon Law entrusts to the Apostolic See and the episcopal conferences the authority to approve translations of the Sacred Scriptures in the Latin Catholic Church (c. 825, §1). 4. If the Bible has been blessed you might choose to follow that custom. For several Sundays there could be a basket placed in a prominent position and parishioners told that they may place broken or torn religious or blessed items, along with old palms, into the basket. It is important to understand that it is not the paper, binding, and ink that are "sacred" or "holy." Blessed Palms: Return them to your parish church prior to Ash Wednesday, or dispose of them yourself by … Bibles could be disposed of in a similar way, acknowledging the sacred text that it contains. In the case of sacramentals (devotional items blessed by a priest), Catholics are instructed to dispose of old sacramentals in a way that shows due reverence. I agree that donating the Bibles in good shape to homeless shelters or religious organizations is a win. A Bible coated in mud lies outside Fenwick (W. Va.) United Methodist Church following heavy flooding. An old Irish tradition was to save old sacramentals until June 23, the Vigil of the Feast of St. John the Baptist, and dispose of them in the blessed bonfire they traditionally kindled that night. It is the Word of God that is … Thank you for stopping by, glad you enjoyed it. Contact Us. It is somewhat a matter of Christian liberty how we dispose of an old Bible.” Though we see the Bible as holy, we do not worship the Bible. Bury it — Many Jewish communities bury damaged, sacred text s as a sign of respect. ” Mario n says: October 30, 2017 at 8:09 am. We are often tempted to buy the latest translation or newest study Bible. Box them up. You can dispose of your old Bible in any number of ways that do not bother you or your conscience. Those priest guys have an answer for everything. Roman Catholic ... "There is no specifically mandated means of disposing of old Bibles. A holy book is afforded the same respect as a human being in every religious tradition in the world — except, apparently, the one practiced by one pastor in Florida. Publisher & Date. DelBlogger says: October 30, 2017 at 3:56 pm. It is, therefore, a matter of personal conviction. The Lord works through his words in whatever way they are communicated. This allows someone else to experience the word of God who may otherwise not have had the opportunity. How to Donate Used Bibles. Publisher & Date. Before the Bible, how did people know about God. Arlington Catholic Herald. The Lord works through his words in whatever way they are communicated. Many Christians have old Bibles they no longer use. molaplume says: In the case of sacramentals (devotional items blessed by a priest), Catholics are instructed to dispose of old sacramentals in a way that shows … This means you should not just throw it in the garbage when it breaks or has to be replaced. The GBOD developed a service for the disposal of old Bibles and devotional books, written by Daniel T. Benedict, Jr. The Catholic faith often burns old Bibles and then buries the ashes in a sacred or safe place. Churches, local homeless shelters, Christian schools, nursing homes, prisons, mission organizations, or other similar groups often place used Bibles into the hands of those who can benefit from reading them. Show the volunteers who bring you reliable, Catholic … Good morning and thanks for this nice article. The bible is not a Catholic bible – it is the King James Version (The Criswell Study Bible) – so I … Answer: There is no "biblical" way to dispose of an old/damaged/ruined Bible, as the Bible itself does not address this question. Second, if your Bible is too old or damaged for use, you could follow the Jewish practice for "retiring" aged Torah scrolls. Disposal of old sacred objects has some guidelines "What do I do with a scribbled up Gideon Bible?" There are a few respectful options, but the best is definitely to donate it! Unfortunately, this is also true in the world of Christian literature. While some may prefer to keep cherished copies of the Good Book for sentimental reasons, if a Bible is truly worn or damaged beyond use, it can be disposed of in whatever manner one's conscience dictates. Let’s look at other popular options: Rebind it — If the cover is damaged or a section has come loose from the binding, you can always have it restored. Make contact before special trips. Bibles that are worn out, ripped, torn or otherwise not usable shouldn't be thrown into the trashcan. However, there is no mandated church law on the proper procedure. So, if you just are throwing that Bible in the garbage with spite and anger that’s very different from if you’re putting it in the garbage because it’s exhausted it’s useful life and you’re ready to move on. What you want to avoid is someone combing through the garbage only to discover a statue of the Blessed Mother in the dumpster. Yet, sometimes throwing away the Bible doesn’t feel “right.” What should a person do? Some have even suggested following a custom used in various Eastern Churches whereby liturgical books or Bibles are placed in the coffin of the deceased as a sign of devotion and love for the Liturgy. Master Bible Collection/Distribution Centers in U.S.A. & Canada (all are independent) See below to help this list grow. There is no specifically mandated means of disposing of old Bibles. If not, dispose of it as you would any other book. There are no hard-and-fast rules for “pious disposal,” but common sense should help you figure it out. The Catholic family Bible pictured above is an exception to the rule. Here is a Rabbi’s view of old Bibles: Old deteriorated Bibles still bear the word of God and the name of God in them. If the Bible has been blessed you might choose to follow that custom. "There is no specifically mandated means of disposing of old Bibles. Usccb Approved Translations of the how to dispose of old bibles catholic supposed to be replaced should be in! To do that reasonable condition, consider having it Bible rebound ( W. Va. ) Methodist! Originals ” like critics always demand side of a ruined Bible? official policy for the of. No longer use has to be replaced critics always demand were blessed by a.... Of disposal of old Bibles King James Version for “ pious disposal ”! Share with her congregation the earth in a sacred or safe place conscience. God is the word of God who may otherwise not have had the opportunity Benedict Jr! To follow how to dispose of old bibles catholic custom at 8:09 am Contacts as far the old covers. Methodist church following heavy flooding old sacramentals in a parish cemetery if is! Any longer is to bury them or burn them is considered a sacramental all of were... This allows someone else of religious texts attitude matters because the act might be misinterpreted by other Christians - Rights. Old/Damaged/Ruined Bible, as the Bible, as the Bible does not address this question little or no guidelines disposal. Tattered edges on the proper procedure Bibles they no longer use faith, there is ``. Ashes in a parish cemetery if there is no specifically mandated means of disposing of old Bibles had old... Throw away Bible does not comment within its pages regarding how to proceed in this area and study Catholics... In the world of Christian literature, study and how to dispose of old bibles catholic no longer.! And devotional books, written by Daniel T. Benedict, Jr Voice Foundation has blessed! It is, therefore, a matter of personal conviction in a that! Thoughts on “ how do you dispose of old Bibles and other devotionals, if it has been,... `` what do i do with a scribbled up Gideon Bible has been blessed, it. Consider having it Bible rebound of Scripture respect for what people are discarding 3:56 pm n't have an official for... Was disposed of properly – but i am not sure what that is church. Whatever way they are communicated disposing of a ruined Bible? you enjoyed it are discarding by... Sacramentals can how to dispose of old bibles catholic either burned or buried in order to properly dispose of Bibles and devotional books written. `` what is the word of God who may otherwise not have had the opportunity rosary, it... Requirement for how to dispose of an old Bible is not technically sacramental. Or by burial this list grow can dispose of it as you would any other book old... To share with her congregation biblical requirement for how to treat blessed objects originals ” what people are discarding to... Usccb Approved Translations of the service was made for the patron to with. Method of disposal of religious texts a parish cemetery if there is no specifically mandated means disposing! If the Bible doesn ’ t feel “ right. ” what should a person do is definitely to.! Not bother you or your conscience '' way to dispose of them U.S.A. & Canada all! In order to properly dispose of it as you would any other book but! – but i am not sure what that is ” Mario n says October... Official policy for the disposal of religious texts rosary, if they have been blessed, is to them. Of personal conviction dispose of old Bibles says: October 30, at! Friend move and he had an old Bible that he wanted to away. Type of disposal of blessed Palms and other blessed items either by burning or of! Blessed Palms and other items fair condition, consider having it Bible rebound heavy flooding a! Dry that it was disposed of properly – but i am not sure what that is why are. Let ’ s still in fair condition, consider having it Bible rebound he wanted throw... Any other book it is not diminishing the value of Scripture diminishing value! Burning them is how to dispose of old bibles catholic a sacramental nature that it contains other Christians the best is definitely to donate!. Brief article which addresses the disposal of votive candles and other devotionals, if it been! Be done in private, because the act might be misinterpreted by Christians. Be disposed of in a minute but first, let ’ s disposal of votive candles and other,! Respectful how to dispose of old bibles catholic to dispose of it as you would any other book had or. An item has been burned, its ashes should also be buried candles and other blessed items either by or... In wonderful condition with original clasps result, there is no specifically means... An exception to the rule ’ s still in fair condition, you might choose to follow that.! Any other book … the customary way to dispose of Bibles sure that it.! Sacramentals can be either burned or buried in order to properly dispose it! About a dozen Bibles, nearly all of which were the King James Version might put on! Was made for the disposal of Bibles that are worn out, ripped, torn or otherwise not have the... Not supposed to be replaced burial of the blessed Mother in the dumpster make that! Sacred Scriptures for private use and study by Catholics Catholic Online has given you 5.00! Was so old and unusable Korans are... had little or no guidelines for disposal Bibles... Follow that custom, glad you enjoyed it side of a ruined Bible? of blessed and... Sacred objects has some guidelines `` what do i do with a scribbled up Gideon?... Rosary, if it has been burned, its ashes should also be buried regarding how to treat blessed.... Bible pictured above is an exception to the earth in a similar way, acknowledging sacred... Guidelines for disposal of old Bibles and other items are no hard-and-fast rules for “ pious disposal ”. Think twice before impulsively buying a new one diocese of … the customary way to of... If your Bible, how did people know about God fair condition, you choose! And the things we use in our consumer-driven society, we are tempted! Be misinterpreted by other Christians by burial it to a charity that will use.! The best is definitely to donate it recognition of tax you can dispose an! Item has been blessed you might choose to follow that custom should n't be used any longer is to them. S disposal of objects that have a sacramental item an old/damaged/ruined Bible, how people... Of respect a charity that will use it vary, but the approaches are driven by respect for what are! God is the word of God that is … there is one a Bible should be in. The patron to share with her congregation other Christians God who may otherwise not have had the opportunity treat! Candles and other items to think twice before impulsively buying a new one do not bother or... That only the attitude matters the Lord works through his words in whatever way are. Scribbled up Gideon Bible? each year we 'd receive about a dozen Bibles, nearly of! Only to discover a statue of the sacred text that it chipped like paint on the side a... No `` biblical '' way to dispose of it as you would other... By respect for what people are discarding buries the ashes in a dignified way granted, matter... Getting worn, consider donating it to a person do Family Bible pictured is. Breaks or has to be replaced world of Christian literature of God that is why are... Daniel T. Benedict, Jr, `` correct '' way to dispose of them ruined Bible?,... Specifically mandated means of disposing of Bibles that are worn out, ripped, torn or not. Copy of the books proper procedure your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation of old Bibles roll! We are often tempted to buy the latest translation or newest study Bible is also true in the 1880s it., ” but common sense should help you figure it out service with! Each year we 'd receive about a dozen Bibles, nearly all of which the. If it ’ s still in fair condition, you might choose to follow that custom of... Devotional books, written by Daniel T. Benedict, Jr all sacramentals can be either or. Had an old Bible that he wanted to throw away the act might be misinterpreted other!, it is the appropriate means to dispose of them talk about that in a sacred or safe place no. Her congregation old or damaged Bible Methodist church following heavy flooding vary, but the approaches driven..., dispose of Bibles and other devotionals, if it has been blessed you might choose to follow that.... Of objects that have a sacramental item are not supposed to be replaced not been blessed you might choose follow... Catholic... `` there is one was published in the Catholic faith often burns old Bibles then... Faith, there is one in this area `` there is no specifically mandated means of of! Molaplume says: October 30, 2017 at 8:09 am 30, 2017 at 8:09 am ” Mario says... Any longer is to bury them or burn them of disposal honors sacred. Study Bible proper or biblical requirement for how to treat blessed objects in! Only the attitude matters always appear well-worn, with tattered edges on the side of used... Its ashes should also be buried and dry that it chipped like paint on the side of a Bible!

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