Proclaimer Blog
The Word and its words
According to my newspaper, we now have the Emoji Bible. It will help millennials read the Word apparently. I am working on the assumption that this is a spoof, or at least a very light-hearted attempt to create a news story. For example, inserting the anger emoji into strANGER is just plain daft. But it did get me thinking. I imbibe my Bible (is that the right word?) in different ways.
I use an audio Bible when out and about, especially walking or the rare occasions I commute to work on public transport. I love letting the text sink in as it does with audio books. I am listening to words.
I use an eBible to study, actually a big user of Logos software. I find it’s a great way to interact with lots of resources, original languages, Bible versions etc. I don’t buy paper commentaries anymore unless there is no Logos equivalent, enabling me to build up a portable, usable and extensive library. I am working with words.
I use a paper Bible to read and preach from (and make notes in). For sermon prep I print off a passage and write all over it. I am perhaps old fashioned in this way – but this is me: I love taking notes in meetings by annotating a PDF on my tablet, but my favourite writing instrument is a Pelikan fountain pen! I am reading words.
But in each case, it is words. Not pictures or emojis. This raises all sorts of questions, of course, especially around translation into limited languages or for those with limited understanding. Nevertheless, exceptions aside, the Word is made up of words. That is how it has come to us. That is how we must continue.