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What are your thoughts about supplementing or even replacing hard copies of Bibles and study materials in church services with digital devices such as smartphones and tablets? Talk pros and cons, your experience and habits, your church's policies if any.

For many years, the most I've used a smartphone as a Bible in church was to supplement my hard copy. Mostly it was the frequent times when I had a child in my lap and it was difficult to hold my print copy. Also, I've used it to compare versions during Sunday School or Bible studies, or Google something pertaining to a discussion. Awhile back, I got a personal iPad for the first time and used it for just a short while in place of carrying a Bible and notepad. I did like that, but we were told at church that there were concerns about people replacing their Bibles with devices, so I stopped.

I think there are pros and cons to using digital devices instead of hard copies of books in church. There are of course the potential distractions, most or all of which are dealt with by putting the device in airplane mode.

I use my phone because I have yet to find a copy of KJV and the Latin Vulgate in a usable form… I also reference the Septuagint often as well. If I’m particularly bored with the sermon or Sunday school, I’ll attempt to cross reference the subject with the early church writings.
It’s simply not practical to do any of that with hardback.

That being said… I have sat in a conservative Mennonite church and watched the deacon’s son (sitting by him) playing a game on an iPad or another tablet.
That concerns me…
The flip side is it’s too easy to check Menno too if you are bored and it’s easy to criticize and ignore your own problems.

Recently I was introduced to the term, "Mennonite music". It refers to the rustling of Bible pages throughout the sermon. I'm sure other churches have the same music. I would hate to part with this as it signifies something Anabaptists consider important.

While I am not opposed to digital if that is better in certain instances, I do not recommend it in general. For one reason, few people are going to only use their smartphones only to engage with the sermon. Most will be noticing incoming messages, WhatsApp statuses, etc.

It doesn't take too much of an imagination to think that it wouldn't be long until the "comments" in Sunday School are GPT3 or GPT4 inspired.

ken_sylvania wrote: ↑Fri Oct 06, 2023 3:55 pm It doesn't take too much of an imagination to think that it wouldn't be long until the "comments" in Sunday School are GPT3 or GPT4 inspired.

Well… certainly seems like people already are inspired by certain commentaries.

Soloist wrote: ↑Fri Oct 06, 2023 3:59 pm

ken_sylvania wrote: ↑Fri Oct 06, 2023 3:55 pm It doesn't take too much of an imagination to think that it wouldn't be long until the "comments" in Sunday School are GPT3 or GPT4 inspired.

Well… certainly seems like people already are inspired by certain commentaries.

And I already have a keen distaste for an excess of that, for sure.

ken_sylvania wrote: ↑Fri Oct 06, 2023 4:01 pm

Soloist wrote: ↑Fri Oct 06, 2023 3:59 pm

ken_sylvania wrote: ↑Fri Oct 06, 2023 3:55 pm It doesn't take too much of an imagination to think that it wouldn't be long until the "comments" in Sunday School are GPT3 or GPT4 inspired.

Well… certainly seems like people already are inspired by certain commentaries.

And I already have a keen distaste for an excess of that, for sure.

ChatGPT would hardly come up with content that sounds more computer-generated than the average CLP or R&S SS lesson.

Ernie wrote: ↑Fri Oct 06, 2023 3:44 pm Recently I was introduced to the term, "Mennonite music". It refers to the rustling of Bible pages throughout the sermon. I'm sure other churches have the same music. I would hate to part with this as it signifies something Anabaptists consider important.

While I am not opposed to digital if that is better in certain instances, I do not recommend it in general. For one reason, few people are going to only use their smartphones only to engage with the sermon. Most will be noticing incoming messages, WhatsApp statuses, etc.

We already notice those things when our phones or watches vibrate. Doesn't mean we have to look at them unless we are on call for emergencies, like some people are. I will get concerned about those distractions when they get as bad as the problem of people sleeping in church. Besides, devices are very easily put on airplane mode to eliminate all incoming messages.

Screens are more visible by others when we are in church than when we are just about anywhere else because we sit in close proximity. Somebody over my shoulder can easily see what I am doing on my phone. It's accountability.

I don’t see any realistic way for a congregation to use digital devices in the service without them being used for distractions more than a help. For every person using it responsibility, there will be 4 times as much distraction and disruption. If this were not the case, I’d be okay with it. I’m not against progress or digital. But the way digital is currently, it doesn’t work. For every Mike or Soloist using it, there will be 4 deacons boys - who then point to Mike and Soloist devices. I used to be a deacons boy. I know how they think.