Expert: Scott Talbot - 10/11/2004

Question
Dear Mr. Talbot,

I have a very old Bible that has many torn pages and sections missing, and is just in generally bad shape.  How do I properly and respectfully dispose of it?

Answer
Hi, Kat!

I understand your question, and I appreciate the spirit in which you ask. The Bible is a book of infinite importance. It's God's Holy Word, His communication to mankind. We hold it in high regard and treat it with great respect.

Sometimes a specific protocol is established for the treatment and disposal of items which hold a high value, such as the flag, for example.

I did some research and found that some have raised the same question you have--what is the proper way of disposing of an old Bible? I found that there was a bit of discussion and some interesting considerations. But I also discovered that there is no established procedure for disposing of an old Bible.

I would agree with what others have said. I would dispose of it the same way one would dispose of any book. Give it away or throw it away. I don't think that there would be anything sacrilegious about doing this. We understand that, while the message is holy, the pages, ink, and binding are only our way of recording that message. To dispose of the pages, ink, and binding when they are worn out does not show a lack of respect for the message itself.

Therefore, I personally would say that it would be acceptable to throw away the old Bible, just as you would an old book.

In closing, I'd like to ask you a question I try to ask everyone who comes to this site. If you died tonight, do you know for certain where you would spend eternity? If not, I would love to share with you from the Bible how you CAN know that you're on your way to heaven. If so, I look forward to meeting you there if we do not meet beforehand.

Have a great week!

Sincerely,

Scott