Why do people follow the reading in their own Bible?

[XCChamps]

I don't because I have a different version, so it's hard to follow, but also, I don't see the need. I'm listening, so why do I need to read it too?

It also seems a bit rude (it's obviously not generally considered to be!) not to be looking at the person speaking.

I'm torn between thinking there must be some great spiritual advantage I'm missing and that they're all showing off about how well they know their way around the Bible and how quickly they can find the right page

[honeysucklejasmine]

I prefer a different translation so I read that instead. Although my pastor has a habit of waffling so if you just listen you can't tell if its the verse he's reading or his own waffle.

[cheapskatemum]

Visual learners might struggle if they were just listening to the passage being read, without being able to see it as well. I realise I tend to tune out and start daydreaming when listening (just like I did at school , so am always looking for ways to connect more tangibly with what's being said.

[NannyR]

I just find it "sinks" in better if I read it as well. Our church has pew bibles and the reader tells you which page to go to. The sermon often refers back to verses in the reading as well, so I sometimes make notes in my own bible.

[Happydappy99]

I find it easier to take it in if I'm reading, plus mine has study notes in it explaining the context etc so I like to read those as well.

[DoraDymant]

They give you a printed sheet at my church - notices on one side, the collect and readings on the other. So they obviously expect you to read along. As pp have said, I find it sinks in better. And to refer back to during the sermon sometimes.
I wouldn't take along my own bible and make margin notes though! Though no reason at all why people shouldn't if they want to though.

[therenter]

In our church it is actively encouraged to follow the passage in your own bible during the sermon. Otherwise how can you be sure that the preacher is telling the truth as it is written in the bible.
There are certain religions where the only people allowed to have a bible are in fact the leaders of the church and that is because they have totally rewritten the bible for their own agenda and purposes. If the congregation were to have bibles also then they would see the inaccuracy of it all. So they are allowed only the permitted version and no other translations are allowed.

The beauty of following on in your own bible is that you can scribble notes in the margins or highlight particularly relevant passages and of course maybe the translation is easier for you to understand.
So no not rude at all. :-)

[LucyMouse]

I sometimes read around the text a little to get the context. Other times I come across notes in my Bible from years ago and it helps me see how God uses the Bible through different times in my life. And generally it encourages me to actually pick up my Bible and read it, because I am too much out of the habit.

[Bunbaker]

Some people are hard of hearing and need to read as well as hear.

[poocatcherchampion]

What is your church the renter? We are Christadelphians and everyone does in our church too - it is certainly the norm. I can't always find the passages quick enough (newcomer). Lots of people follow on phone apps now which I do too. And make notes there.

[seasonoflists]

The more you find the passages yourself, the better you'll be at knowing your own way around your own Bible (Haggai, anyone?!) and it was doing so when I was new that helped, although I am not ashamed that I had a bit of a scrabble about for 2 Samuel yesterday. I write notes too - it helps it to sink in, as well as being useful if the same passage comes up again in a group or personal study. I wouldn't take half as much in if I didn't.

[Fink]

A bit mundane, but in our parish we have missals with the readings printed in (and some people bring a Bible too, though that would be a minority), the encouragement is to just listen if you can but because we have a large proportion of the congregation for whom English is not a first language, reading along might help understanding. Also, although we train readers, we do have children reading at particular Masses and many people with strongish accents, so even someone with excellent English might want to read along in order to better understand.

Personally, I just listen to the readings as they are read, but I keep the missal/Bible open during the sermon so I can see what the priest is refering to in its context. And I do look up and pay attention too!

What churches do you mean, Renter? I've been around quite a number of denominations over the years and I've never found a church where only the leaders were allowed Bibles. Are they definitely Christian?

I know what you mean about not finding Haggai Season - while I was leading Bible study one time I couldn't find the Gospel of Mark . This was after 30 plus years as a practising Christian ...