to expect the cathedral to have a bible available?

[soandsosmummy]

I decided to pop into the cathedral at lunch because i wanted to sit and think some things through. While there I decided I wanted to look at the bible so I politely asked one of the passing clergy only to be told they were all locked up and they weren't really for the public to use anyway. He looked quite surprised to be asked.

AIBU to expect there to be bibles available for public consultation in a cathedral or should I have tried the local library instead?

Cathedral implies city, prob city centre. People prob steal them or deface them.

I'm not even sure the library would have one, only if it was a big one

most people have a bible in their home if they need one

you coild have bought one in the gift shop though

It's a pity if one wasn't available. You managed to speak to a member of the clergy so he could have taken you to a separate room and lent you a cheapo edition just to flick through.

Tbh i think thats probably quite an unusual request. They have them out for service but this was presumably not during one? I can't really think why they would have them out? Surely people would read their home bible if they just fancied a bit of a read. If you had pressing questions it would be better to ask the clergy for a private chat, I'd think.

There hardly ever are (I don't know why not, because there are always hymnbooks sitting around, but it still makes me laugh after 8 years in the CofE) but I am v surprised the passing priest didn't offer to get you one when you asked. Simple request and most priests I know would make the effort, I think.

YABU A Cathedral is not a library.

It doesn't surprise me that there wasn't one sitting out, but I'm surprised that he didn't offer you one, and I'm shocked that he said they 'weren't for the public to use'. What else is a cathedral if not a public place of worship - for the public? Poor show IMO.

Am also shocked at that attitude - I would go to a smaller church in future, I remember one overseas visitor at our tiny chapel that was so overjoyed to read a bible as she was far from home and hadn't bought one with her, she shyly asked us if she could borrow it - of course we were delighted to give it to her.

Shocked that you got that reply. Local churches here have them either at the back or in the pews.

I cheat and have a version on my laptop.

Was there a special verse you wanted?

oh dear. they seem to have forgotten their purpose!

there is a bit somewhere in Matthew where Peter asks Jesus about forgiveness and there follows a parable I forget the name of - I wanted to read it again as not looked at it for years and thought it may help me make my mind up about something.

Thank you for the answers. I will look at my own bible at home

Not at all unreasonable, I'd have thought

YANBU - I'd write to them. Your situation, someone seeking guidance on life's decisions is just what Cathedrals and Bibles should be all about!

I'm an atheist and I'm quite shocked. Surely if you were thinking things over in what, to you, is a holy and special place and asked a person who shares those views, they could have grabbed you a Bible to read. Really strange attitude. I've worked in rehab, homeless shelters and similar and if someone there had asked me for a Bible/Qur'an or the like, I would have done my best to find one and find out if they needed help to mull something over.

I think that is a real shame. Not so much that they don't have one (though it's a pity) - but why would he not be nicer about it?

It makes you feel bad for the people who donated money to that cathedral to get it built - especially if it's an old cathedral literally millions on millions of people will have given money trusting that that space will be used as a place of worship that is welcoming. It seems actually quite disrespectful to the spirit of the building to react like that.

YANBU, and it's really sad that the clergy guy didn't make a sodding effort to help you too. I suppose some of the cathederals think of themselves as tourist attractions rather than places of contemplation/worship now...

Bizarre. I can understand why they don't have them on the end of the pews, but not offering to lend you one for a few minutes is frankly a bit crap and I think said clergy needs a sharp kick up the arse as a reminder of his job description.