AIBU to ask whether you own a Bible?

[BeanQuisine]

Just idle curiosity, really.

We often hear right-wingers insisting "This is a Christian country", whether we're in UK, Oz or the US etc.

So I'm wondering how many of us actually own Bibles, and whether we ever read them. I did read assorted bits of it in my youth, but don't currently own a Bible.

YABU: Whether Mumsnetters own Bibles or not is none of your business.

YANBU: It's a vaguely interesting question.

No.

Yes, we own two. One in English and one in my husband's language.

Edited to add, the children have one, so, three.

You don't have to be a Christian to own one. I am Catholic and own a Quran

I am non-religious, but the UK is a religious country. The last census saw 46% of people describe themselves as Christian. That’s a big decrease from 59% in 2011, but still a very significant proportion. I don’t think you need a bible to describe yourself as a Christian.

I don’t have a bible, no!

I was raised catholic, went to catholic school, but I have always been a non-believer.
I don't own a Bible, I haven't since I was prepping for communion I'd say.

A few, my one plus a few family heirloom/sentimental ones. I work for the church!

Yes, I do - a small adult Bible and a children’s Bible. I know parts of the Bible quite well and can quote verses etc.

I generally go to church at Christmas but I am more of a cultural Christian than a believer.

However I have huge issues with the high-control and proselytising aspects of evangelical and Pentecostal churches, (especially towards young people) along with their equivalent movements within the CofE. See the Mike Pilivachi scandal as a case in point, not to mention the issues within Hillsong, UCKG etc.

Some of these churches appear very genial and guitar-playing on the surface but have deeply conservative beliefs around sexuality, homosexuality and the role of women. Elim Pentecostal churches are an example. I think that there is now finally a handful of women on their national leadership committee, which was all-male for a very, very long time…

I have no issue with people holding religious beliefs but I do question the value of religious institutions, in a modern world which has a fully developed civil society.

In my opinion, it should be against the law for a religious institution to evangelise to or fundraise from a young person under the age of twenty five. The law around charities should also be changed so that simply promoting religion is not sufficient as a charitable purpose.

I think the last government had a better idea in trying to define British Values as part of civil society, so including tolerance, equality and respect, rather than Reform etc hanging so much on ‘Christianity’.

It always surprises me how religious MN seems to be on these threads - in real life I don’t know a single person who is religious, owns a bible or attends church.

No bubbles in this house, we're atheist, socialist leaning, aspiring toward an ever greater scientific understanding of the universe. On my side of the family, I do have some very religious people though. When one prominent person died, there was a kerfuffle over his Bible. It had been studied so much, with notes and thoughts used for sermons. The kerfuffle was because no one wanted it, it was like a game of hot potato.

I own a bible but I'm not a Christian

yes three. a king james version which came from a relative. the good news version is one i had from school - very battered now but the illustrations in it are nice. and the new revised standardised version which is the one i use now and take to church with me.

i also have a translation of the quran, books about the torah and a copy of the gnostic gospels. i also have books about paganism and wicca and spirituality as i'm interested in faith generally.

None. It’s a weird, dull book, and there are far better reads.

Yes, a few in different translations and a beautifully designed illustrated one with space for notes. Also have a Bible app on my phone which has different versions and different translations.

One thing I love about it is how the over-riding message comes through no matter the translation or version. Christianity was so counter-cultural at the time turning normal hierarchies upside down.

Christians are still persecuted, hunted, and killed in horrifying numbers. It’s strangely quiet on the news about what is happening to them in China and parts of Africa.

I don't own a bible, but I'm not sure it's a marker of anything. My parents are and always have been atheist but they own a few copies of it, among many other books.

I have several.
The hardback "Good News" bible that I was given by the church when I was confirmed, and which prioritises simplicity of message in its choices of how to translate.
The lovely King James version that has the most beautiful poetic language - less straightforward to comprehend and not always the most accurate translation but more appropriate for meditative reading. It also has any words that are being described as having been actually spoken by Jesus (or occasionally by God the Father) printed in red to help then stand out.
The New Revised Standard Version which tends to prioritise accuracy of translation over other issues.

I think these 3 are the minimum basic number to own if you actually want to understand the bible to any extent. Really serious bible fans will probably have at least 8.

Yes. I’m not religious but did an English Literature degree and, as others have said, the bible is referenced in many other texts. The King James Bible is a beautiful work from a literary perspective.

Oh And as for politics, I know dozens of practicing Christians (occupational hazard) including bishops, and everyone is left of centre politics wise. Not sure who these right wing so called Christians are, American perhaps? A true Christian wants those who are less fortunate looked after, not full on socialism but as I said left of centre politically speaking

I'm another one who has several versions. I occasionally read them but often just want to look up a quote for something. I like different translations depending on the context.

Yes. I use it for reference more these days. Its the same as having the complete works of Shakespeare in the house in order to reference.
I used to be religious.

No longer a believer

Only 6% of the uk population are practicing Christians.

In all practical senses the uk is secular.

Lol, this is a daft comment. It's between 50-80 books depending on your version. Pretty sure you haven't read all of them... But no it's not Jilly Cooper

Yes. And a Quran.
We didnt buy either script. Im not sure either has ever been looked at. But they are in the house.

Possession of - or even knowledge of - the bible has nothing to do with Xtianity.

Most Scottish people of my generation were christened or if catholic, confirmed, even if the parents were only occasional (or never) churchgoers. Therefore we’ll all have a little New Testament with presentation sheet/ certificate of baptism inside the front cover around somewhere. I also received a bible on leaving the Baptist Sunday school we used to attend as children ( much more fun than the Church of Scotland one).

Yes I own a couple