What to do with old Bibles

[JoAnnTidy]

Over the years I’ve inherited Bibles when elderly relatives have died. They are mostly St James’ bibles. Usually they had beautiful handwritten inscriptions or certificates inside as they presented at christenings, on marriage, Boys’ Brigade, and similar occasions.

Unfortunately, before my DM passed them on to me, she cut out all the flyleafs etc in case anyone knew who they were. I was upset, as that was the only connection I had to these relatives. I didn’t tell her that, as it would have been pointless.

I want to declutter some of them now, as it is decades since I inherited them, but I don’t know how. I feel very uneasy that they might end up being recycled or destroyed in some way, even though they’ve just sat on a shelf, unread, for years.

Can anyone help with suggestions? I can’t read tiny print anymore, and am also considering a more recent translation if anyone can recommend one. Thank you.

Charity shop? It's a shame to let them go but no point keeping them without the handwritten bit.

Thank you zonder. I think there are some branches of charity shops which do just books. I’ll google that.

I’ve got the idea that it would be disrespectful to risk them being destroyed. Wish I could work out why I think that. Does anyone know where that might come from?

Personally I just throw old Bibles away, if they aren’t good enough condition to be used anymore. If they’re still readable you could donate them to a charity shop.

For a modern translation, if you like the King James style you could try a New King James Version.

That’s what I use personally, and I usually look up the original languages on the blueletterbible app which is a great resource.

Thanks for the blueletterbible app suggestion leaning. I have a concordance here on a bookshelf. It’s so heavy I can barely lift it now So the app will be very useful.

As a Catholic, we treat bibles as sacramentals. So that means that they can't ever be binned. If they have to be thrown away, we can either bury them (somewhere that won't be walked over, ideally), or burn them.

But as these are usable by someone else, not you, I would sell them online or give them to a charity shop.

For newer translations, my favourite is the NRSV (Anglicised edition).

I had a Bible that wasn’t a version I wanted to use. I tried to speak to a local vicar but couldn’t. In the end I took it up to the cathedral with a note saying that I hoped it could be used by the church of they could pass it on.

In your case I would try to speak to someone at the church as it may cost them if they aren’t able to use them and to sell or recycle

Thank you Fink you’ve hit on what was troubling me. Very interesting and helpful.
fatloss yes to the idea of asking at the Church. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Perhaps if you have smaller ones and lighter perhaps the homeless.You could ask first if they would like one.

I have had conversations with a few homeless people. One told me they knew the Lord's Prayer and started to say it. They had forgotteon some. A copy of that prayer or a smaller Bible and they would have it. One spoke about how his wife had cancer and he lost her and he had been in wars. Another also spoke about seperating from their partner and that they attend Church for free meals and was a Christian. If I could I would print just the Our Father for them.

That’s a lovely idea Justmerach, and brought a lump to my throat. I found several hymn books too.

Everyone has been so helpful. Thank you all so much for your replies.

I hope you have this all resolved now JoAnnTidy.

Another related Bible issue. I find this a bit problematic really. When I was growing up we had a big family Bible that was illustrated and had colour pictures. It was lovely and it had so many touches about it had a signing page and bookmark, it was really nice. I think it must still be with my mum. A Bible that was gifted to me also by my dad is full of colour pictures and a King James version. It was by World publishing books.

Now it is difficult to get a family Bible in King James version and that has colour pictures. I was told today a young family couple in my family that they would like an illustrated Bible in mind for the children as well. I thought it would be easy to find but I have been searching and may have to import from America to get a vintage edition from World Publishing books.

If I could see inside the NLT iillustrated I would consider it again considering as I can buy it in the UK. I won't buy it though without seeing some pictures.

NLT Bible on Amazon

I will be holding on dearly to my older Bible's that are well used. It seems to be today the real once choice for a family who want a large colour version of the Bible the NLT above is the only serious contender. So little choice. There was one KJV but all the pictures was in black and white.

On another I did get to buy the bookmarks with the Lord's Prayer and that has been going well.

I managed to obtain a Bible in the UK after looking for some time. Where I bought it appears to be only place to buy it new in the UK in a shop apart from sellers on Amazon who are independent.
I have not able been to look inside the book properly, but I shouldn't have to go those lengths to obtain one from the US. I am not sure why it is this way, my mum has she has experienced it as well even abroad now.

The NLT one above was a study Bible as well not and not a family Bible.

I bought this in the end in the below link. I would have liked to have paid for express shipping but they get it at the end of the month.

www.eden.co.uk/bibles/king-james-version-bibles/kjv-gift-and-award-bibles/kjv-family-bible-deluxe-white-bonded-leather-over-board/

I just found our old family Bible on Ebay listed in very good condition and I had that snap that up. They could have really marked it up but they didn't. I cannot wait to get it and I was looking to get a new larger Bible for myself as I struggle with smaller font.

I think the Bible Society takes in old Bibles (and maybe other Christian books) which they give to people who want them.