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Philosophy/religion

Join our Philosophy forum to discuss religion and spirituality.

What should I do with so many Bibles?

8 replies

Polyethyl · 11/09/2015 19:25

I've just done a quick count and I have accumulated. ...
The one I was given when I got confirmed.
One my grandfather in law was given as a Sunday school prize in 1907 (which has lovely pictures)
One my mother in law was given when she joined the navy in 1946.
One my grandmother in law was given (and from the pristine state of its pages I guess she never read.)
Then there's a massive bible that came from my grandmother's family.
And when I was in the TA and served in Iraq, various different regiments and Padres issued me with two bibles and a prayer book.

This list doesn't include all the bibles at my mother's house, I know she has her own, her Godmother's and her aunt's. And I assume my father must have one or two inherited or issued by his regiment.

What do you do with them all!?!
It seems wrong to bin them, especially those that have inscriptions in the front.

OP posts:
cheapskatemum · 13/09/2015 21:25

A difficult question to answer, but here are some thoughts:
Are you emotionally attached to them? In which case, if you have the room, keep them. They could be passed on down the generations. If not, and you are keen to have a clear out, I would hazard a guess that the your grandfather's in particular is worth something. You could donate them to a charity, or research their value online and sell on eBay, or to a second hand book dealer.

Are they all the same translation? Judging by the dates you mention I guess the older ones are the King James Version (KJV). The newer ones might be the New International Version (NIV). I like to read different translations of the same verses as I find I get a deeper understanding of the text that way. Do they have notes handwritten in the pages? I would find these fascinating to read.

Polyethyl · 14/09/2015 18:58

There are no margin notes, my in laws were not religious people.
I think the one i'm least attached to is my own confirmation bible (KJV). The pages are tissue thin, gilt edged and really not practical to read. I can't imagine it has any resale value - with my mother's inscription in the front.
The one I'm most attached to is the soldier's prayer book. It tells you what prayers to say for the dead in every different religion.

OP posts:
Pico2 · 14/09/2015 19:02

Do you have any relatives who might like any of them? For you to have accumulated that many, someone must not have one.

cheapskatemum · 14/09/2015 20:56

I've got a confirmation one that sounds just like that! Some nice pictures in it, at least, and an inscription from my Godmother, whom I believe I last saw when I was 2 (apparently she posted it from South Africa when I got confirmed). Sorry, that doesn't help your dilemma.

Thisismyfirsttime · 14/09/2015 21:44

Since they all have such sentimental value why don't you keep them and pass them down to younger family members (if they'd appreciate them) in a few years? Do you need to get rid of them, lack of space etc?

EdithSimcox · 15/09/2015 18:12

Watching. My DF has dozens, many inherited from clergy ancestors. Along with ancient theological tomes of all descriptions. What on earth will I do when they are all mine?

EdithSimcox · 15/09/2015 18:13

A box in the attic for the next generation to deal with? Hmm

cdtaylornats · 16/09/2015 15:49

If the massive bible has family history in it then that's worth keeping or passing on through the family. Otherwise perhaps your local church could use them.

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