A Bible that's water damaged...what to do with it?

[jmoburg]

I took a new Bible with me on a canoe trip - and it got wet, pages dammaged, and it grew mold (despite trying to dry it in the sun). What should I do with it? It’s deformed, smells, and is unreadable… is it ok to throw away?

 

[CarrieH]

I’m no expert, but if it were mine, I’d burn it, just to be on the safe side.

 

[lak611]

Was the Bible blessed? If it was, then you should burn or bury it. If it was not blessed, then you can throw it away, however you see fit. If you do not know, then you should burn or bury it.

 

[jmoburg]

It was not blessed - brand new from the book store- it was beautiful at one point. Burning… wow, I never really thought of doing that but it seems to be the popular choice. Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut everyone!

 

[lak611]

It was not blessed - brand new from the book store- it was beautiful at one point. Burning… wow, I never really thought of doing that but it seems to be the popular choice. Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut everyone!

I am sorry to hear that your Bible was damaged from the water. If it was not blessed, you can dispose of it however you wish. I would recommend that you get a new Bible and have it blessed by your priest. I have been part of a Bible study group at my parish for over 5 years now. The Bible study has helped me in my understanding of the Catholic faith.

 

[Zooey]

Burning it would seem to me to be a good & respectful way of disposing of it.
Throwing it in the trash…Nothing really wrong, but if somebody were to see you, it might cause scandal. Just my 2 cents…

ETA: Another 2 cents…I pick up old Bibles at yard sales and thrift stores for 50 cents or a dollar apiece, & take them in the car, to use when I am coming & going. That way, I don’t put a really nice Bible in harm’s way. (Bitter experience, involving a brand-new, leather bound Bible & an upended pot of Jasmine Green Tea…)
Or, pick up a cheap paperback one. Same concept.

 

[Evan]

The reason the bible (if not blessed) can be discarded in the trash is because we are NOT a people of the book as is Islam, and some (all?) protestant denominations.

CCC Paragraph 108:
Still, the Christian faith is not a “religion of the book.” Christianity is the religion of the “Word” of God, a word which is “not a written and mute word, but the Word which is incarnate and living.” If the Scriptures are not to remain a dead letter, Christ, the eternal Word of the living God, must, through the Holy Spirit, “open [our] minds to understand the Scriptures.”