Criticizing Appearance of Bible?

[StJoseph8]

Would it be improper to criticize the physical look of a Bible? Like saying, “that is one big-butt Bible”, or, “that is not an attractive cover”. One is certainly not criticizing the Word of God, but the appearance of the book that is holding it, correct?

 

[Latinitas]

Would it be improper to criticize the physical look of a Bible? Like saying, “that is one big-butt Bible”, or, “that is not an attractive cover”. One is certainly not criticizing the Word of God, but the appearance of the book that is holding it, correct?

No. Why would this be sinful? You yourself note that this is not crticizing Sacred Scripture itself.

Benedicat Deus,
Latinitas

 

[Convert_in_99]

Would it be improper to criticize the physical look of a Bible? Like saying, “that is one big-butt Bible”, or, “that is not an attractive cover”. One is certainly not criticizing the Word of God, but the appearance of the book that is holding it, correct?

Please don’t be scrupulous. :console:

It is certainly okay to prefer different bible covers to others, why else would they make so many styles and colors? It is also acceptable to prefer different translations of the words of the bible, so long as it’s a Catholic translation.

Please be at peace.

 

[HelenRose]

Would it be improper to criticize the physical look of a Bible? Like saying, “that is one big-butt Bible”, or, “that is not an attractive cover”. One is certainly not criticizing the Word of God, but the appearance of the book that is holding it, correct?

Why make derogatory comments in the first place? What purpose does it serve? I may prefer one cover over another but there is no reason to put someone else’s preference down.

Rudeness may not be a mortal sin but it certainly doesn’t elevate a person either.

 

[EasterJoy]

Why make derogatory comments in the first place? What purpose does it serve? I may prefer one cover over another but there is no reason to put someone else’s preference down.

Rudeness may not be a mortal sin but it certainly doesn’t elevate a person either.

Yes. One can give less-than-positive feedback without being rude or vulgar about it. If we try to speak as if someone is writing our words down, we’re a little more careful. On the day we least expect, after all, they will be. “That is one big-butt Bible” is probably not exactly the quote you want your grandchildren offering as a memory of you at your funeral.

This is not something to be scrupulous about. The world does not need more “sour-faced saints.” It is worth thinking a bit about whether your words make the world better or worse, though, before you let them fly.

 

[StJoseph8]

Why make derogatory comments in the first place? What purpose does it serve? I may prefer one cover over another but there is no reason to put someone else’s preference down.

Rudeness may not be a mortal sin but it certainly doesn’t elevate a person either.

Well, its not really something I said. It was a thought that came to my head. That “big-butt Bible” phrase was what came into my head.

Thank you all for comments.

 

[Crusaderbear]

How about, “I really don’t care for the cover.” Or “It’s a little cumbersome for everyday use…”
There is always a way around making an unkind remark, or so I’ve been told…

 

[pianistclare]

What an illuminating thread.

These kinds of things are said by children…not adults who are even interested in the contents of the Bible.

 

[StJoseph8]

I don’t think I was particularly clear on what happened. These comments I mentioned were not said to anyone, and it was not an opinion I had on any particular Bible I saw. I was watching an overview of a study Bible and it was commented that the Bibles back in history were “massive”, and that specific phrase I mentioned on my first post on this thread came into my head. So that was why I asked my question.

 

[Crusaderbear]

Ahhh, makes sense now. You are just mentally critiqueing another ages choice of style! Remember, in the past, these ornate Bibles where, literally, works of devotion and art, so a lotof time and effort went into their making. The video apparently didn’t do them justice by simply calling it massive! Today,s bibles are, sadly, run off by machines and have lost much of the personality of old (yes, the words are what is most importsnt, and they remain).

Your thoughts where simply on style and artistic designs, NOTHING about content! So don’t worry! Enjoy the 4th!