May 25, 2013

Amazon Kindle, The Bible, and a Hotel Room

Want to know where you could find an Amazon Kindle, the Bible, and a hotel room all wrapped up in one neat little package?  Try the Hotel Indigo in Newcastle, Britain.  They are claiming to be the first hotel to offer the Gideon Bible found in most hotel rooms in an e-version.  They even plan on placing a Kindle in the drawer next to the bed where the Gideon Bible used to be located so the patrons can easily discover their new adaptation into the new millennium.  The hotel spokesperson indicated that there will not be a charge to access the Bible from the Kindle.  However, if a guest would like to read other books they can purchase those for around $8.00. 

I’m certain Gideon International will welcome this new technology since it will help distribute the Word of God much easier and quicker. I am also certain it will not slow down their progress for spreading the gospel message throughout the world and into key places such as hospitals, convalescent homes, medical offices, domestic violence shelters, prisons and jails.

Why do the Gideons believe so strongly in this form of evangelism?  Here is what their website offers as an answer:

“Distributing complete copies of God’s Word plants powerful seeds that God can use in His timing (I Corinthians 3:6).  Allows people to read the truth for themselves (John 8:32).  Provides a continuing witness when the Gideon is no longer present (Hebrews 4:12).  Makes it easier for the people we reach to, in turn, reach others with the truth about Jesus (2Timothy 2:2).  Makes it possible for new Christians to learn and grow through personal Bible study (2 Timothy 2:15).”

               

iPad vs. Fire Tablet

The hot topic from Amazon is the Kindle Fire Tablet.  Now I don’t know if the “techies” out there are all excited about Amazon’s answer to the iPad, but I do believe this is capitalism at its best.  This type of competition is what separated Ford owners from Chevy.  Personally, I didn’t really think I would have an opinion on this topic when the news first broke.  Then I read what the Amazon public relations experts are saying, “18 million songs, movies, TV shows, books, magazines, apps and games are all available.”  Wait a minute…did they say books? 

Well…not to be biased or anything, but since I am an author, maybe my loyalty should belong to Amazon.  I mean, they were the first ones to make my book available.  I do have a direct link from my website to their store.  Oh no…what’s happening?  Can I be bought?  Is it true that we all have a price?