Physical or Virtual: In Praise of Real Books (and Bibles)
Author: Stan Guthrie
July 08, 2026
Jesus Christ came to us physically, not virtually. If you had been one of the disciples, you could have reached out and touched Him, even after the resurrection. But does the fact that “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” have any relevance for our reading? I think so.
We all know that the Bible and great Christian books are vital for Christian discipleship. But does it really matter whether you read them on paper or use a screen?
Let me admit my bias up front. We are embodied, not virtual, creatures. Think about the huge difference between watching a video of someone hiking in the Grand Canyon versus getting out there yourself. God designed us to experience and tend His world not only with our minds, but also with our bodies.
Thus, let me suggest that reading a physical (embodied) book, while often not as easy or convenient as using a screen, is also better for us—and our faith.* Here are some important reasons:
• Multiple studies show that readers of words on paper understand and remember more. Physical books allow us to bypass the screen inferiority effect, in which screen-readers tend to comprehend and retain less information.
• Physical books support deep reading and better retention. “Printed books provide spatial anchors. Readers often remember information based on physical location within a book—left page, upper corner, early chapter.”
• Distractions: Screens encourage multitasking, notifications, and skimming—reducing deep reading.
• As children grow, neural networks in the brain shift from simple, local connections to more complex, long-range communication that supports higher-order thinking. “Brain connectivity in children is increased by the time they spend reading books and decreased by the length of exposure to screen-based media.” Think how vital this one fact alone is for our kids.
• “For older students, research using eye-tracking technology revealed that those reading print texts approached the material more carefully, frequently re-reading important details.”
• A relatively minor matter: Our small screens and the blue light they emit can contribute to eye strain and sleeplessness.
Given these facts, Oxford Learning, a tutoring business, recommends that parents:
• Encourage print reading at home.
• Balance screen time with paper reading.
• Use print materials for studying.
• Model print reading for their children.
So what does all this mean? For me, it means, when possible, opting for the physical over the virtual. I admit: this is undeniably hard. There are many, many great resources available through our phones and laptops—and many features not available in print. But if there is a physical alternative, I’m going to take it. I need to make the most of my time in the Word. Physical Bibles will help me to do that.
To make the transition easier, I’m going to keep physical copies of God’s Word by my bedside, in the living room, in the car, and by the recliner so I don’t feel tempted to go right to my phone. I will also resume bringing an actual Bible to church. We’re making a public statement when we carry a Bible in public. Smartphones, however, allow us to slip by as secret-agent Christians.
I freely and gratefully admit that God the Holy Spirit has used and still uses His Word via a variety of media (preaching, public reading, scrolls, papyri, bound books, videos, smartphones, and so on). But certain forms consistently prove to be far more conducive to deep learning, sustained attention, and long-term recall.
Unfortunately, I’ve gotten so used to slurping up my spiritual information electronically that I’ve cheated myself out of the deep learning, memory-enhancing benefits available to those who use physical Bibles and books. It’s the difference between indulging in fast food and preparing and enjoying a rich, satisfying meal.
Additionally, there is simply no substitute for the abundant sensory input I get from picking up a leather-bound Bible with gilded edges and a red ribbon marker—the unforgettable aroma, the feel and heft of the book in my hand, and the beauty of the Scriptures published as a work of craftsmanship and love.
So I lay no burden on how you should access God through His Word. That’s between you and Him. But as for me and my house, when I can, I’m going to choose physical books and Bibles.
Stan Guthrie is Director of Outreach and Mobilization for New Covenant Church in Naperville, Illinois. He is also author of the youth and children’s fantasy book, Tom and the Dragon.
*Even as I acknowledge the irony of attempting to convince you of the superiority of paper using electronic media!
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez CA on Unsplash.
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