Physical vs. Digital Books: The Winner
Books are to be read. Reading is good. Hence, the best book format is the one you are most likely to read!
As should be clear from laying out the pros and cons of physical books and of digital books, there is much to be said for both. Which is better? Short answer, the one you actually read! Books are to be read. Reading is good. Hence, the best book format is the one you are most likely to read often!
We have read varying formats for centuries, why are we getting all in a dither now that another format is available? Newspapers with columns, magazines in a bazillion sizes and formats, books bound in just as many formats, but we do the same thing with them, we read the words on presented to us! I suppose there were arguments around candle lit libraries about scrolls vs. bound books, parchment vs. vellum, etc. Since we are this side of the various technology changes, we just see the obvious adoption of the easier to use, more durable, less expensive to create formats and figure that bound books were a fait accompli. (Ah, like the Pharisees, we love us our traditions, no?) It is entirely possible that future generations will view digital books exactly the same way.
Does that remove the value of paper books? No. Not to people who value the written word. There are people today that collect scrolls and other antique “books”. My wife and I pray our library will be maintained by future generations, not because the books are important in and of themselves, but because of what they contain on their pages.
All your highlights, notes and bookmarks automatically put in a document for every book you read? Yes, Please!
For me, I prefer digital books. The benefits of them are just too overwhelming from my viewpoint. Searchability, flexible format, always in my hand, easy to share, highlights and notes automatically generated… this is why I believe digital books are “better”. Having discovered and used these functions, I only read a paper book if:
It isn’t available at all in digital form or,
If it is available in digital form, it is prohibitively expensive to buy a “duplicate.” This is rare as digital is generally no more expensive than paper books, but some academic books are outrageously priced.
One of the reasons we maintain and continue to grow our physical library is:
To gather books that are important against the possibility, however remote, that God judges our technological hubris by removing it from us. Physical books survive and work great without power or the internet.
The content of much of the biography, history and theology portion of my library is increasingly under attack and being retconned out of existence. Orwell got the idea of Newspeak exactly correct. Our words are being redefined, hence history and everything is then reshaped to fit the current political “correctness.”
I hope I’m not creating a survivability issue for our library by noting its existence and anti-tyrannical content. God reigns, He’s got it all under control. Our work of sanctification is to obey. Eventually, many paper books will dissolve to dust, electronic copies of books will be misplaced and forgotten on devices and servers around the world.
Only God is eternal and hence, only one book remains eternal and this one you should have in paper and digital and mental and spiritual “format”, the Word of God. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away,” promises Jesus, the Word made flesh, in Matthew 24:35. Indeed, Peter indicates that our having the written word of God, be it on scrolls, bound pages, PDF, epub, stone tablets, etc. is “more sure” than his having heard Jesus audibly and being present with Him on the mount of Transfiguration!
For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased” and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.
So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. (2 Peter 1:16-21)
To repurpose an over-used reference from politics, “Its the words stupid!”, not the format in which you access them. For the most important words from the Word Himself, these are best committed to your memory and applied in your heart.
How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.
With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments.
Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.
Blessed are You, O Lord; Teach me Your statutes.
With my lips I have told of All the ordinances of Your mouth.
I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches.
I will meditate on Your precepts And regard Your ways.
I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word. (Psalm 119:9-16)
Read it, meditate on it, memorize it, obey it, pray it back to God utilizing whatever format encourages your starting with step one every day… Reading it!