The Ubiquity of Hotel Room Bibles: A Global Perspective

The question of whether a Bible in a hotel room side table is a purely American phenomenon is often asked, and the answer, as it turns out, is more nuanced than one might initially think. While it is true that the practice started in the United States, it has since spread to hotels across North America and, interestingly, to many other parts of the world, including Canada and even some regions of Africa.

The Genesis of Hotel Room Bibles

The practice of leaving Bibles in hotel rooms originated in the United States in 1899 through the efforts of a group known as the Gideons International. This organization, which is a Christian evangelical group, aims to provide Bibles to people worldwide and often places them in hotels to offer passengers a sense of solace and spiritual comfort.

The Gideons operate on a global scale, with Bibles being available in hotels across various countries where they are allowed. However, their efforts have been met with mixed reactions, with some finding the practice intrusive or offensive. For instance, in certain non-Christian regions, like East Asia and southern parts of Africa, the distribution of Bibles in hotels is less common. In some cases, religious organizations from outside the western world, such as Buddhist groups, have started to place books in hotels to counter the evangelistic efforts of groups like the Gideons.

Global Distribution by the Gideons

The Gideons aim to distribute Bibles in every corner of the world where they are allowed, adhering to local laws and customs. For instance, in East Africa, where the author has been for the past five years, Bibles can be found in hotel rooms. However, the Qu'ran is less commonly available, and there is no request for it. The author notes that they rarely see people use the Bibles, and as a Muslim, they are not comfortable using them.

Responses from the Public

The responses to the presence of Bibles in hotel rooms are varied. Some people appreciate the gesture and find it comforting to have access to religious literature. Others, however, find it intrusive and prefer hotels that do not carry such materials.

For example, one respondent mentions that they take the Bibles they find in their hotel rooms off-site and dispose of them as a way to avoid inconvenience or offense to future guests. Another individual expresses strong opposition to the practice, considering the Bible as toxic waste due to its association with a regressive group known as the Gideons.

The Gideons' mission to provide Bibles in hotels and other public spaces continues, and whether this practice is seen as a gesture of kindness or an infringement of personal space depends largely on the individual and their cultural and religious background.

Conclusion

The inclusion of Bibles in hotel room side tables is a complex issue with roots in American evangelism but with a global reach. While the practice has its critics, it also has supporters who find comfort in having access to religious literature during their travels. For travelers and hotel staff, the debate around this tradition highlights the ongoing dialogue between religious and secular values in a globalized world.