I see this sometimes at church and elsewhere. I can't help but think that this is not respectful for these sacred books. They are only piece of paper but what they contain is eternal life. The same can be said about our flag, no one will let it rest on the ground and no one can say its just cloth.
When speaking about seeing this at church, are you meaning the scriptures themselves or them within a scripture case on the floor?
I am one that does keep mine on the floor by my bed sometimes--especially if I am reading at night. I don't do it out of disrespect and have not really ever thought of it that way. I do on the other hand, get upset when my kids leave them on the floor of the van after church, which they have a high chance of getting stepped on.
I don't think I ever remember putting mine on the floor but now I'll take more notice if I do. What I do see on the floor a lot are the hymn books. That is kind of annoying cause the pages and dover come out so easily. Plus there is a hymn book holder right on the pews!
I think it is more important how the scriptures are being placed on the floor. It is not always possible to keep them off the floor in all circumstances, but care should be taken that they will not be damaged. Are they within a protective scripture case or are they just tossed on the ground to be torn and destroyed? I personally believe it is more disrespectful to carefully set your scriptures on a shelf and never open them.
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I personally believe it is more disrespectful to carefully set your scriptures on a shelf and never open them. |
I've seen how the muslims have a mesh bag that they hang their scriptures up with, like on a wall hook - the book never touches the floor.
I think it's probably correct to treat our scriptures with the respect that they deserve, and certainly to be mindful of where we lay them to rest when not in use. I have a large tote that I call my "church bag" that holds my scriptures, lesson manual, or student manual, plus supplies like chalk and eraser (in case I'm asked to sub on the spur of the moment) and that sort of thing. My scriptures aren't ever on the floor, if I can help it, and I'm trying to get my daughter to be more mindful of hers. If I read the scriptures in bed, I put the book on the nightstand rather than the floor.
We aren't perfect, but we try to do our best.
I have a large "church bag" also that my scriptures go into when not in use, thus avoiding the floor. Mine are the large size quad and so I slip them inside a gallon zip-lock bag to protect them even more so from getting bent or torn while inside the bag. Sometimes my bag can get pretty full and so I don't have to worry about my scriptures as I take things in and out.