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Can You Take Home The Bible from Your Hotel Room?
From the mini shampoos and conditioners to the unopened tea bags, there are a few things in hotel rooms that you can take with you and keep a clear conscience. However, one item often remains in a gray area of whether it is up for grabs and meant to be removed from your hotel room. With the unwritten rules of hotel room etiquette, how is one to know if The Bible found in their nightstand drawer is there for the taking? Your friends here at Best Western Siesta Key are answering this age-old question and providing a little background on why Bibles are in your hotel room in the first place.
Why Are Bibles Found in Hotel Rooms?
The Bibles found in hotel rooms all around the world were more than likely supplied for free by the international Evangelical organization called The Gideons. The intent of The Gideon Bible is not to convert hotel guests, but rather to provide comfort to travelers who find themselves a long way from home. The first Bible to find its home in a hotel room in 1899 was intended to bring peace and solace to weary traveling salesmen. Since then, over 2 billion Bibles have been distributed to hotels and venues.
Is Taking a Bible from a Hotel Considered “Stealing?”
If you were to take The Bible with you or remove it from the hotel room, The Gideons would not accuse you of stealing it. Some believe that The Gideons actually want you to take these Bibles, perhaps in hopes of spreading the Good Word. However, your hotel staff may disagree. Removing The Bible from its place in a hotel room is not actually supporting the reason it was put there in the first place, as they are intended for the next guest to read and so on.
The Gideons are always in constant contact with their local hotels to ensure a Bible remains in every room. They often find themselves replacing Bibles that go missing from rooms and never charge the hotel for these replacements. So, whether you feel the need to read The Bible in private, bring it with you during your travels to keep faith close, or add it to your personal book collection, rest assured The Gideons are not calling this a sin.
What Can You Do If You Want to Take the Bible Out of Your Hotel Room?
The intent of The Gideon Bible is to have every hotel room equipped with one so that incoming guests and travelers can take a moment to read, reflect, find comfort, and maybe even take an interest in the Christian faith. If the reader has any questions, expresses an interest, or would like their own copy of The Bible, they are encouraged to call the phone number found printed on the cover. The Gideons will be more than happy to talk and/or supply Bibles to those who reach out.
If you find yourself staying with us here at Best Western Siesta Key, you can visit the front desk to ask us more information regarding The Bible in your hotel room. We can also clear up any confusion about whether this is a complimentary gift or how you can obtain your own free copy.