Why Are There Bibles In Hotel Rooms?
Have you ever stayed in a hotel room and wondered why there’s a Bible in the bedside drawer? If so, you’re not alone – this is a common question that many travelers ask when settling into their temporary lodgings.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Bibles are placed in hotel rooms by an organization called Gideons International, which aims to spread the Christian faith by providing copies of the Bible.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the history behind this practice, the logistics of how it works, and the reasoning and controversy surrounding placing Bibles in hotel rooms.
The History of Gideons International and Bible Distribution
The founding of Gideons International
Gideons International was founded in 1899 by two businessmen, John H. Nicholson and Samuel E. Hill. While staying at the Central Hotel in Boscobel, Wisconsin, they met and discussed the possibility of creating an association of Christian businessmen for evangelism.
This led to the first official meeting in 1899 at Janesville, Wisconsin with the goal of distributing Bibles to hotels, hospitals, jails, and other public places. The name “Gideons” comes from the Bible story in Judges 6-8 about Gideon, who led the Israelites to victory over the Midianites.
When the Bible placement program started
In 1908, the Gideons began their Bible distribution program by placing the first Bibles in the rooms of the Superior Hotel in Superior, Montana. This practice started after a Gideon saw a Bible in a hotel room when traveling and realized it would be a great way to spread God’s word.
The Bible placement program expanded rapidly. By 1912, the Gideons were distributing Bibles not just in hotels but in hospitals, jails, and other public institutions as well. One early placement was in the Yosemite National Park hotels in California in 1909.
How the program expanded over time
The Gideons Bible placement program grew substantially over the 20th century. By 1950, they had distributed over 50 million Bibles. In 2013, the Gideons passed the 2 billion mark for Bibles distributed globally.
Today, they distribute over 100 million Bibles annually in over 100 languages to 200 countries around the world. Some of their key milestones include:
- 1964 – First foreign language New Testament placement (Spanish)
- 1978 – 100 millionth Bible placed
- 1987 – First eastern European placement (Romania)
- 1999 – 1 billionth Bible placed
- 2007 – First middle eastern placement (Saudi Arabia)
The Gideons work with over 300,000 churches and volunteers globally to make their Bible distribution program possible. Though the methods have changed over the years, their commitment to spreading God’s word remains unchanged since their founding.
How the Hotel Bible Program Works
Partnerships with hotels
The majority of Bibles found in hotel rooms are provided through partnerships between hotels and one of two Bible societies – The Gideons International and the American Bible Society. These evangelical interdenominational Christian organizations have distributed hundreds of millions of Bibles for over 100 years.
They establish agreements with hotels to provide Bibles on a requested basis. This allows hotels to offer Bibles as an amenity to guests, while the societies retain ownership and oversight of distribution and placement.
Bible quantities and versions
Hotels specify Bible formats for rooms based on room count and type. Common selections are compact paperback, hardcover, or digital Bible versions in both King James and more modern translations. Hotels with larger room counts often provide both compact Bibles, as well as digitally accessible Bibles available on in-room televisions, clock radios, and hotel wireless networks.
It is estimated over 25 million print Bibles are distributed in this manner annually in the United States alone according to The Gideons International.
Distribution and placement
Participating Bible societies distribute scriptures to hotels on a regular basis to replenish quantities and replace damaged Bibles as needed. Societies may utilize local church volunteers or staff for deliveries and quality assurance checks.
Most hotels opt to keep Bibles in a bedside nightstand drawer with other complementary items like stationery supplies. This placement follows the tradition set when The Gideons first began placing Bibles in hotel rooms in 1908.
Some hotels add creative touches like including specially selected Bible verses on room keys or highlighting a Bible passage in a printed tent card for guest inspiration and reflection.
Debates and Controversy Around Hotel Bibles
Concerns about proselytizing
Some critics argue that placing Bibles in hotel rooms amounts to coerced religious propaganda or proselytizing. They contend that hotels are imposing Christianity on guests by default unless they opt out of receiving a Bible.
Supporters counter that the Bibles are simply there for those who want them as a courtesy service that guests are free to use or ignore.
Objections from non-Christian faiths
Some non-Christian groups such as Hindus, Muslims and atheists have objected to finding only the Christian Bible in their hotel rooms. They argue this favors one faith over others and amounts to discrimination.
In response, a few hotels have added other religious texts like the Book of Mormon or the Quran. However, limited space and low demand curb this practice. Most hotels take a neutral stance, providing Bibles only upon request.
Issues around waste and environment
Critics also contend that mass printing of Gideon Bibles for hotels contributes to unnecessary paper waste and deforestation. Supporters counter that the Bibles are printed on recycled paper and that digital versions are now available for downloading.
Some hotels opt to keep a stock of Bibles at the front desk for delivery upon guest request rather than default placement inside rooms.
Alternatives and Changes to Hotel Bible Policies
Providing other religious texts
In recent years, some hotels have started offering other religious texts in addition to the Bible as part of an inclusivity initiative. For example, the Marriott hotel chain provides translations of the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Quran upon request.
Other hotels like InterContinental London offer the Bhagavad Gita and other Hindu scriptures. Providing diverse religious texts caters to multi-faith guests.
On-request programs
Certain hotels have adopted on-request programs where a Bible is provided to a guest only if they specifically ask for one. Hyatt Hotels first piloted this in 2018 by removing Bibles from rooms but making them available at the front desk. Studies showed declining use of in-room Bibles.
An on-request system reduces waste from unused Bibles. It also avoids assumptions about guests’ faith preferences. According to a 2022 survey by STR and Tourism Economics, over 65% of US hotels only offer religious texts upon request.
Digital Bibles
With technology use growing, some hotels give options for accessing the Bible digitally via TV streaming, QR codes to smartphone apps, or pre-loaded e-readers. Digital Bibles lower cost and waste compared to print copies. They also give flexibility to access multiple translation versions.
For example, Accor hotels provide Bible app QR codes and Best Western uses in-room iPad menus linking the Bible app. However, a 2021 poll showed 60% of Americans still prefer print Bibles when traveling.
Hotels must weigh preferences for print versus digital formats when considering Bible availability changes.
Conclusion
In the end, the presence of Gideon Bibles in hotel rooms comes down to the mission of Gideons International to spread the Word of God combined with the willingness of hotels to allow this practice. While it has faced some opposition over the years, Bible distribution remains commonplace in hotels around the world.
The tradition has a long history in American and Western culture. And for many travelers who are Christians, finding a Bible can bring a sense of comfort and familiarity while away from home.
