The Most Stolen Book is…the Bible?
February 17, 2011
My friend Ken was in Barnes & Noble last week, and was told that the Bible was the most stolen book in the store, and it wasn’t even close.
I found this hard to believe, but a quick Google search and visit to Snopes confirmed this isn’t just a local phenomenon.
So why would Bibles be the most stolen book? Several theories come to mind:
- The Bible is the most printed book in history–it’s bound to be high on any list because of sheer volume.
- It seems extra cool or thrilling or bad–or whatever feeling the thief is looking for–to steal a BIBLE, of all things. “Huh huh. I stole the book that says ‘Do not steal.’ I’m so BAD!”
- People opposed to the Bible and its teachings seek to keep it from inquiring minds. (Uh, yeah. Good luck with that).
Any other theories?
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I think it is stolen most because of it’s high demand. It continues to sell very well in bookstores which shows there is a continual demand for it. Anything with a high demand will be stolen often even if a good motive is involved. Consider diapers and baby formula: high demand=high theft.
There are also people who want to read the bible but don’t want to be seen purchasing one because of the stigma it carries. For example, a staunch atheist who secretly wants to find God would not want his friends to see him buying one so instead he sticks it under his shirt and walks out with it.
Why would an Atheist steal a bible when he/she has no interests in it, in any way, and any how? You’ve got a good point on the first paragraph but the ending is just straight up pointless and stupid.
Depending on the Bible, they can be quite pricey as well. I know I was given a Bible and Commentary combo as a gift that was priced at over $80… I hope it wasn’t one of the many stolen.
People shouldn’t steal the Bible. They should just move it to the fiction section, like I do. =]
This comment just made my day, just saying haha.
i feel sorry for both of you
We’ll see how you feel about that as you mature and come close to death or family members do. You will be there calling out “oh God”. The best part is…He will listen!