"Bible Emoji: Scripture 4 Millennials" was released in the iBooks store on Sunday. This book is available for $2.99, and it aims to attract young people to learn more about Jesus Christ. It interprets all 66 books of the King James Version using emojis and commonly-used internet slangs.
With a subtitle "Scripture 4 Millennials," the Emoji Bible has more than 3,000 pages. According to translator, who wants to identify himself as the cool-dude-with-sunglasses emoji, "emojis are emotional, and allow people to express feelings in a visual way within the structure of 'normal.'"
The translator explained the aim of the Emoji Bible was to make the holy book more approachable by removing a lot of its density, as per reports from The Memo.
The project took about six months to finished, and it was created by linking 80 emojis with 200 corresponding words.
The translator also welcomed suggestions from readers on how to improve the Emoji Bible. So far, it has a positive reception from the majority of readers, but some are disappointed for the use of language. Some church leaders say the bible is a holy book, and it should not be translated like that. Also, a 2014 study from Barna.org found that 67% of millennials wants to go to a "classic" church over a "modern" one.
On the other hand, Christian blogger Rachel Held Evans says the Emoji Bible is a way to keep up with the times. "The sacraments are what make the church relevant, no matter the culture or era," she told in Washington Times report.
Caleb Woodbridge, the Digital Content Manager for the Union Scripture, stated the idea to present the Bible in a new and creative way is always welcome. He went on to say anything that engages people to the Word of God is a good way to spread the gospel.
The release of the Emoji Bible comes with the report about declining rates of religious affiliation across the Millennial generation. In May 2015 study conducted by Pew Research Center, it shows younger people has lower levels of religious affiliation, including less connection with Christian churches, as compared to older generations.
The percentage of young Americans who identify themselves as Christians has been decreasing quickly and steadily. From 78 percent in 2007, the rate is now 70 percent. Perhaps most alarmingly, about third of older Millennials says they're religiously unaffiliated.The study involves more than 35,000 participants.
What are your thoughts about the Emoji Bible? Let us know in the comments.
