Bringing art to Scripture: Bible journaling enthusiasts illustrate passages from the good book

Sarah Elkins of Searcy Ark. practices during a Bible journaling seminar at the Baptist Book store in Texarkana.
Sarah Elkins of Searcy Ark. practices during a Bible journaling seminar at the Baptist Book store in Texarkana.

Many scholars believe the Bible's oldest manuscript piece was made around 125 A.D. Copies were tediously scribed by hand by monks in monasteries and later by professional copyists. The average person was unlikely to be fortunate enough to see a copy, much less own one.

Through the years, many translations have allowed the Bible to reach more people. The invention of the printing press in the 1400s made the Bible accessible to the masses.

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For years, Bibles were treasured as God's word, but also as precious family heirlooms. They were handed down from generation to generation. Deaths, births, marriages and other important family information was recorded in them.

Family Bibles were considered irreplaceable. The thought of writing in them was horrifying to many. In modern times, the ease of purchasing Bibles has changed how they are used. Many people now forego the etiquette of the past and write in their Bibles, known to many as journaling.

Bible journaling is a growing movement in which many are writing on the pages of their Bibles as a devotional process. You may have been journaling and not have known it. Underlined or highlighted favorite passages can be found in many Bibles today. Journaling can include writing prayers in the margins or noting feelings or thoughts about a verse, and many church leaders take notes in the margins to help them prepare for a sermon.

But a new form of journaling has exploded on the scene. Bible art journaling has become a trend in the past few years, especially over social media. People use colored pencils, fine-line pens, paint and other materials to create art in their Bibles. Illustrating a passage or giving life to a verse through art gives people another way to study the Bible.

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Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter searches show hundreds of thousands of photos posted by people who have added artwork, doodles, stamps and notes in the margins of Bibles. More and more people are going to those sites to get artwork ideas to use in their own Bibles.

Religious stores have gotten in on the movement as well, making room for art supplies and kits. There are a wide variety of specialty Bibles that are made with journaling in mind; many have wide margins left blank for the owner's artwork. Other Bibles come with illustrated verses that can be added to.

The Baptist Book Store in Texarkana has answered the call from its customers wanting journaling Bibles and supplies. They offer a variety of pens, colored pencils, watercolors, washi tape, stamps and ink and shadow and micron pens among other supplies. They also offer an assortment of Bibles to choose from that offer room to create art.

A workshop was recently held at the Baptist Book Store featuring writer, designer and speaker Jann Gray. The three-day event was a hands-on class where participants were given creative techniques and practical instruction.

"She taught how to overcome the fear of Bible journaling, about light, how to copy and use watercolors and how to draw different letters," said Cindy Elkins, store manager.

Gray has another workshop planned for the Texarkana area in the near future.

According to Gray's book, Illuminated Journaling, the "elephant in the room" is the hardest part of journaling. Some people have a hard time getting past the feeling of desecrating the Word of God.

"Illuminated journaling encourages you to write, draw, doodle, sketch, paint and stamp right on the pages of your Bible. And the thought of doing that might make you just a bit uncomfortable or, maybe a lot uncomfortable."

Family Bibles are still treasured keepsakes, but it is easier in modern times to go out and purchase a new Bible dedicated for study and/or journaling. Having a separate Bible has made it easier for many to try it out in hopes that drawing or adding artful expression to the Word will enable them to better connect with it.

"It is a way for me to visualize the verses," Elkins said.

Bible journaling has become another way of studying the Bible and worshiping the Lord. It is also a way to learn and visually interpret Scripture through art and writing. Bible journaling can be viewed as another form of worship, just like music, poetry and dance.

Many people find that they have already been journaling and did not realize it. It does not always have to be beautiful or colorful expressions. Writing notes, underlining or highlighting and marking certain passages thought to be significant is a form of journaling in itself. Nor does journaling have to be done by those with artistic talent.

There are many art supplies available to help even those who consider themselves creatively challenged. A search online will yield myriad images and ideas. Tutorials and workshops have become a popular way to bring out individual creativity. Regardless of the medium used or how well the piece turns out, there is no wrong way to do it.

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