Gideon Bibles - A Thing of the Past?

I was just reading this Newsweek article regarding the removal of the Gideon Bible from many hotel chains. In fact, many of these chains instead offer intimacy kits. Depending on what is in these kits, they might be a fun thing to offer, but I don't see why they need to replace the Bible with these offerings. I suspect there are many married couples who, when traveling without kids, might like having both items available. It would probably be best if you had to request one of these kits, simply because parents don't want to have to explain to their children the purpose of the intimacy kits.

The article seems to imply that those of the Generation X age or younger are not interested in Bibles. I know for a fact that is not true. I am a member of Generation X, as is my husband, and the Bible is very important to both of us. I know one of the first things I look for when getting a hotel room is the Gideon Bible. I much prefer the King James Version of the Bible, yet I always look for that Gideon Bible. I want it to be there.

Of course, I was very surprised that the spokesman for Marriott hotels would say their new boutique hotel chain venture would be less values oriented. Somehow, I don't think Mr. Marriott would approve of that. At least I hope this is the case.

According to the American Family Association, the Accor hotel chain, which is the parent company of Motel 6, is among the chains removing the Gideon Bible. I find that very sad indeed.

The Newsweek article also states the Gideon Bibles in hotel rooms is down 19%. I truly find that sad. I never thought I'd see the day when there are not Gideon Bibles in hotel rooms. I hope this is a trend that soon comes to an end.