I never know how to react (or whether to react at all) when I see Gideon Bibles in my hotel rooms.
That may not be an issue anymore.
Hotel room Bibles are on the outs:
Unlike traditional hotels, the 10-year-old [Soho Grand Hotel in Manhattan] has never put Bibles in its guest rooms, because “society evolves,” says hotel spokeswoman Lori DeBlois. Providing Bibles would mean the hotel “would have to take care of every guest’s belief.”
The article, from Newsweek, says that “the number of luxury hotels with religious materials in the rooms has dropped by 18 percent” since 2001.
So, if Bibles are gone, what is taking their place?
Condoms.
Edgier chains like the W provide “intimacy kits” with condoms in the minibar, while New York’s Mercer Hotel supplies a free condom in each bathroom. Neither has Bibles.
It gets better:
The new Indigo hotel in Scottsdale, Ariz., a “branded boutique” launched by InterContinental, also has no Bibles, but it does offer a “One Night Stand” package for guests seeking VIP treatment at local nightclubs and late checkout for the hazy morning after.
What’s the reason for the shift?
Leisure travel is up, business travel is down, and younger generations are entering the hotel market.
And a growing number of young Americans — 20% — are non-religious.
There’s an obvious compromise here, though. I’m surprised no one has thought of it. It’ll make everyone happy.
Just offer up Christian condoms.
I’m sure there will be opposition to the removal of Bibles from hotel rooms, but I’m not sure the reason. If the Bible is that important to you, bring your own copy when you travel. They’re not that bulky. Hell, just download it on your iPod.
[tags]atheist, atheism, Bible, Christian, religion, faith, Jesus[/tags]
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