There is an app for just about everything these days and that includes ones for people who want some religion on their phones or tablets. Whether you are Christian, Jewish, Mormon or Buddhist there is an app for you.
The Bible
The Bible, created by YouVersion, is at the top of the list of religious apps. It has been downloaded millions of times, is available in over 700 languages, and is free. Users are able to read, bookmark and share Bible passages, make notes, and develop reading plans. There is also an audio version available.
The employees at YouVersion are able to track some habits of users. The following are a few interesting data points from 2014.
There was the biggest growth in Israeli user activity during 2014, followed by South Sudan.
Worldwide, Romans 12:2 was the most popular passage.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Philippians 4:8 was the most referenced verse by American, Brazilian and Nigerian users.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”
Stitcher
Stitcher allows users to stream over 25,000 podcasts and radio shows for free. Numerous churches place their podcasts directly on Stitcher. It is user-friendly because there is no need to download the content on your phone or tablet.
Fighter Verses
Fighter Verses is designed to aid users in remembering scripture verses. It comes with three years of passages to memorize and tons of quizzes to help you with the process. This app can be used by children and adults, individuals and whole congregations.
Religious Apps Banned by Apple
Apple’s legendary founder Steve Jobs was known as a control freak for many reasons, including his beliefs on the type of apps appropriate for iPhones and iPads. While the company does not pick and choose books and songs, it preapproves every app available on its products. Apple is able to control content because its devices run on a closed platform, unlike Google’s Android phones.
The company’s policy prohibits apps it feels reasonable iPhone and iPad users would find offensive, objectionable or defamatory. This includes pornography. Steve Jobs famously said in 2010, “We do believe we have a moral responsibility to keep porn off the iPhone. Folks who want porn can buy an Android phone.”
Here are some of the religious apps that have been banned by Apple.
Me So Holy
Me So Holy upset a number of religious groups. The app allows users to superimpose their faces on the bodies of religious figures such as Jesus, nuns and priests. After you have created a new image it can easily be emailed out or uploaded to Facebook.
Manhattan Declaration
This app contained a substantial amount of anti-gay and anti-abortion content. A petition circulated by the group Change.org requested Jobs remove the app, which the company did in 2010. A revised version was submitted, along with a counter petition signed by 480,000, and Apple still refused to make it available on the grounds it was still too offensive for “large groups of people.”
Jew or Not Jew?
Jew or Not Jew makes it possible for users to learn if a public figure or celebrity is Jewish. The app was first removed from the French app store after a French anti-racism group threatened to sue Apple over it. Later the company removed it from all its online outlets.
Apps make it even easier to customize one’s life. The quantity and variety of religious apps continues to grow to further accommodate users interested in these subjects.