People of the Screen

People of the Screen traces the history of Bible software app development, showing the unique and powerful role evangelical entrepreneurs and coders have played in shaping its functionality and how their choices in turn shape the reading habits of millions of people around the world. Examining advancements in Bible software from the first desktop applications to pioneering Bible websites, to mobile apps and virtual experiences, this book argues that evangelical creators have a distinct orientation toward societal change and technology called "Hopeful Entrepreneurial Pragmatism" (HEP). This uniquely positions them to lead the digital Bible market, imbuing their creations with evangelical ways of understanding the nature and purpose of Scripture.

This book offers a blend of historical research, interviews with developers, and field work with digital and print Bible readers, offering a nuanced look at the interconnected ecosystem of publishers, developers, pastors, institutions, and software companies. But instead of painting a picture of digital Bibles replacing print Bibles, author John Dyer shows that the future of Bible engagement involves readers using a mix of print, audio, and screens to suit their needs and community. He shows that sometimes the God of the page seems to say different things than the God of the screen, suggesting that we are still in the early stages of a multimedia approach to scripture.