By Squirrelly Joe's Coffee - Where Virtue is Always Brewing

OLNEY, IL — A troubling new study from the Institute of Digital Discipleship has revealed what many church leaders have long suspected: the typical American Christian spends significantly more time choosing and customizing Bible apps than actually reading Scripture.

Researchers discovered the typical believer spends 37 minutes comparing Bible app features but only 4 minutes in actual Scripture reading. The comprehensive study tracked the digital habits of over 2,000 self-identified Christians across denominational lines.

"We observed participants spending extraordinary amounts of time comparing reading plans, highlighting options, and notification settings," explained Dr. Evelyn Wright, the study's lead researcher. "One subject spent nearly two hours customizing his preferred Bible translation, verse display format, and night mode settings before reading a single verse."

The phenomenon extends beyond digital Scripture consumption. The same study found similar patterns with coffee selection versus consumption, with the average Christian spending 12 minutes deliberating between brewing methods and bean origins, but only 7 minutes actually drinking their carefully selected coffee.

"It's about the illusion of productivity," explained Pastor Mark Collins of Covenant Reformed Church. "Choosing between 17 Bible translations feels like spiritual work, the same way debating pour-over versus French press feels like you're already enjoying coffee."

Local believer Sarah Thompson admits to the behavior. "I've downloaded six different Bible apps this year alone. Each one promised to revolutionize my quiet time," she confessed while scrolling through app store reviews for a seventh option. "Meanwhile, my beautiful Squirrelly Joe's Integrity blend gets cold while I'm configuring verse-of-the-day preferences."

The study concludes with a recommendation that Christians implement a "digital fast" from feature comparisons and instead focus on content consumption—whether that's Scripture or their morning brew.

"At some point, you have to stop optimizing the experience and start experiencing it," Dr. Wright noted. "The perfect Bible app—like the perfect cup of coffee—is ultimately the one you actually use."

Squirrelly Joe's Coffee reminds you that while app features may enhance your reading experience, they're no substitute for diving into the Word itself. Just as our carefully selected beans need to be brewed and savored to fulfill their purpose, Scripture must be read and absorbed to transform your life. Try our Wisdom dark roast, perfect for contemplative Scripture reading once you finally choose an app.