I was sent a link to this iPhone app the other day and chuckled a couple times before I took a look at it in the store.
The “Ask God” iphone app has a pretty simple purpose:
Ask God is a fun, easy to use application, which allows users to look up Bible passages on contemporary topics with a simple shake of their iPhone.
Neat. I suppose the only problem that I have is that you have to purchase it first…
You can download the app here but it currently costs you $.99 cents.
Doh!
I wish it was free; it could be an amazing evangelistic tool for those who want to “Ask God” things that they have questions about…
I mean, we don’t have to pay anything right now to ask God a question directly, right?
(And yes, I understand the “cost” associated with building it…)
Colin Harman says
I suppose we could say the same thing for church resources like videos and branding materials. I mean, we’re all in this together right? Shouldn’t we be willing to share for the cause of Christ and equip the saints for drawing people into the presence of Christ? I understand that videos and apps and graphics take time to make, but are you making them so you can make money? Or are you making them so that they can be used by God to bring people to Christ?
Somehow along the way facets of Christianity have been turned into a business…
Matthew Snider says
I must say I am torn on this, on one side I see the need to recoup the costs to make the app itself or at least the time associated, but also at the same time it being a Christian utility.
I have always had issues with Christian Bookstores and the likes selling music and even bibles for astronomical prices. With this though, 99 cents will probably help him, her or them to recoup costs semi quickly and hopefully it goes free in the long run.
Catherine Helzerman says
Hi. First -thanks for downloading the app! I hope that 99 cents does not seem like too much for people. I have a day job and am not trying to make a big profit, but work did go into the app.
One thing I’d like to mention, which I’ve tweeted about and mentioned in other places –I’m using my free promo codes (developers get a limited amount for each version of their app) to provide free copies to pastors and other outreach workers. Also, if someone out there has an iPhone but still can’t afford the buck, I’ll help them out if I can -and that’s not sarcasm.
Am I greedy for wanting a 99 cents for my efforts? I don’t think so. In my view a lot of value is added into the app and I give away far more money every year than that app will ever make.
Also -one reader below points out- that this is not the first time someone has paid for a Christian product. My Bible (which I love!) cost me $60 bucks.
The app is meant to be a fun way to get to know the Bible and maybe get an inspirational Word. If you can’t afford 99 cents, there are free versions out there with less functionality but that will still allow you to search the Bible. Some are quite good. I have only the best wishes for all of those developers, so check out their apps, and if you like them better use those.
God Bless!! 🙂
Catherine
Catherine Helzerman says
One thing I wanted to mention — I’m in a one income (mine) home, with that I support my family, put my son through college and am putting his best friend through college. I give to my church both with money and with my time helping serve food and groceries to the homeless and under-employed. This app was worked on after full days at my day-job. So, if you don’t think my humble efforts are worth 99cents, that’s ok, but please don’t imply that I’m trying to make money off of God. I give away far more money every month than this app will ever make.
John Saddington says
as i mentioned in my other comment… i’m not attempting to imply that you’re doing that at all. I mean, look at the blogs that we run! we offer advertising and get paid to write content.
we’re in the same boat here…! we’re providing editorial writeups, reviews, and thoughts/perspectives on apps. I hope it gave you some traffic!
no need to defend yourself with us!
🙂
John Saddington says
catherine,
thanks for dropping by. i didn’t mean to offend anyone with the post and for that i apologize! we totally believe it’s your right to earn an income off of your work! we’d never take that away from you…!
thanks!
Catherine Helzerman says
…and maybe I can work on my sense of humor (especially late at night) and just be thankful that you took the time to buy, write about, and discuss my app —so thank you. And my offer stands, so if you know any outreach workers who would like to give the app a try for free, please encourage them to contact me. I’m happy to share all of the promo codes that Apple gives me. At the end of the day, I really just want to brighten up folks lives and share some Bible verses. 🙂