I very seldom feature web sites, but ReadtheScriptures.com is so unique and timely, I had to make an exception. I’ve tried many reading reminder programs, but none have really worked for me. Invariably, I don’t find the program until it’s months into the book of scripture, and I can’t catch up. I fall behind or get too far ahead, and soon, I’ve unsubscribed from the reminder.
ReadtheScriptures.com is different. This completely free program is the most personalized program I’ve ever encountered. When I enrolled, I was able to select a book of scripture, tell the program which chapter I would be reading next, and then select a reading schedule.
As a result of using the program for the past few weeks, I am much further along in my reading than I expected. I find it easy to read a little longer when I have an “assignment” and it’s surprisingly motivating to click the little button that notifies the site I did my reading. This takes me to a page that shows me a graph and tells me what percentage of the book I’ve completed so far, another feature I love. It was very satisfying last night to be informed that I am 90 percent finished! My reading was a bit sporadic until I signed up with the program but reading each morning is now a habit, because my new assignment is waiting for me the moment I sit down to begin my day’s work on the computer. If my scriptures aren’t handy, or I can’t find my glasses, I can read the scriptures right in the email, and the print is a comfortable size for me. No excuses! This is without question an outstanding program!
I was so impressed that I asked the founders to tell me more about their site. Following is an interview I did with Deann:
Who is behind Readthescriptures.com?
The primary developer was Wayne Dixon, assisted by his wife, Deann Dixon, and his business colleague Rick Castillo, who all currently reside in Salt Lake, Utah.
Wayne and Deann Dixon are originally from Barrhead, Alberta, Canada. They operate and manage their own computer software development company in both Canada and the US, specializing in Training Management software. They are both lifetime members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and they have four children.
Rick is a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, served a mission in India, has worked in various administrative capacities, and is currently a Marketing Director for a web development company. His wife, Jennifer, is a lifetime Church member and served a mission in Paraguay. They have three children.
What prompted you to develop the program?
ReadtheScriptures.com was an idea originated by Wayne upon hearing President Hinckley’s challenge to read the Book of Mormon. He thought of developing the program for his own use, and then realized the potential of how such a system could benefit others as well. He explained the idea to both Deann and Rick, who then partnered with him for the developing and promoting of the system.
What makes your program different from other scripture reading programs?
One key feature that makes our scripture reading program different from other reading programs is that our reading schedules are customizable. From within one of our offered schedules, users are able to select their own starting point within each book. If one of the offered schedules is not suitable to your reading needs, you can create your own custom reading schedule.
As well, each daily reading is sent upon demand, only. Once the daily reading is marked as complete at the bottom of every email then the system will send out the reading the next day. This prevents every individual’s email inbox from becoming filled with automatic daily readings, should the individual fall behind with their reading. We have also provided the option to read ahead and receive more reading immediately included with each day’s email. Friendly reminders are sent out to members with inactive accounts after every 7, 14, and 30 days.
We have set up the program to allow multiple family members who perhaps all use the same email address to each set up their own account and reading schedules within ReadtheScriptures.com, by only requiring a unique password for each account.
Our daily reading also includes the correlating links to audio, should a user choose to simply follow along.
Each individual’s progress is monitored and displayed with a progress bar once each day’s reading is completed, and within their user account.
What plans do you have in the future for your site?
Currently, we are in the process of developing a personal Journal entry system into the site, to allow subscribers to receive a daily/weekly email reminder to make a journal entry for the day/week. The platform for the journal entry submission will be provided, and then each entry will be compiled into one private file for each user, that will be catalogued, editable and printable.
Before the beginning of each new year, we plan to implement the yearly Sunday School, Institute and Seminary weekly scripture reading schedule. It will be broken up and emailed daily throughout the week, or emailed only weekly as one complete reading, according to individual choice. We are currently seeking approval to include the weekly lesson materials from the Sunday School, Relief Society, and Priesthood study manuals, as well as branching into different languages for the scriptures and other reading materials.
We also plan to implement the option of creating reading groups. Each member will be able to create their own reading group of friends or family, by inviting the others to join the group. Within this group, they will be able to view each other’s reading progress in order to promote and encourage reading between members.
We intend to build a feature to Share the Scriptures with a friend. Similar to our Tell-a-Friend system, people will be able to send an email to a friend to introduce the scriptures (Book of Mormon) to them as a missionary opportunity. Within the email, the person will be able to include their testimony of the scriptures, as well as some scriptural passages if desired. The friend will then have the option to join ReadtheScriptures.com and read from their desired scriptural book and schedule.
Which book of scripture is the most popular with your program right now? Do you know which reading schedule most people prefer?
Currently, the Book of Mormon is the most popular book of scripture selected, and we hope that it always stays popular. The 60-day schedule for the Book of Mormon has been the favorite, most likely due to President Hinckley’s challenge. We anticipate that the Old Testament will gain in popularity in the new year, as that will be the focus of study in the Sunday School classes next year, and as we introduce our new Sunday School reading schedule for the Old Testament.
What suggestions do you have for your users to help them get the most from the program?
For our users to get the most from our program, we would suggest that they visit the website often, as we implement these additional features to the site, other books to select from, and other scheduling options. For example, we now have a forum, where our forum members are able to post public discussions about the site, their reading material, or other scripture reading related topics. We hope these new features we plan to implement will all be beneficial to our members.
Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Book of Mormon
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