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YouVersion is an application that hopes to send a religious message to its users. The concept was created around the idea that in the past the Bible was not easily accessible to most individuals. Many people who read it would not find much that related to their modern lives. YouVersion intends to give users a way to reconnect with the Bible, making it easily accessible and comprehensive. The application provides users’ access to a Bible reader that includes numerous features, such as different versions, a browse capabilities and varying text size. Users can also access Bible reading plans that help them work through the material. Numerous plans are available and can be customized to meet the reader’s needs and give them the most informative experience possible. Mobile YouVersion is available and includes just about every popular mobile device, including iPads, iPhones, Android, Blackberry, Java, Symbian, Palm Web OS and Mobile Web. The YouVersion community area welcomes users to connect with others so they can discover the Bible together.

YouVersion was founded in April of 2008 by LifeChurch.TV. LifeChurch.TV emerged in 1996 as a way to bring people closer to their religious beliefs. Utilizing technology, LifeChurch.TV hopes to present the Bible and its teachings in a way that works with the average person’s lifestyle.

It is not that often that a religion based application appears. YouVersion stands out in this way. The application is created to help users explore the Bible and learn how it can impact their lives. The entire basis for the application is to bring people closer to their faith, which is something few other applications do. Although it may not be entirely one of a kind, YouVersion is certainly unique.

The YouVersion website welcomes visitors with a very clean, professional design. The white background is offset by a dark header with the subtle green and white YouVersion logo nestled in the top, left hand corner. Four navigational icons help users quickly move through the site to the tools they need while a search bar is presented to find items by keyword. The Bible reader is very easy to understand and includes a handful of extra features that make it a convenient choice for digital reading.

A new user can become a member of the YouVersion community by clicking on the white “Sign up” link at the top, right hand corner of the homepage (beside the search bar). The registration form is kept very simple and short, asking for an email address, username and password. The user must also check the terms of use agreement box at the bottom of the form before submitting their information. Once the information has been sent, the user is advised that a confirmation message will appear in their email inbox. This must be accessed and the directions it contains followed to complete registration.

Anyone can create a YouVersion account for free. There are no subscription fees or membership charges. This is of course a good thing considering the purpose of the site. Requiring payment from users would take something away from the message and intent described on the site’s about us page. Users can make donations if they like, but this is optional. The donation page (which can be accessed by clicking the blue “Donate” link at the bottom of the homepage) allows users to set up monthly donations in increments of $5, $20, $50, $100 or $250. Users can also make a one time donation by clicking the white “Make a Donation” button. Donation payments are made through Paypal.

YouVersion is a very helpful tool for anyone who is interested in learning about the Bible and their faith. Each feature included on the website is intended to make religion more accessible to users of all ages.

• Read six different versions of the Bible online
• Join the YouVersion community to discuss the Bible
• Bookmark and tag selected entries
• Choose and customize Bible reading plans
• Access YouVersion on almost any mobile device

YouVersion video

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