Viewpoints

BELMONT — Finding the time both to read Scripture and reflect on it is a trying task for many of the faithful to fit into their busy daily routines. Now, a new iPhone application, created by Dr. Beth Kreitzer of Belmont Abbey College and sponsored by Woman’s Day magazine, aims to help people connect with Scripture and find ways to apply Biblical messages to their lives – at the click of a button.

Kreitzer was approached last year by the popular magazine with the proposal of “picking a passage, writing a reflection and two to three action points” on how to apply Scripture “to your life and make your life better,” Kreitzer says. Since last August, Kreitzer has been providing the material for Woman’s Day’s daily “Faith & Action” app, and will continue through this September, depending on the number of subscribers.

Although Woman’s Day is not a Catholic publication, it has published Bible verses on its table of contents page since it was established in 1937.

Kreitzer says she writes “about sacraments, the Eucharist, the importance of baptism and my own theological background. ... I don’t specifically write to Roman Catholics, but from my own perspective as a Roman Catholic.”

Her reflections are particularly helpful for busy Christians on the go, she says, as they offer a simple approach to pursuing an active life of faith by first featuring a daily inspirational Bible verse, then a brief reflection on its meaning, and finally a few simple tips about how to apply the Scripture verse in one’s own life.

“The Church has always used new media and new directions to connect with people and encourage piety,” Kreitzer says. “The message is the same – you’re just trying to spread the Word and explore new avenues.”

The iPhone app is sponsored and promoted by Woman’s Day, but Kreitzer stresses that it is not designed just for women.

“The Bible is for everybody and I don’t necessarily focus what I write to women specifically. It could be useful to anybody,” she says.

Kreitzer received her bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and her master’s degree and Ph.D. in Religion from Duke University. She is a part-time theology and history professor at Belmont Abbey College, as well as the advisor to the college’s Liberal Studies department.

The Woman’s Day “Faith & Action” app is available for 99 cents. To find out more, go online to www.WomansDay.com/FaithandAction.

-- Morgan Castillo, correspondent