kcentv.com - KCEN HD - Waco, Temple, and KilleenApps at the Altar: How Smartphones are Changing the Face of Worship

To some people, the inside of most churches look the same. You'll find a cross, an open bible and hands raised in praise.

What you might not expect to see is someone like Nick Sabin. Covered in tattoos and sporting bright orange gauges in his ears, he admits his appearance is anything but traditional. And the way he worships isn't either. In church or at home, the preacher's son uses his smartphone.

Religious smartphone applications are changing the face of worship. There's the "Daily Audio Bible" app, which reads the bible to you. Then there is the "Holy Bible" app, which offers multiple translations for free. There are even apps for different denominations. Take "Ignio," for example. It is a Catholic app that offers a spiritual checklist, of sorts, literally measuring how brightly your ‘flame' burns for God.

 "I've been to church 100 times and said 'woops, forgot my Bible at home," says Nick. "But with my phone, it's just always in my pocket. So I just use it more often because it's there."

For Nick, the apps allow him to study the Bible and worship in a way that is uniquely his. And they break down the barriers of when and where worship can happen.

"If I go somewhere," he says, "maybe if I'm at the gym, I'll pop my headphones in and listen to the bible while I'm working out."

But are these religious apps- constantly available- a blessing? Or are they taking away from something sacred?

Baylor philosophy professor Dr. Doug Henry doesn't argue the convenience of the apps. He uses them, too. But he says when it comes time for worship, your smartphone can become a distraction.

"The primary use of the phone is the phone that rings or buzzes in the middle of one's prayfulness, the email or the text message," says Henry.

Henry recommends you use the smartphone apps with caution and remember that devotion shouldn't be dominated by an app. He also reminds the faithful that religious devotion is not centered around convenience. So try ditching the phone for the actual written word once in a while.

"If you can't pray without your cell phone, something's gone awry somewhere," Henry adds. But at the end of the day, he says, "If the truth is delivered in a new medium, thanks be to God."

"Its not all studying," says Nick. "It can be fun, it can be awesome, it can be convenient."