For many people the Bible is not out-of-date. There are several million individuals who call themselves Christians who believe that both the Old and New Testaments are inspired by God. For them, the Bible is one of the main sources of God instructions for their lives. The Bible is the most important book for them. For many devote Jewish individuals, the Old Testament is the Hebrew Bible and is a source of Divine inspiration for them. Even many devout Muslims consider the Bible a source of inspiration although as the Mormons (members of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints and similar groups) they use a different book for a primary source of Divine inspiration.
The Bible is also used by university researchers to supplement the study of history and archeology of the middle east. The Bible is also foundational for the United States. Many of the Founding Fathers referenced passages from the Bible and many of early building and artifacts referenced its passages. The Bible is a big part of American culture.In the past there were few residents in the United States (and prior in the Colonies) who did not know its passages. The Bible is read, studied, and shared by millions every day.
Even many people who do not believe that the Bible is the source of Divine inspiration continue to value the content of the Bible. For many, the Bible is used in their religious practices as a source of inspiration. Even philosophers and psychologists from the past have studied the Bible and confirmed its value. Carl Jung, a psychologist from the early 1900's referenced its passages often relating many of the concepts found in its passages to the growth and characteristics of the Self.
The Bible is translated in many languages and provided to peoples throughout the world. Most hotel rooms in the United States have at least one Gideon Bible. The Bible is provided for free to people all over the world by various non-profit organizations. Although many passages references ancient cultures and civilizations long gone, many of the phrases and passages are applied to the lives of individuals today in many ways and at many times. For many, the Bible will not cease to be important. For many, the Bible is a primary source of inspiration and direction. And for many the Bible is applicable to 'today'; in the their personal lives, for their families, the children, and friends.