Why Canadians aren’t reading the Bible …
After several years of investigating the connections Canadians do or do not have with the Bible, we’ve discovered the Bible is the most popular least-read book! Tragically, while three Bibles are in the average Canadian home, they’re usually found on a dust-covered shelf. Despite the availability and advanced marketing of the Bible, fewer Canadians are reading it, knowing what it says, and living according to its principles.
Even among church Christians, many never read the Bible from cover to cover. A Bible literacy poll in an Evangelical Toronto church in March 2010 revealed that eighteen percent of the congregation reported reading the Bible once a day, thirty-eight percent read the Bible once a week, twenty-one percent read the Bible once a month, and twenty-three percent said they seldom or never read the Bible.
The fact that the Bible is being treated lightly, ignored, or dismissed isn’t due to limited selection or accessibility. Among the more than eight hundred English versions of the Bible, there are hundreds of reader-friendly formats and more than one thousand different Bibles that can be purchased online from Amazon.com. There’s even a waterproof version for those who like reading in the shower!
At Scripture Union Canada, we’re deeply concerned about the growing disconnection from the Bible. Yet, while we’re concerned, we’re optimistic. The decline in Bible engagement means there are more opportunities than before to bring fresh invitations for people to connect with the Bible. So we’re praying for a Bible reading revival – praying that Canadians will open the Book.
Join us in the mission to address why Canadians aren’t reading the Bible. Please pray for the renewal of Bible engagement.
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Summary
Despite the Bible being the most widely available and owned book in Canadian homes, it is also the least-read. Even within church communities, Bible engagement is minimal, with many people rarely or never reading it. This disconnect is not due to a lack of access, as countless translations and formats are available. At Scripture Union Canada, while concerned about this trend, there is hope that this decline will inspire a revival of Bible reading and encourage Canadians to reconnect with Scripture.
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