What are the attitudes and behaviours of Americans toward the Bible? Here’s a summary of the current trends from the State of the Bible 2014 poll of a representative sample of Americans:
- sceptical views about the Bible have doubled in the last three years
- 56% of Americans are pro-Bible, yet only 37% read it once a week or more
- people say they’re not reading the Bible frequently because they “Don’t have enough time”
- there’s a Bible in 88% of American homes
- online Bible reading has doubled in the last three years
- most people still prefer to read a printed Bible
- a growing percentage of Bible readers look to the Bible to meet their needs (e.g. guidance, comfort, problem-solving)
- a declining percentage of Bible readers come to the Bible to connect with God
- adults who believe the values and morals of America are declining are more likely to blame this on music, movies and TV than on a lack of Bible reading
- 50% of adults feel the Bible isn’t influencing society enough
[About the State of the Bible study: An annual American Bible Society and Barna Group survey on Bible reading and beliefs. The 2014 data was collected in January and February through telephone and online surveys of more than 1,000 adults 18 years of age and older from within the 48 continental states. Download the State of the Bible 2014 at http://www.americanbible.org/uploads/content/state-of-the-bible-data-analysis-american-bible-society-2014.pdf ]
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Summary
The State of the Bible 2014 poll highlights a growing skepticism toward the Bible in the U.S.A., with skeptical views doubling in the past three years. While 56% of Americans are considered pro-Bible, only 37% read it weekly, and many cite a lack of time as the main reason for not engaging with Scripture. Though 88% of American homes have a Bible, online Bible reading has surged, and many readers seek guidance and comfort from it rather than connecting with God. Additionally, half of adults believe the Bible is not influencing society enough, with many blaming cultural issues more on media than on a decline in Bible engagement.
© Scripture Union Canada
