State of the Bible 2017 …
Since 2011, the Barna Group has conducted an annual survey concerning the state of the Bible in the USA. The survey is commissioned by the American Bible Society and aims to gather insights into the multifaceted relationship that Americans have with God’s Word.
This year’s findings revealed the following:
- Two-thirds of Americans read, listen to or pray with the Bible (16% daily, 21% once a week or more, 7% once a month, 6% a few times a year).
- Bible usage is highest among Black American practicing Protestants who live in the South.
- The average Bible user reads the Bible for 30 minutes during each sitting.
- Lower-income people (less than $50K annually) read the Bible more frequently than higher-income people (more than $100K annually).
- While the KJV is the most popular version, its usage is declining (down 14% since 2011).
- The NIV is the second most popular version, followed by the ESV.
- The primary reason why two-thirds of Bible readers connect with the Bible is because it “brings them closer to God.”
- Nearly 60% of adults want to read the Bible more frequently.
- Bible reading increases when seen as an important part of a person’s faith journey.
- Bible reading declines when people are too busy with the responsibilities of life, start doubting their faith, face trauma, or leave the church.
- There is a decline in Bible reading among Millennials.
- Favourable emotions when reading the Bible included feelings of peace (49%), hope (45%), happiness (29%), and intrigue (19%).
- Unfavourable emotions when reading the Bible included feeling overwhelmed (13%) or confused (12%).
- Nearly half of the Bible readers think about how the Bible applies to their lives.
- Most people prefer to use a printed Bible (91%) for reading the Scriptures, yet they also use non-print formats (smartphone, apps, podcasts, internet, audio) for reading the Bible (92%).
For more information about the State of the Bible 2017, download the report here.
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Summary
The Barna Group’s 2017 survey on the state of the Bible reveals key insights into Americans’ relationship with Scripture. Two-thirds of Americans engage with the Bible regularly, with Bible usage highest among Black American Protestants in the South. While the King James Version remains the most popular, its use is declining, with the NIV and ESV gaining traction. Despite challenges like busy lives or doubts, many Americans desire to read the Bible more frequently, often experiencing feelings of peace and hope when doing so.
© Scripture Union Canada
