Yes, you read the title correctly. Research indicates that most Christians don’t read the Bible regularly. Here are their reasons:
I don’t understand it.
It’s intimidating. Difficulties comprehending the language in which the Bible is written are usually tied to this issue. Using older translations, like the King James Version, is often associated with the language problem. Using a contemporary English version goes a long way toward addressing this problem.
It’s boring.
Some folk begin reading the Bible with the best intentions, then hit Numbers, and their days are numbered! Admittedly, a first-time reader may find portions of the Bible tiresome or uninteresting. But let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater. The Bible, in large chunks, is anything but boring. If it was, it’s unlikely that it would have informed and undergirded the major themes and stories that define culture and life today.
I don’t need to.
The basis for this reasoning is that the pastor/priest is better equipped to read and explain the Bible, so why not let them do it? This line of thinking is sometimes tied to the struggles that people experience in interpreting the Bible and the recognition that we need theological help. This is one of the reasons why it’s so crucial for us to use Bible reading guides, commentaries, or other helpful resources.
I don’t know if I can trust it.
Did God create the world in six 24-hour periods? Doesn’t science prove that some things in the Bible aren’t true? Why are there so many conflicting interpretations? These and many other questions raise doubts or skepticism. Not understanding the different genres of the Bible and attempting to read all of it literally may also cultivate confusion that leads to distrust.
I don’t have time.
This reason tops the list. I personally think it’s a smokescreen for the real reasons why Christians don’t read the Bible. After all, we’re rarely too busy to surf the internet, watch television, or go to the coffee shop. The truth is we think we have better things to do and choose to prioritize our time for what’s most important to us.
And the unspoken reasons that Christians don’t admit to:
It should serve my needs.
In a culture of consumerized Christianity, many people think the Bible should primarily provide guidance on how to behave or what to do in life. Outside of some favourite texts and passages, the Bible doesn’t do much of this. It is not a user-friendly owner’s manual for successful living. So when it doesn’t make us feel good about ourselves, we don’t read it.
It doesn’t really matter.
In their heart of hearts many Christians secretly wonder if reading the Bible makes a difference. They look around and see nice people who aren’t Christians and Christians who aren’t nice people. So they ask themselves, “Why should I read the Bible?”
I’m fine, thank you very much!
Ultimately, we may shy away from reading the Bible because we try to sustain our lives in our own strength. Our independent spirits don’t want to confess the need to depend on God. Pride, lack of obedience, an unwillingness to submit, and a skewed view of God—in short, sin results in a Bible reading disconnect.
It’s work.
“Here, then, is the real problem of our negligence. We fail in our duty to study God’s Word not so much because it is difficult to understand, not so much because it is dull or boring, but because it is work. Our problem is not a lack of intelligence or a lack of passion. Our problem is that we are lazy.” R. C. Sproul.
There you go. Can you confirm or refute the reasons? Would you add or subtract anything from the list? Have your say.
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Summary
Why Christians don’t read the Bible: Many Christians struggle with reading it regularly due to difficulty understanding the language, finding it boring, or feeling that they don’t need to read it themselves. Some doubt its trustworthiness, lack time, or have other priorities. Unspoken reasons include the belief that the Bible should serve personal needs, doubts about its relevance, or a sense of self-sufficiency in faith. Ultimately, the real challenge lies in the effort required to engage with Scripture, as neglect often stems from laziness rather than a lack of ability or passion.
© Scripture Union Canada
