The results are in. The answers are tallied. And according to the 2014 State of the Bible report, the Bible landscape in America is continuing to shift.
Here are four trends from the State of the Bible that highlight the Bible shift that’s happening in our own country right now.
- Bible skeptics equal Bible engaged. Walk into any public place, and for the first time your chance of finding raving Bible fans and Bible skeptics are exactly the same: 19% and 19%. America is now split down the middle when it comes to people’s beliefs about the Bible.
- Busyness remains the Bible's #1 blockade. It’s not surprising. But what this reveals more than anything is the ever-declining confidence that people have in the Bible and its ability to compete with the challenges of their lives.
- Web + Print = Success. We're seeing unprecedented levels of people using digital tools to read the Bible (now 44%). But don't expect the paper page turning to end any time soon. Print is still the primary format for Bible engagement (84%).
- Millennials are the least engaged with the Bible. According to the State of the Bible, 39% of Millennials (ages 18-29) never read the Bible compared to 26% of all adults. Just 30% of Millennials think the Bible has too little influence in society, while 50% of adults hold the same belief.
Despite the changing Bible landscape, God’s Word is still a significant influence on American culture and society. And we are praying that those who are most engaged will join us in advocating for the Bible’s power to change lives across our nation.
Interested in this article? Check out the full State of the Bible report .
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