DOES THE BIBLE MAKE A DIFFERENCE
IN AMERICANS’ LIVES TODAY?

Can it really be proven that the Bible changes people for the better, providing peace and encouragement? As we conducted our State of the Bible Survey interviews, we recognized how much change many have experienced in the last few years. From the rise of Artificial Intelligence to political turmoil, from the war in Ukraine to the genocide in Palestine, and so much more, Americans are facing an increasingly uncertain world. Yet amid crisis and chaos, many turn to God’s Word for answers.

After reviewing the Bible Survey results, one thing became clear: Those who turn to the Bible for truth and comfort have more hope for the future than the average person. Can there be anything more profound? Yet we’ve also discovered that many Americans wish they read the Bible more, which means there’s a gap between intention and actions. While Americans turned to the Bible during the pandemic, many have since returned to their regular activity, leaving their Bible behind.

But curiosity for God’s Word is still strong — and there’s hope. Those whose faith has changed throughout their life are more likely to trust the Bible and to consider their current faith “very important in my life today.” They report greater curiosity about the Bible and about Jesus. A downturn in Scriptural interest isn’t the final say. God continues to draw the hearts of Americans to Himself.

Bible Engagement in America

Do Americans Think We Need the Bible?

For years, we have asked Americans to imagine their nation without the Bible. “If people of our country were to not read the Bible, do you think our country would be worse off, better off, or about the same?” The results have been rather consistent.

While some observers assume there’s a growing animosity toward the Bible, our research says otherwise. Only about one in seven (14%) say a Bible-less America would be better. Three times that many (44%) take the opposite view, that America would be worse off without Bible reading. Nearly that number (41%) say there would be little change.

It’s worth noting that more than a quarter of non-Bible users say the country would be worse off without it. They don’t interact with Scripture themselves even three times a year, but they seem glad that others do. Many of these statistics give us hope for the future. When Christians read their Bible and take their faith seriously, statistics show that they go out into the world and make it a better place — and others take notice.

IN THE LAST SEVEN DAYS,
HOW MANY AMERICANS HAVE . . .

A FUTURE WITH HOPE

In dealing with the struggles of life, people who engage with the Bible have far more hope than others. The 2023 State of the Bible Survey results demonstrated that those who read the Bible regularly, and who live and think according to its teaching, find resources that keep them going, even in tough times.

This was clearly the case in New Testament times when the book of 1 Peter was written to Christians facing opposition to their faith. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV). In spite of life’s challenges, believers displayed a persevering hope that was noteworthy, prompting questions about where it came from. This research suggests it is still true today.

An Abiding Joy No Matter
Our Circumstances

How often do Americans read the Bible? Not as often as they did a few years ago. And only about one in eight Americans (12%) affirm the strongest statement, that “Christ is the most important relationship in my life.”

But being a Christian is life-changing. Practicing Christians, and especially those who are Scripture Engaged, reported significantly more flourishment and hope in the survey. It’s not that they are unusually fortunate. They’ve experienced troubles and hardship, yet they tend to view those hardships with a different filter.

The Psalms often express gratitude for the Lord’s presence in bad situations — even in “the valley of the shadow of death . . . thou art with me” (Psalm 23:4 KJV). And the apostle Paul puts it baldly: “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13 NIV). Engaging with the Bible regularly makes a difference in people’s lives, giving them greater hope and perseverance.

We can conclude that the Bible prepares us for life’s challenges and gives us divine resources to deal with them. This allows us to flourish. This helps us persevere. This gives us an abiding purpose no matter our circumstances.

For every circumstance. In multiple formats. Like these . . .