Scripture engagement improves life in all areas except financial wealth, but Bible use continues to lag behind levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Bible Society said in recapping key findings from the 2022 State of the Bible.
“People live better lives when they engage with the Bible – reading it frequently, applying its teachings to their decisions, and making it central to their faith,” the ABS said. “Personally, they experience less stress, less anxiety, and more hope.”
According to Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Index, those who have progressed furthest on their journey of Scripture engagement are also the most holistically healthy and hopeful. They have a sense of purpose, are satisfied with their life, have close relationships, solid mental and physical health, and have a sense of character and virtue.
The ABS pointed out in its review:
*Scripture engaged people want to be good neighbors.
*Gen Z shows high levels of stress, anxiety and depression; but those who are Scripture engaged report fewer symptoms.
*Nearly a third of American adults – 80 million people – regularly share Scripture with others.
*Scripture engaged Christians tend to read Scripture at the same time each day, and follow a reading schedule, plan or program.
*Scripture engaged adults gave an estimated $145 billion in charity in 2021.
WHO READS THE BIBLE?
• Women (42%) are slightly more likely to be Bible Users than men (37%).
• The South (47%) and Midwest (44%) have a greater percentage of Bible Users than other regions of the U.S.
• Elders (those 77 and older) are most likely to be Bible Users (58%) of any generation. Boomers (ages 57–76) are
next, at 47 percent.
• Those who identify as Evangelical Protestants far exceed the national average in Bible use (68%), as do those in Historically Black Protestant denominations (66%). Mainline Protestants follow with 57 percent Bible Users.
“Decades ago, Americans were well-versed in the biblical story, whether they believed it or not. Now, for generations who have never heard it, our content is new and fresh,” the ABS said in its release. “So let’s present the Jesus of the Bible with all His surprises. Allow the fresh-from-the-oven aroma of the Bread of Life to waft through our lives and our churches.”