A recent study showed that 60% of Americans said reading the Bible has “transformed their lives.”
The American Bible Society published its annual “State of the Bible,” a study conducted by Barna Group, which examines the relationship of Americans with the Bible.
Our research shows that when people engage with the Word, their lives are bettered. —Roy Peterson, president and CEO of American Bible Society
According to the study, more Americans are consulting the Bible in 2019 than in 2018, with 21 million people reading the Bible for guidance this year, reports Relevant Magazine. Also, 15 million people who were disengaged in 2018 have decided to be more involved with the Bible this year.
Researchers noted that 41.6 million Americans belong to a “moveable middle” which means that people who incorporate the Bible in their lives could go either way at their level of engagement—they could have greater or lesser involvement in the future.
Americans who read the Bible frequently experience its positive benefits such as feeling peaceful, encouraged and hopeful, and having a sense of direction, reports PR Newswire. They also have a better relationship with God and other people.
Bible-engaged adults are shown to be more financially generous compared to those who are unengaged. They reported contributing $1,000 on average to charity in 2018, while the Bible-disengaged gave $20 on average.
There’s also an increase in volunteerism among Bible-engaged Americans. Among Bible-centered adults, or those who claimed that Bible engagement has transformed their relationships and decision-making process, 57% of them said they are more generous with their time for their church and community.
“Our research shows that when people engage with the Word, their lives are bettered,” said Roy Peterson, president and CEO of American Bible Society. “They find wisdom, hope and healing. In today’s sometimes turbulent times, the Bible can provide welcome answers.”
The Bible may be ancient, but its reach is far and wide and still ongoing even in our modern world. From the shaping of a government to how an individual decides in life, the Bible remains a great influence.
