A recent survey in the U.K. of 1,942 young adults revealed that about half of British Millennials, or 48%, said they don’t have a relationship with the Bible, reports Premier.
Commissioned by the Bible Society, the survey asked participants between 18-35 years old from different faith groups about their opinions on the Bible. One in eight Millennials (18%), said they have a positive relationship with the Bible, describing it as ‘exciting’ or ‘very close.’
In terms of frequency of using the Bible, nearly half of U.K. Millennials (47%) revealed that they never engaged with the Bible in the past year, but 6% engaged with it everyday. —Digital Millennials and the Bible
Findings from Digital Millennials and the Bible showed that in terms of frequency of using the Bible, nearly half of U.K. Millennials (47%) revealed that they never engaged with the Bible in the past year, but 6% engaged with it everyday. For those who read or listen to Bible passages, they use the Bible for comfort and inspiration. Christian Millennials seek the Bible for personal contentment and not just because their faith requires them to do so.
The survey showed that at home is the primary place where Millennials engage with the Bible (25%), followed by at a special church service (22%), and regular church service (12%). Many Christian Millennials read the Bible at home (31%) while non-Christians engage with the Bible in a special church service such as a wedding or funeral (61%).
Millennials are known for being tech-savvy, but the survey found that they prefer the Bible in print (47%) rather than in digital format (28%). Those who liked to read the Bible explained that an actual Bible is traditional and feels more authentic and pure. Some said the Bible contains sacred texts and should be used in its ‘original form.’
Meanwhile, participants who prefer the digital format of the Bible said it’s convenient and they could read the Scriptures discreetly even in public places. The font, layout and brightness of the screen of a digital device also attract Millennials to an electronic Bible.
34% of young Brits see Bible verses on social media while 39%, mostly the one who didn’t choose a religion (Nones) said they never see them. Millennials who come across Bible verses online see them on different social media platforms such as Facebook (72%), Twitter (28%), Instagram (31%) and YouTube (27%).
Sources:
Bible Society
Premier
