More than 90% of Americans who have read the Bible say that the book’s message has changed their lives, according to a new study by the American Bible Society.
The American Bible Society released the results of the study, which is included in the “State of the Bible: USA 2022” report. The survey found that 92% of those who read the Bible three or four times a year, not counting attending church services, say that the Bible’s message has changed their lives.
“Ultimately, reading the Bible is more than just opening a book,” says the American Bible Society analysis. “When we read the Bible, we are communicating with God.
And when people connect with God through the Bible, their lives, attitudes, and values change.” The study also found that 38% of people who don’t read the Bible also agree that “the Bible’s message has changed their lives.” According to the American Bible Society, 38% of people in the United States, or about 60 million people, say they don't read the Bible, but it still influences their lives.
“Some of these people attend church occasionally and receive the life-changing good news there,” the report says. “Some may have been transformed by the Bible’s message in the past, even though they may have stopped reading the Book of Scripture. Some may have had a friend or family member who taught them biblical truth. In any case, it is noteworthy that a significant proportion of those who read the Bible little or not at all say they have been changed by it.” The report also asked Bible users about their methods for reading the Scriptures. Nearly half (48%) said they read several chapters at a time.
This was followed by reading passages “depending on the mood” (40%), reading entire chapters or stories (32%), using a schedule, plan, or program (26%), and reading at the same time each day (22%), reports the website cnl.news.