(This column originally appeared in LNP | LancasterOnline on March 30, 2025.)

The American Bible Society’s recently released “State of the Bible 2024” report offers a comprehensive analysis of current trends in Scripture engagement across the United States. Drawing from extensive research, including more than 35,000 interviews, the report highlights both challenges and opportunities for the church in addressing the spiritual needs of Americans.

Despite the fact that most America households have at least one Bible, the report identifies a concerning trend: Scripture engagement among American adults has reached its lowest point in the 14 years of the study. This decline suggests a diminishing connection to the Bible and its teachings — and this has significant implications for personal well-being and societal values.

Despite the overall decline, the research uncovers a promising demographic known as the “Movable Middle.” This group comprises approximately 65 million American adults who are open to exploring the Bible’s message and learning about Jesus Christ. Characterized by their curiosity and willingness to engage with Scripture on their own terms, they often struggle with its language and cultural context. They prefer more modern translations and paraphrases, presenting a significant opportunity for targeted outreach and education.

The report also highlights generational disparities in Bible engagement. Notably, Generation Z adults (ages 18 to 27) emerge as the least Scripture-engaged generation. This demographic faces challenges related to anxiety, self-acceptance and peer affirmation, with many experiencing high levels of loneliness. Addressing their unique needs requires understanding their cultural context and providing accessible avenues for engagement with Scripture.

Loneliness is another critical issue addressed in the report. Nearly 3 in 4 Americans report moderate to high levels of loneliness, with Gen Z women ages 18 to 27 experiencing particularly high rates. The research indicates that an inability to forgive may significantly contribute to feelings of isolation. This finding underscores the importance of teaching and modeling forgiveness within our homes and churches to foster deeper connections and alleviate loneliness.

The sense of belonging within a faith community is identified as a crucial factor influencing church attendance and participation. Positive experiences such as feeling a sense of fellowship, sharing spiritual beliefs, being open and transparent, and finding meaning and purpose are associated with higher levels of engagement. Conversely, negative experiences, including feelings of exclusion due to cliques, can lead to decreased participation. This insight calls for churches to cultivate environments that foster genuine connections among members around the unchanging truth of the word of God.

Generosity emerges as a significant theme in the report, with findings indicating that charitable giving is closely linked to higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Individuals who consistently read the Bible and adhere to its teachings are more likely to engage in charitable activities, contributing not only to their communities but also enhancing their own well-being. This correlation highlights the transformative power of generosity, both for the giver and the recipient, underscoring Jesus’ teaching in Acts 20:35: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

The report also delves into the experiences of Americans who identify as religiously unaffiliated or as nominal Christians. These groups report lower levels of human flourishing compared to more engaged believers. Understanding their perspectives and challenges is essential for developing strategies to engage them meaningfully, addressing their specific needs, and guiding them toward a more profound connection with the church.

In the realm of technology, the report explores public sentiment regarding artificial intelligence and its intersection with Bible engagement. While there is a general sense of unease about AI’s impact on culture, individuals with higher levels of Scripture engagement tend to be more cautious and uncertain about AI developments. This finding suggests a need for thoughtful discussions within faith communities about technology’s role and ethical considerations from a biblical perspective.

The “State of the Bible 2024” report presents a landscape where challenges coexist with significant opportunities. By recognizing the diverse needs of various demographics, fostering supportive faith communities, and promoting the transformative power of Scripture, the church can navigate the complexities of modern society. Embracing these insights offers a pathway to renewed engagement, deeper connections and a more profound impact on individuals and churches across the nation.

Having traveled to many foreign countries, I have witnessed firsthand people risking their lives to translate the Bible in their native languages. They do this because there is no other book like the Bible. It has been preserved down through the centuries.

This Lent, I must ask myself: What confessions do I need to make that will lead me back to the cross, back to God’s self-revelation to us in Jesus Christ, and back to the word of God that bears witness to the truth?

May we find our firm footing in the word of God this Lent, rejecting every temptation to exchange the truth of God for a lie, and holding fast to what God really said, a word that is as powerful today as the day he said it.

According to Hebrews 4:12, it is “alive and active … (and) judges the thoughts and attitude of the heart.” Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:16 that “all Scripture is God-breathed” and most importantly it reveals the source and reality of “salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (verse 15).

What a privilege we have to read it, honor it, respect it and live our lives by it. Read at LNP…