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American Bible Society

THE STATE OF THE BIBLE |2014

Research conducted among US adults

Research commissioned by:American Bible SocietyNew York, NY

Research conducted by:Barna GroupVentura, CA


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American Bible Society | The State of the Bible Report 2014 2

Copyright 2014

This information has been produced by Barna Group (Ventura, CA) for the American BibleSociety (New York, NY). The information is confidential and copyrighted, and belongs toAmerican Bible Society. It may not be reproduced in any form or format without the writtenpermission of ABS.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction................................................................................ 4Researchers Notes..................................................................... 5

Data Analysis

1. Bible Perceptions ......................................................... 62. Bible Penetration .......................................................... 93. Bible Engagement ........................................................114. Bible Literacy...............................................................205. Moral Decline and Social Impact ................................246. Giving to Non-Profit Organizations.............................25

Appendix I: Data Tables

1. Bible Perceptions .........................................................26

2. Bible Penetration ..........................................................303. Bible Engagement ........................................................334. Bible Literacy...............................................................515. Moral Decline and Social Impact ................................586. Giving to Non-Profit Organizations.............................60

Appendix II: About the Study

Definitions........................................................................61

Methodology ....................................................................63Guide to Survey Data .......................................................65


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INT RO DUCTION

This report contains the findings from a nationwide study commissioned by the American Bible

Society and conducted by Barna Research Group. Two research methodologies were used for the

study; one included 1,012 telephone interviews with adults in the continental US, while the otherconsisted of 1,024 online surveys conducted using a nationally representative panel.

Most of the questions were asked in the telephone survey, while a set of core questions were

included online. The use of two methodologies provided a larger sample size for key questions

and ensured greater representation among all age groups. The telephone interviews were

conducted from January 8 to January 20, 2014, and the online surveys were conducted January

28 to February 5, 2014.

The objectives of this research were to determine:

perceptions of the Bible

Bible penetration

Bible engagement

Bible literacy

moral decline and social impact

giving to non-profit organizations

This report contains key findings of the telephone and online interviews completed for this

research study. Following the Introduction is the Data Analysis section, which is a writtenexplanation of the results that also includes an analysis of the implications of the data. The

Appendicescontain the data tables, a description of the research methodology and definitions of

terminology used in this report. Copies of the questionnaire and detailed, cross-tabulated data

tables are provided separately.


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RESEARCHERSNOTES

Data is shown with a ()or () sign, if applicable, to indicate if the data for that segment is

statistically significantly higher or lower than the total response for all adults in the study, as well

as to indicate change over time. Where these tests of significance have been performed,differences are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level or higher.

Segmentation of the findings is as follows:

Generations:

Millennials: those currently ages 18 to 29

Busters: those currently ages 30 to 48

Boomers: those currently ages 49 to 67

Elders: those currently ages 68 or older

Practicing Protestant, Practicing Catholic:Practicing faith are those who attend a

religious service at least once a month, who say their faith is very important in their lives

and who identify as either Protestant or Catholic.

Non-Practicing Christian:Self-identified Christians who are non-practicing as defined

above

No faith/Other faith:Individuals who do not consider themselves Christian (including

atheists, agnostics and other faiths); Mormons and Jehovahs Witnesses are also included,

even if they describe themselves as Christian.


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1. BIBLE PERCEPTIONS

[Table 1.1 | Sacred Literature | p. 28]

When asked to name the books that come to mind when they consider sacred literature or holy

books, Americans overwhelmingly name the Bible (79%). This proportion is more than seven

times the popularity of the next most frequently mentioned holy book, the Koran (12%).

Awareness of the Koran has risen four percentages points during the past year, from 8% in 2013.

While relatively rare, other books considered to be holy include the Torah (7%) and the Book of

Mormon (5%). Adults who identify with non-Christian faith groups or are atheist or agnostic are

more likely than average to mention the Koran (20%) and the Book of Mormon (11%). A total of

13% of adults do not regard any book as sacred text, and another 4% said they were not sure.

Compared to 2013, those who mention the Bible as sacred has remained statistically unchanged.

While the difference from 2013 to 2014 is not statistically significant, it does continue the

decline of the Bibles mentionsince 2011 (86% in 2011 to 79% in 2014).

Boomers (ages 49 to 67) and Elders (ages 68 plus) are more likely to regard the Bible as sacred.

Millennials (18 to 29) are the least likely generational segment to regard the Bible as sacred

literature. Additionally, Millennials (18-29) are more likely than average to say they do not

consider any book sacred or holy (19%) or are unable to name a book that is sacred or holy

(10%).

4%

13%

5%

5%

7%

12%

79%

not sure

none

other

Book of Mormon

Torah

Koran

Bible

Books Considered Sacred or Holy


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[Table 1.2 | Beliefs about the Bible | p. 29]

Half of Americans (50%) strongly agree that the Bible contains everything a person needs to

know to live a meaningful life. Elders and Boomers are more likely to believe this, while

Millennials are less likely to believe it. The percent who agree with this statement is statistically

unchanged from 2013 (47%). Agreement with this statement has rebounded slightly since it was

first measured in 2011 (53%).

Americans were also asked their views on whether or not they agree that the Bible, the Koran

and the Book of Mormon are all different expressions of the same spiritual truths. Just 18% of

Americans strongly agree with this statement. The percentage of adults in strong agreement with

this statement has remained statistically unchanged since 2011 (17%). The oldest generation,

Elders, are least likely to agree strongly (13%), while the youngest generation, Millennials, are

more likely than average to agree strongly (23%).

[Table 1.3 | The Bibles Role in US Society| p. 30]

Half of adults (50%) believe the Bible has too little influence in US society todaymore than

three times the proportion of those who think it has too muchinfluence (16%). Three out of 10

adults (30%) consider the Bibles role and influence to bejust right, while the remaining 6% are

not sure. The number of adults who feel the Bible has too little influence has decreased by six-

percentage points since 2013, which is statistically significant. The number of adults who feel the

Bible has too much influence has increased in 2014 from 13% in 2013. Similarly, adults who feel

the Bible has just the right amount of influence in US society has increased slightly from 26% in

2013. Those who say the Bible has too much influence and those who feel it is just rightare on

par with 2011 numbers.

Practicing Protestants and practicing Catholics are more inclined to believe the Bible has too

little influence, while those of a non-Christian faith or with no religious faith are far more likely

to think the Bible is too influential. Non-practicing Christians are more likely than average to say

they feel the influence is just right (36%).

As in previous years, there is a generational gap in how people feel about the influence of the

Bible in society. Boomers and Elders say the Bible does not have enough influence. Millennials

are far more likely than average to say the Bible has too much influence (30% compared to 50%

of all adults). The percent of Millennials who believe the Bible has too little influence has

declined significantly from 2011 when 44% of Millennials said the Bible has too little influence

on society.


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56%

26%

13%

6%

Influence of Bible in US Society Today

too little influence just right too much influence not sure

50%

30%

52%54%

61%

16%

26%

15% 14%

6%

all adults Millennials (18-29) Buster (30-48) Boomer (49-67) Elder (68 plus)

Influence of the Bible in US Society

too little influence too much influence


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2. BIBLE PENETRATION

[Table 2.1 | Bible Ownership | p. 31]

[Table 2.2 | Bible Ownership: Segmentation | p. 32]The vast majority of adults (88%) say their household owns a Bible. Elders and Boomers are

more likely to have a Bible in their homes, while Millennials are less likely. Virtually all

practicing Protestants and Catholics say they own a Bible. Non-practicing Christians also

showed a significantly higher number of households that own a Bible (93%).

Not surprisingly, those who do not consider themselves to be Christian are far less likely than

average to say their household owns a Bible (65%). Bible ownership has remained statistically

unchanged since the 2011 measurement.

Bible ownership has decreased over the past two decades, from 92% in 1993 to 88% 2014.

88%

12%

Bible Ownership

yes no


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[Table 2.3 | Number of Bibles Owned | p. 33]

American Bible owners have an average of three Bibles in their home (median of 3.4). A total of

17% of Bible owners have one Bible; 35% have two to three Bibles; 22% have four to five

Bibles; and 27% have six or more Bibles in their household. The number of Bibles Americans

own has remained unchanged since 2011.

[Table 2.4 | Bible Purchases | p. 33]Among US adults, 13% purchased a Bible in the past 12 months. This is statistically the same as

purchases made in 2012 and 2013. Practicing Protestants are more likely to say they purchased a

Bible during the past year. Non-practicing Christians and those who align themselves with a faith

other than Christianity, as well as those who are atheist or agnostic, are less likely to have

purchased a Bible in 2013.

4.54.3 4.4

4.7

3.4 3.3 3.5 3.4

2011 2012 2013 2014

Number of Bibles Owned% among households that own a Bible

mean median


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3. BIBLE ENGAGEMENT

Please note that many of the questions in this section were applicable only to those who read the

Bible. Bible readers are defined as those who read the Bible as frequently as daily to as

infrequently as three or four times a year.

[Table 3.1 | Bible Readers | p. 33]

[Table 3.2 | Bible Readers: Segmentation | p. 34]

One-fourth of adults (26%) say they never read the Bible. One in 10 (9%) read it less than once a

year and about the same number (11%) read it only once or twice a year, not including times

when they are at a church service or church event. These three segments combined represent

non-Bible readers (46%).

The total proportion of Bible readersthat is, those who read the Bible at least three to four

times a yearis 53%. Fifteen percent of adults say they read the Bible daily. Another 13% spendtime in Scripture several times per week; 9% read it once a week; 8% read the Bible once a

month; and 8% read it three to four times a year.

Elders are the most avid readers, with 24% reporting they read the Bible daily. Boomers are also

more likely to read the Bible daily (20%) compared to Millennials and Busters. Residents of the

South are more likely than residents of the Northeast, Midwest or West to read the Bible daily.

There have been no significant changes in the past three years in how often people report reading

the Bible.

40%

53% 57%66% 63%

46%53%

48%

Millennials

(18-29)

Busters

(30-48)

Boomers

(49-67)

Elders (68+) South Northeast Midwest West

Bible Readership More Likely Among

Older Americans and in the South


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[Table 3.3 | Time Spent Reading the Bible | p. 35]

The average Bible reader spends 30 minutes (median) reading the Bible at each sitting. One in

seven (15%) spend less than 15 minutes per sitting. Nearly an equal proportion of adults spend

15-29 minutes (26%), 30-44 minutes (30%) and 45 minutes or more (28%) at one sitting.

There are no statistical differences by generation or faith engagement in the number of minutesreaders spend reading the Bible. However, the percent of Bible readers who spend an hour or

more in one sitting reading the Bible are more likely than average to be notional Christians, non-

born-again Christians, non-practicing Christians, and Bible-neutral adults (29%). These same

segments are reading the Bible less frequently than Bible readers on average, but when they do

they are more likely to read for longer periods of time.

[Table 3.4 | Preferred Bible Version | pp. 36-37]

One-third of Bible readers (34%) say they most often read the King James Version of the Bible.

Since tracking began in 2011, the KJV has seen a nine-point decrease in percentage of peoplewho read it most often (45% in 2011 to 34% in 2014). Far fewer say they prefer the New

International Version (13%) or the New King James Version (10%). The English Standard

version is read by 6% of Bible readers, while the New Living Translation is read by 4%. All

other translations were mentioned by 3% or fewer Bible readers. Boomers are more likely to

mention the King James Version while Millennials are less likely to do so.


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34%

13%

10%

6%

4%

3%

19%

11%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

King James Version

New International Version

New King James Version

English Standard Version

New Living Translation

New Revised Standard Version

all others (2% or less combined)

not sure

Bible Version Read Most Often% among Bible readers


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[Table 3.5 | Motivations for Reading the Bible | p. 38]

Bible readers were presented with a list of possible reasons for reading the Bible. More than half

(56%) say that reading it brings them closer to God. Far fewer spend time in Scripture because

they have a problem they need to solve or need direction (17%) or need comfort (15%). While

the percent of those who say they read the Bible because it brings them closer to God has

increased by three percentage points (from 53% in 2013 to 56% in 2014), it ranks statistically

lower than when tracking first began (64% in 2011, 55% in 2012, 53% in 2013 and 56% in

2014). Practicing Protestants are more likely than average say their top motivation for reading

the Bible is that it brings them closer to God (65%).

[Table 3.6 | Level of Bible Use | p. 39]

[Table 3.7 | Desire for Bible Reading | p. 40]

When asked how much they use the Bible today versus how much they used the Bible a year

ago, the majority of adults (71%) said their level of use has remained the same. Eighteen percent

said their level of use has increased. Only 9% said their personal level of use has decreased and1% were unsure. There has been no significant change in Bible readership among US adults in

the past year. Among Bible readers, one-third (33%) say their Bible reading has increased in the

previous year, compared to 57% who say it has remained the same and 9% who report their level

of use has decreased.

Three out of five adults (62%) say they wish they read the Bible more, statistically on par with

2013 findings (61%), but a significant decrease from 2011 (67%).


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[Table 3.8 | Reasons for Bible Engagement | p. 41]

[Table 3.9 | Reasons for Bible Disengagement | p. 42]

A follow-up question was asked among adults who said they had either increased or decreased

their Bible reading: why had such an increase or decrease occurred?

Among adults who increased their Bible reading, more than half (53%) say they came tounderstand the importance of Bible reading as part of their faith journey. Another 41% say they

had experienced something difficult in their life that caused them to turn to the Bible to search

for direction or answers, while another 17% believe a significant life change caused them to turn

to the Bible more. One in four (26%) say their increase in Bible reading was because they had

downloaded the Bible onto their smartphone or tablet.

Being too busy with lifes responsibilities was the number one reason (40%) Bible readers gave

for their decrease in Bible engagement compared to one year ago. Less than half as many (17%)

experienced a significant change in their life that caused them to engage in the Bible less often.

Roughly one in seven say they became an atheist or agnostic (15%) or underwent a difficultexperience that caused them to doubt their faith (13%).

[Tables 3.10 | Frustrations with Bible Reading | p. 43]

When presented with a number of potential frustrations with reading the Bible, close to half of

adults (47%) who read the Bible at least once a week say they never seem to have enough time to

read it, up seven points from 2013. Other Bible readers cited finding the language difficult to

relate to (8%); not understanding the background or history of the Bible (8%); and never finding

the stories or verse they are looking for (6%). Just 1% do not feel excited to read it.

One in four Bible readers (25%) say they have no frustrations in reading the Bible. This is a

significant decrease from 2013 (31%); however, it is on par with 2011 (23%) and 2012 (25%).

When the sample size is expanded to include all adults and not just weekly Bible readers, the

proportion of adults who say they have no frustrations with reading the Bible shows a significant

decreasefrom 22% in 2013 to 17% in 2014. More adults this year (35%) than in 2013 (30%) cite

lack of time to read the Bible as a top frustration.


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[Table 3.11 | Favorable Emotions When Reading the Bible | p. 44]

[Table 3.12 | Unfavorable Emotions When Reading the Bible | p. 45]

Any adult who had ever read the Bible was presented with possiblefavorableand unfavorable

emotions they may have experienced the last time they read the Bible. Respondents were asked

to choose which emotions they had experienced from a list of descriptions. More than one

answer was allowed for these questions.

Three in five adults (60%) say they did not experience any unfavorableemotions while reading

the Bible. Just 11% said they did not feel any favorableemotions while reading the Bible. This

suggests the general feeling of those who have read the Bible have more positive than negative

emotions. Millennials are more likely than average to report such negative emotions as confusion

(21%), doubt (11%), boredom (16%) and discouragement (9%). They are also less likely to say

they feel encouraged or inspired (24%). Boomers are more likely feel hopeful (34%), while

Elders are more likely than average to say they feel peaceful (49%) and encouraged or inspired

(42%).

The top three unfavorable emotions mentioned were feeling confused (15%), overwhelmed (9%)

and doubtful (6%). Non-practicing Christians are more likely to say they feel confused (18%),

while non-Christian and adults of no faith are more likely to say they feel bored (11%).

The top three favorable emotions mentioned were feeling at peace (42%), encouraged or inspired

(33%) and hopeful (29%). Slightly more adults said they felt peaceful and happy in 2014 than in

2013. The proportion of those who felt no favorable emotions when reading the Bible has

increased significantly in 2014 (from 3% in 2013 to 11% in 2014).

[Table 3.13 | Applying the Bible to Life | p. 46]In a separate inquiry among those adults who read the Bible in the past week, 57% say they gave

a lot of thought to how it might apply to their life, down significantly from 65% in 2013. More

than one-third (37%) say they gave some thought to its applicability, up from 28% in 2013. Only

5% did not give any thought to how the Bible might apply to their life, which is on par with

2013.

Practicing Protectants were more likely than practicing Catholics to say they gave a lot of

thought to how the Bible might apply to their life (64% and 42%, respectively).


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[Table 3.14 | Use of Bible Formats | p. 47]

Bible readers were asked about a variety of ways in which the Bible is available and asked

whether or not they had used that format in the past year. Nine out of 10 Bible readers (89%) say

they read on their own from a print version of the Bible, the most prevalent by far of the formats

tested. Less than half of Bible readers used the Internet to read Bible content (44%) or attended a

small group or Bible study (44%) where they studied the Bible in a group (not including during

weekend church worship services).

One in three Bible readers (35%) say they searched for Bible verses or Bible content on a smart

phone or cell phone; 29% listened to a teaching about the Bible via podcast; 25% listened to an

audio version of the Bible; and 24% read an electronic version of the Bible on an e-reader such

as a Kindle or iPad.

Although the number of Bible readers who read on their own from a print version of the Bible

remains high at 89%, the data shows a continuing shift to digital formats. The number of readers

who use their smart phone or cell phone to search for Bible content has increased each year, witha six percent increase from 2013 (18% in 2011, 23% in 2012, 29% in 2013 and 35% in 2014).

Use of the Internet to find Bible content has also increased, up three percent from 2013. While

the change is within the range of sampling error, it does represent a gradual increase since

tracking began in 2011 (37% in 2011, 38% in 2012, 41% in 2013 and 44% in 2014). One-quarter

of adults use an e-reader such as Kindle or iPad to read Bible content (24% in 2014 compared to

17% in 2013).

Use of the Bible via small group studies has leveled off from a high of 53% in 2011 to its current

level of 44%. Listening to audio versions of the Bible has also decreased (30% in 2012 to 26% in

2013).

Not surprisingly, Millennials and Busters are more likely than their older counterparts to use

digital media for Bible content.


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24%

35%

29%

29%

44%

44%

89%

90%

15%

23%

26%

30%

38%

47%

89%

12%

18%

24%

28%

37%

53%

89%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

e-reader such as a Kindle or iPad

smart phone / cellphone

podcast

audio

Internet

small group

print

Preferred Bible Formats% among Bible readers

2011 2012 2013 2014


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[Table 3.15 | Smartphone or Mobile Phone Ownership | p. 49]

[Table 3.16 | Use of Bible Apps | p. 49]

Three out of four Americans (75%) own a smartphone or mobile phone. Of those who have a

mobile phone, 21% have downloaded a Bible app. Elders (2%) and Boomers (14%) are less

likely than average to have downloaded an app, as are non-practicing Christians (16%) and other

faith and no-faith groups (14%). More than one-third of practicing Protestant mobile phone users(36%) report downloading a Bible app, which represents a significant increase since 2013 (15%).

[Table 3.17 | Preferred Bible Format | p. 50]

Despite the rise in digital technologies, Bible readers overwhelmingly prefer to read a print

version (84%) over digital (10%), audio (5%), video (


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4. BIBLE LITERACY

[Table 4.1 | Self-Assessment of Biblical Knowledge | p. 51]

[Table 4.2 | Highly Knowledgeable about the Bible: Segmentation | p. 52]

The majority of adults (69%) consider themselves moderately or somewhat knowledgeable about

the Bible. Twelve percent of adults say they are highly knowledgeable; 12% say not too

knowledgeable; and 6% say not at all knowledgeable. These percentages are on par with 2013

findings.

13%

69%

12%

6%

1%

Self-Reported Knowledge of Bible

highly knowledgeable moderately / somewhat knowledgeable

not too knowledgeable not at all knowledgeable

not sure


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[Table 4.3 | Bible as Literal or Inspired Word of God | pp. 53-54]

Presented with a number of possible descriptions of the Bible, more adults believe it to be

inspired (with some symbolism) than literal. Three in 10 adults (30%) say the Bible is the

inspired word of God and has no errors, although some verses are meant to be symbolic. Another

23% consider it to be the actual Word of God that should be taken literally, word for word.

A smaller proportion of adults (15%) think the Bible is the inspired word of God but that it has

some factual or historical errors.

Eighteen percent of adults express strong skepticism of Scripture, stating that it is just another

book of teachings written by men that contains stories and advice. Ten percent believe Scripture

is not inspired by God but just a book that tells how its writers understood the ways and

principles of God. Just 3% of adults were unable to select from the five available options as a

response that match their opinion.

Both practicing Catholics (50%) and Protestants (40%) are more inclined to believe the Bible is

the inspired Word of God with some symbolism, but practicing Protestants are also more likely

than average to consider the Bible to be the actual, literal Word of God (41%). Non-practicing

Christians are more likely to believe Scripture is inspired but has errors (18%). More than one-

half of those of non-Christian faiths or no faith are more likely to believe the Bible is just another

book of teachings written by men (51%). Non-practicing Christians (14%) are also more likely

than average to believe the Bible is not inspired and tells how writers understood the ways and

principles of God.

While the 2014 study did not reveal any significant changes in the adults who believe in theBibles accuracy, the percent of adults who believe the Bible is just another book of good

teachings has increased from 11% in 2007 to its current level of 18%.


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3%

2%

10%

15%

18%

23%

30%

9%

2%

10%

15%

16%

22%

27%

9%

2%

8%

14%

16%

24%

28%

9%

2%

8%

14%

12%

24%

31%

5%

0%

11%

11%

11%

26%

30%

not sure

other

not inspired by God, tells how writers understood the ways

and principles of God

inspired word of God, has factual or historical errors

just another book of teachings written by men that contain

stories and advice

actual word of God and should be taken literally, word for

word

inspired word of God, has no errors, some verses are meant

to be symbolic

Beliefs about the Bible as the Literal or

Inspired Word of God

2007 2011 2012 2013 2014


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[Table 4.4 | Knowledge of the First Five Books of the Bible| p. 55]

One in four US adults (43%) can correctly name Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers,

Deuteronomy as the first five books of the Bible. This number rises to 69% among practicing

Protestants. The percent of practicing Protestants who can correctly name the first five books

increased in 2014 from 61% in 2013. Just 30% of non-practicing Christians answered correctly

compared to 42% of other faith and no-faith groups. The percent of adults who correctly named

the first five books of the Bible has remained statistically unchanged from 2013 (42%). One-

third of Americans (33%) were unsure.

[Table 4.5 | Knowledge of the Bibles Teaching| pp. 56-57]

Americans were askedwhether or not they felt the Bible encourages, discourages it or is silent

about10 specific attitudes or behaviors. The most common behaviors Americans feel the Bible

strongly encourages are forgiveness (80%), generosity (70%) and patience (69%). Millennials

are less likely to agree the Bible strongly encourages these behaviors, and more likely to say the

Bible is silent on forgiveness and patience.

Roughly half of all Americans feel the Bible strongly discourages prostitution (58%),

homosexual or same-sex relationships (57%), pornography (52%) and gambling (49%). Elders

are most likely to feel the Bible strongly discourages homosexual or same-sex relationships.

While more than half of all adults believe the next tier of behaviors is discouraged in the Bible,

no more than one in three Americans feelstronglythat the Bible discourages these behaviors.

One in three (34%) feel the Bible strongly discourages slavery; 28% feel war is strongly

discouraged; and 25% believe the Bible speaks strongly against the repression of women.

In contrast, relatively few adults believe the Bible is silent on the 10 issues. At least one in five

adults believe the Bible is silent on pornography (34%), gambling (23%), homosexual or same-

sex relationships (21%) and repression of women (24%).


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5. MORAL DECLINE AND SOCIAL IMPACT

[Table 5.1 | Belief that Morality Is on the Decline in America | p. 58][Table 5.2 | Cause of Moral Decline | p. 59]

More than four out of five US adults (81%) believe that morality is on the decline in America.

Although highest among Elders (89%), no less than seven out of 10 adults from each generation

see a decline. Practicing Protestants (91%) and Catholics (87%) are also more likely to agree that

morality is declining. Millennials (74%) and non-Christian and no-faith groups (61%) are less

likely to believe it.

Those who agreed that the morals of Americans are declining were asked to identify which of

three reasons is most responsible for the decline. One-quarter of US adults (29%) say the lack of

Bible reading is the primary cause, while one-third (33%) blame the negative influence of

television and music. Another one in three point to corruption from corporate greed (29%) as themain cause. Compared to 2013 (32%), fewer adults in 2014 (26%) believe a lack of Bible

reading is the cause of moral decline in America.

Boomers are more likely to cite a lack of Bible reading as the cause of moral decline (32%),

while Millennials are more likely to identify corruption from corporate greed (47%).


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6. GIVING TONON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

[Table 6.1 | Donations to Non-Profit Organizations | p. 60]

[Table 6.2 |

Three out of four adults (75%) say they gave to a charity or non-profit organization, including a

church or religious organization, during the previous year. This represents a statistically

significant increase from the number of adults who gave to a non-profit organization in 2013.

Millennials were more likely than average to say they had not given any money to a non-profit;

Boomers and Elders were less likely to say they did not give money to non-profits.

The average (median) adult gave $200 to such organizations in 2013, double the amount adults

reported giving in 2012. Millennials gave the least amount of money ($30 on average), with non-

practicing Christians ($100) and other faith groups and no faith groups ($50) also giving belowaverage. Practicing Protestants ($1,500) and practicing Catholics ($1,000) were above average in

their giving.

totalMillennials

(18-29)

Busters

(30-48)

Boomers

(49-67)

Elders

(68 plus)

All adults $200.00 $30.00 $300.00 $300.00 $800.00

Bible Readers $600.00 $100.00 $1,000.00 $800.00 $1,500.00

Non-Bible Readers $100.00 $10.00 $100.00 $125.00 $200.00

$-

$200.00

$400.00

$600.00

$800.00

$1,000.00

$1,200.00

$1,400.00

$1,600.00

Non-Profit Giving by Agemedian annual dollar amount


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APPENDIX I

1. BIBLE PERCEPTIONS

Table 1.1 | Sacred LiteratureQuestion: To start with, what books, if any, do you consider sacred literature or holy books? (MULTIPLE

RESPONSE)

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith

alladults

Millennial

18-29Buster30-48

Boomer49-67

Elder68+

Protes-tant

Cath-olic

Chris-tian

otherfaith /

no faith

the Bible 79% 64% 79% 85% 89% 96% 91% 85% 47%

the Koran 12 14 15 10 7 7 9 12 20Torah 7 8 10 5 2 4 5 7 14Book of Mormon 5 6 7 3 5 3 0 4 11other 5 7 3 5 6 3 6 4 8none 13 19 14 11 7 1 6 9 35not sure 4 10 3 3 3 2 1 3 9

n= 1,012 214 334 302 142 265 93 416 197

Note: A ()or () sign indicates that data for that segment is statistically significantly higher or lower than the total response for all adults.Differences are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level or higher.

2011 2012 2013 2014

the Bible 86% 82% 80% 79%

the Koran 10 10 8 12

Torah 4 6 4 7

Book of Mormon 4 5 3 5

other 3 3 4 5

none 7 11 12 13

not sure 3 3 6 4

n= 1,011 1,020 1,005 1,012


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Table 1.2 |Beliefs about the BibleQuestion: I would like to read some statements about sacred literature and would like to know whether you

agree or disagree with each statement?

Generation Practicing faithNon-practicing

faith

% agree stronglyall

adults

Millenn-ial18-29

Buster30-48

Boomer49-67

Elder68+

Prot-estant

Cath-olic

Chris-tian

otherfaith /no faith

the Bible contains everythinga person needs to know tolive a meaningful life

50% 35% 49% 55% 63% 79% 60% 48% 16%

the Bible, the Koran, and thebook of Mormon all aredifferent expressions of thesame spiritual truths*

18 23 18 19 13 12 21 20 22

*online + telephone sample size= 2,008 420 658 619 278 488 178 822 450

telephone sample size= 1,012 214 334 302 142 265 93 416 197

* denotes questions asked in the online survey and the telephone survey.



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Table 1.2 |Beliefs about the Bible (continued)

2011 2012 2013 2014

the Bible contains everything aperson needs to know to live ameaningful life

agree strongly 53% 48% 47% 50%

agree somewhat 22 21 19 19

disagree somewhat 11 15 14 16

disagree strongly 12 12 17 14

not sure 2 5 3 2

the Bible, the Koran, and theBook of Mormon are all differentexpressions of the same spiritualtruths*

agree strongly 17 15 16 18

agree somewhat 33 31 31 29

disagree somewhat 17 18 19 15

disagree strongly 28 28 28 29

not sure 6 8 7 9

*online + telephone sample size= 1,982 1,969 2,030 2,008

telephone sample size= 1,011 1,020 1,005 1,012* denotes questions asked in the online survey and the telephone survey.


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Table 1.3 | The Bibles Role in U.S SocietyQuestion: Some people believe that the Bible should have a greater role in US society today, while others

believe that the Bible should have less influence. Do you think the Bible has too much, too little, or just the

right amount of influence in U.S. society today?


alladults

Millenn-ial

18-29Buster30-48

Boomer49-67

Elder68+

Protes-tant

Cath-olic

Chris-tian

otherfaith /

no faith

too little influence 50% 30% 52% 54% 61% 73% 59% 49% 21%just right 30 37 28 26 28 20 32 36 27too much influence 16 26 15 14 6 2 6 10 46not sure 6 7 5 6 5 5 3 5 6

n= 1,012 214 334 302 142 265 93 416 197

Note: A ()or () sign indicates that data for that segment is statistically significantly higher or lower than the total response for all adults.

Differences are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level or higher.

2011 2012 2013 2014

too little influence 54% 47% 56% 50%

just right 28 29 26 30

too much influence 13 16 13 16

not sure 5 7 6 6

n= 1,011 1,020 1,005 1,012


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2. BIBLE PENETRATION

Table 2.1. | Bible OwnershipQuestion: Does your household own a Bible?


alladults

Millenn-ial

18-29Buster30-48

Boomer49-67

Elder68+

Prot-estant

Cath-olic

Chris-tian

otherfaith /

no faith

yes 88% 80% 87% 92% 95% 100% 98% 93% 65%

no 12 20 13 8 6 0 2 7 35

online + telephone sample size= 2,028 427 666 623 280 490 178 827 458* indicates less than one-half of one percent


1993* 2011 2012 2013 2014

yes 92% 88% 85% 88% 88%

no 8 12 15 12 12

n= 601 2,011 2,014 2,071 2,028* Historical data collected by telephone interviews; 2011-2014 data collected by telephone and online surveys.


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Table 2.2 | Bible Ownership: Segmentation

Segmentation Analysis: Household Owns a Bible(average 88%)

Above average ownership evangelicals (100%) practicing Protestants (100%) Bible readers (99%) non-evangelical born agains (99%) born again Christians (99%) practicing Catholics (98%) Protestants (98%) weekly church attenders (98%) Bible engagement: engaged (98%) marginally churched adults (96%) self-identified Christians (95%) Bible engagement: friendly (95%) Elders, ages 68 or older (95%)

Catholics (93%) non-practicing Christians (93%) notional Christians (92%) married adults (92%) Boomers, ages 49-67 (92%) women (91%) adults with some college experience, no degree (91%) adults who have experienced a divorce (91%) residents of the South (91%) residents of the Midwest (91%)

Below average ownership

atheists and agnostics (55%) non-self-identified Christians (62%) those aligned with non-Christian faith groups (64%) Bible engagement: skeptic (66%) non-Bible readers (76%)unchurched adults (77%) Millennials, ages 18-29 (80%)non-born agains (82%)never marrieds (82%) residents of the Northeast (85%) residents of the West (85%) single adults (85%)men (86%) college graduates (86%)

All differences listed are statistical ly significant at the 95% confidence level or higher.


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Table 2.3 |Number of Bibles OwnedQuestion: How many Bibles, in total, does your household own?


% own a Bible (without dont know)all

adults

Millenn-ial

18-29

Buster

30-48

Boomer

49-67

Elder

68+

Protes

-tant

Cath-

olic

Chris-

tian

otherfaith /

no faith

one 17% 22% 20% 14% 12% 4% 13% 22% 30%two to three 35 39 31 35 35 23 45 39 31four to five 22 20 24 19 23 25 31 19 18six or more 27 20 25 32 31 47 12 20 21

mean 4.7 4.4 4.4 5.0 5.0 6.8 4.0 3.9 3.6

median 3.4 3.0 3.4 3.6 3.8 5.3 3.1 2.9 2.8

n= 898 179 293 274 134 259 92 389 131

Note: A ()or () sign indicates that data for that segment is statistically significantly higher or lower than the total response for all adults.

Differences are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level or higher.

% own a Bible (without dont know) 2011 2012 2013 2014

mean 4.5 4.3 4.4 4.7

median 3.4 3.3 3.5 3.4

n= 901 875 892 898

Table 2.4 | Bible Purchases

Question: Did you purchase a Bible in 2013?


alladults

Millenn-ial

18-29Buster30-48

Boomer49-67

Elder68+

Protes-tant

Cath-olic

Chris-tian

otherfaith /

no faith

yes 13% 13% 15% 12% 10% 22% 17% 9% 7%no 87 87 86 88 90 78 83 91 93

n= 1,012 214 334 302 142 265 93 416 197


2012 2013 2014

yes 14% 15% 13%

no 86 85 87

n= 1,020 1,005 1,012


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3. BIBLE ENGAGEMENT

Table 3.1 | Bible ReadersQuestion: How often, if ever, do you actually read the Bible, not including times when you are at a church

service or church event?


alladults

Millenn-ial

18-29Buster30-48

Boomer49-67

Elder68+

Prot-estant

Cath-olic

Chris-tian

otherfaith /

no faith

never 26% 39% 25% 23% 18% 2% 12% 25% 58%

less than once a year 9 9 9 9 7 2 6 12 11

once or twice a year 11 13 12 8 7 3 14 15 9

three or four times a year 8 5 10 8 7 4 14 10 5

once a month 8 11 9 8 7 9 13 9 3

once a week 9 9 10 7 10 16 15 8 3

several times/4+ times a week 13 9 13 15 18 28 16 9 6

every day 15 7 12 19 24 35 7 11 6

not sure 2 0 1 3 3 1 4 2 *

online + telephone sample size n= 2,027 425 665 623 281 491 177 827 459

* indicates less than one-half of one percent


2011 2012 2013 2014

never 25% 26% 26% 26%

less than once a year 13 10 12 9

once or twice a year 11 10 10 11

three or four times a year 8 9 9 8

once a month 8 8 7 8

once a week 8 7 8 9

several times/4+ times a week 15 13 13 13

every day 11 13 13 15

not sure 3 5 1 2

online + telephone sample size= 2,014 2,011 2,068 2,027


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Table 3.2 | Bible Readers: Segmentation

Segmentation Analysis: Bible Readers*(average 53%)

Above average readership evangelicals (100%) practicing Protestants (92%) born again Christians (83%) non-evangelical born agains (79%) Protestant, non-mainline attenders (79%) weekly church attenders (78%) Protestants (74%) marginally church (72%)African-Americans (66%) Elders, ages 68 or older (66%) practicing Catholics (65%) Protestant, mainline attenders (64%) Bible-engagement: friendly (63%)

self-identified Christians (63%) residents of the South (63%) women (60%) married adults (58%) adults who have experienced a divorce (58%) Boomers, ages 49-67 (57%)

Above average readership

atheists and agnostics (4%) Bible skeptic (11%) adults who do not identify as Christian (17%) adults aligned with non-Christian faith groups (22%)

unchurched adults (26%)non-born agains (35%)

Bible engagement: neutral (39%) Millennials, ages 18-29 (40%) never marrieds (42%) Catholics (45%) non-practicing Christians (46%) residents of the Northeast (46%) men (46%) households earning $75K or more annually (47%) single adults (48%) residents of the West (48%) notional Christians (48%)

All differences listed are statistica lly significant at the 95% confidence level or higher.* Bible readers are defined as those who report reading the Bible at least 3-4 times annually.


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Table 3.3 | Time Spent Reading the BibleQuestion: What is the average amount of time you spend reading the Bible at each sitting?


% among Bible readers

all

adults

Millenn-ial

18-29

Buster

30-48

Boomer

49-67

Elder

68+

Protes-

tant

Cath-

olic

Chris-

tian

otherfaith /

no faithless than 15 minutes 15% 15% 19% 14% 9% 14% 8% 18% 13%

15-29 minutes 26 22 28 30 23 34 23 18 32

30-44 minutes 30 36 28 27 35 27 38 33 31

45-59 minutes 7 4 5 9 9 8 8 5 6

1 hour or more 21 23 20 21 25 18 23 27 18

mean 35.3 37.6 32.0 34.1 41.8 31.1 35.9 38.4 41.9

median 29.8 29.9 29.6 29.8 30.1 29.6 30.0 29.9 29.7

n= 569 93 190 183 96 238 60 204 53* Dont know has been removed from the base of responses.


2013 2014

less than 15 minutes 15% 15%

15-29 minutes 27 26

30-44 minutes 26 30

45-59 minutes 8 7

1 hour or more 24 21

mean 36.0 35.3

median 29.8 29.8

n= 568 569


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Table 3.4 | Preferred Bible VersionQuestion: There are many versions or translations of the Bible available these days. As far as you know, what

is the version or translation of the Bible you read most often?


% Bible reader

alladults

Millenn-ial

18-29Buster30-48

Boomer49-67

Elder68+

Protes-tant

Cath-olic

Chris-tian

otherfaith /

no faith

King James Version 34% 24% 29% 40% 38% 38% 18% 35% 31%

New International Version 13 8 20 12 10 21 1 11 3

New King James Version 10 7 12 11 10 14 8 9 2

English Standard Version 6 16 6 3 3 5 2 6 11

New Living Translation 4 9 3 2 1 4 0 4 6

New Revised Standard Version 3 0 4 2 7 4 5 3 0

New American Bible 2 4 0 2 3 1 8 1 0

New American Standard Bible 2 3 2 2 3 2 4 3 0

Contemporary English Version 1 2 1 1 0 0 0 2 4

Todays New International Version 1 1 0 2 1 1 0 1 2

New International Readers Version 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 1

Good News Translation * 2 0 * 0 0 1 1 0

Amplified Bible * 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0

The Message * 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1

Holman Christian Standard Bible 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

New Century Version 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

other 11 14 12 9 12 4 29 10 27dont know, unsure 11 11 10 12 11 5 23 11 13

none 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

n= 590 93 192 190 104 247 63 212 53* indicates less than one-half of one percent



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Table 3.4 |Preferred Bible Version (contd)

% Bible reader 2011 2012 2013 2014

King James Version 45% 39% 38% 34%

New International Version 10 11 11 13

New King James Version 10 12 14 10

New American Standard Bible 2 2 1 2

New Revised Standard Version 1 2 2 3

English Standard Version 3 6 3 6

New Living Translation 2 2 2 4

Amplified Bible 2 1 * *

Contemporary English Version 1 1 * 1

New American Bible 1 2 2 2

New International Readers Version 1 1 1 1

The Message 1 0 * *Good News Translation * 0 * *

New Century Version * 1 0 0

Holman Christian Standard Bible 0 1 * 0

Todays New International Version 0 2 2 1

other 8 6 10 11

dont know, unsure 12 9 13 11

n= 633 597 603 590* indicates less than one-half of one percent


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Table 3.5 |Motivations for Reading the BibleQuestion: Id like to read a few reasons that people may read the Bible. Please tell me which statement is

most true for you?


% Bible readerall

adults

Millenn-ial

18-29Buster30-48

Boomer49-67

Elder68+

Protes-tant

Cath-olic

Chris-tian

otherfaith /

no faith

it brings me closer to God 56% 48% 55% 61% 59% 65% 59% 49% 55%

I have a problem I need to solve orI need direction

17 25 19 16 11 12 21 19 28

I need comfort 15 11 18 11 19 13 13 19 7

I know Im supposed to 4 7 2 4 5 4 1 4 2

it is part of my studies at school 3 6 3 3 3 3 4 4 5

not sure 4 4 3 6 4 4 2 4 3

n= 590 93 192 190 104 247 63 212 53


% Bible reader 2011 2012 2013 2014it brings me closer to God 64% 55% 53% 56%

I need comfort 14 10 14 15

I have a problem I need to solve orI need direction

12 17 18 17

I know Im supposed to 3 5 6 4

it is part of my studies at school 3 3 4 3

not sure / none 4 9 12 4

n= 633 597 603 590


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Table 3.6 | Level of Bible UseQuestion: Would you say that your own personal use of the Bible has increased, decreased, or is about the

same as one year ago?


alladults

Millenn-ial

18-29Buster30-48

Boomer49-67

Elder68+

Protes-tant

Cath-olic

Chris-tian

otherfaith /

no faith

stayed the same 71% 64% 74% 74% 71% 55% 72% 75% 81%increased 18 19 17 20 20 36 22 14 9decreased 9 15 8 7 8 8 3 11 9not sure 1 3 1 1 1 1 2 * 2

online + telephone sample size n= 2,027 425 666 523 280 491 178 827 457* indicates less than one-half of on percent


2012 20132014phone

2014com-bined

stayed the same 58% 63% 70% 71%

increased 27 26 20 18

decreased 12 9 9 9

not sure 3 2 2 1

n= 1,020 1,005 1,012 2,027


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Table 3.7 | Desire for Bible ReadingQuestion: Do you wish that you read the Bible more or not?


alladults

Millenn-ial18-29

Buster30-48

Boomer49-67

Elder68+

Protes-tant

Cath-olic

Chris-tian

otherfaith /no faith

yes 62% 52% 66% 61% 68% 85% 81% 62% 24%no 36 45 33 36 30 14 17 35 75

dont know 2 3 1 3 2 1 1 4 2

n= 1,012 214 334 302 142 265 93 416 197


2011 2012 2013 2014

yes 67% 60% 61% 62%

no 31 38 37 36

dont know 2 2 2 2

n= 1,011 1,020 1,005 1,012


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Table 3.8 | Reasons for Bible EngagementQuestion: What do you think caused the increase in your Bible engagement (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)

% who experienced an increase in engagement

came to understand it as an importantpart of my faith journey

53%

difficult experience in my life caused meto search the Bible for direction /answers

41

downloaded the Bible onto mysmartphone or tablet

26

significant change in my life (marriage,birth of child, etc.)

17

saw how the Bible changed someone

I know for the better 15

someone I know asked me to read theBible with them

14

media conversations around religionand spirituality

14

joined a group that used the Bible whenthey met

13

went to a church where the Bible

became more accessible to me13

listened to a church podcast / streaming 12

watched the Bible mini-series ontelevision

11

conversation with a Christian friend 11

other 17

n= 119

Note: due to the limited sample size, segmentation is not shown.


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Table 3.9 | Reasons for Bible DisengagementQuestion: What do you think caused the decrease in your Bible engagement (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)

% who experienced a decrease in engagement

too busy with lifes responsibilities (job,

family, etc.)

40%

had a significant change in my life (lossof job, death of a loved one, etc.)

17

became atheist or agnostic 15

difficult experience in my life caused meto doubt my faith (or God / Bible)

13

saw how reading the Bible made verylittle difference in the life of someone Iknow

8

decided to leave the church altogether 4

converted to another faith 4

media discussions around religion andspirituality

1

conversation with a non-Christian friend0

other 16

n= 93

Note: due to the limited sample size, segmentation is not shown.


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Tables 3.10 | Frustrations with Bible ReadingQuestion: Which of the following would you say is your most significant frustration when it comes to reading

the Bible?


alladults

Millenn-ial

18-29Buster30-48

Boomer49-67

Elder68+

Protes-tant

Cath-olic

Chris-tian

otherfaith /

no faith

never have enough time to read it 35% 26% 43% 34% 30% 50% 44% 35% 15%

none / no frustrations 17 7 12 23 33 25 15 15 13

language is difficult to relate to 11 12 12 11 9 7 17 15 7

dont feel excited about reading it 10 17 10 7 8 2 5 11 20

can never find the stories or versesyou are looking for

7 12 6 5 5 3 3 6 11

dont understand background or

history of the Bible 7 10 8 5 4 9 7 8 2

do not read the Bible 6 10 6 5 4 0 2 3 24

other 5 5 3 6 6 3 7 4 5

dont know 2 3 1 4 1 1 0 3 4

n= 1,012 214 334 302 142 265 93 416 197*indicates less than one-half of one percent


Bible readers all adults

2011 2012 2013 2014 2012 2013 2014

never have enough time to read it 48% 43% 40% 47% 32% 30% 35%

none / no frustrations 23 25 31 25 18 22 17

language is difficult to relate to 10 10 10 8 12 14 11

dont understand background or history ofthe Bible

8 8 7 8 7 7 7

can never find the stories or verses you arelooking for

4 6 4 6 6 5 7

dont feel excited about reading it 4 2 3 1 11 12 10

other 2 4 3 4 3 3 5

dont know 4 2 2 1 3 3 2

n= 449 411 429 414 1,020 1,005 1,012*In this table, Bible readers are defined as having read the Bible at least weekly.


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Table 3.11 | Favorable Emotions When Reading the BibleQuestion: The last time you read the Bible, what was the primary favorable emotion you experienced, if any?

Did you feel (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)


% that have ever read the Bibleall

adults

Millenn-ial

18-29Buster30-48

Boomer49-67

Elder68+

Protes-tant

Cath-olic

Chris-tian

otherfaith /

no faith

peaceful 42% 34% 41% 44% 49% 54% 55% 36% 23%

encouraged / inspired 33 24 30 36 42 40 33 32 18

hopeful 29 25 25 34 34 36 28 27 22

a sense of direction 25 27 19 28 31 34 24 21 17

happy 25 19 22 26 31 28 21 27 17

other 6 8 5 5 7 5 5 5 6

none 11 15 15 7 5 3 3 12 31

not sure 3 2 3 2 3 * 1 4 4

n= 770 139 261 234 117 258 79 312 98


% that have ever read the Bible 2012 2013 2014

peaceful 34% 37% 42%

encouraged / inspired 33 29 33

hopeful 27 30 29

a sense of direction 25 26 25

happy 18 19 25

other 1 2 6

none 9 3 11

not sure 4 3 3

n= 786 775 770


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Table 3.12 | Unfavorable Emotions When Reading the BibleQuestion: The last time you read the Bible, what was the primary unfavorable emotion you experienced, if

any? Did you feel (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)


% that have ever read the Bibleall

adults

Millenn-ial

18-29Buster30-48

Boomer49-67

Elder68+

Protes-tant

Cath-olic

Chris-tian

otherfaith /

no faith

none 60% 43% 57% 67% 73% 71% 64% 53% 54%confused 15 21 17 10 9 11 18 18 12overwhelmed 9 7 11 10 8 9 8 11 4doubtful 6 11 7 3 3 3 4 7 9bored 5 16 4 1 1 3 3 5 11discouraged 5 9 4 4 3 2 6 7 6convicted, guilty, sinful 1 1 1 * * 2 0 0 0

other 3 4 2 5 2 2 3 4 8not sure 3 3 3 2 3 1 1 5 4



% that have ever read the Bible 2012 2013 2014

none 59% 59% 60%

confused 12 12 15overwhelmed 11 11 9

doubtful 8 6 6

bored 3 3 5

discouraged 3 5 5

convicted, guilty, sinful 2 1 1

other 1 2 4

not sure 3 4 3

n= 786 775 770


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Table 3.13 | Applying the Bible to LifeQuestion: You mentioned that you read from the Bible in the past week. After reading the Bible, would you

say that you: (READ RESPONSES)?


% read Bible in the past seven daysall

adults

Millenn-ial

18-29Buster30-48

Boomer49-67

Elder68+

Protes-tant

Cath-olic

Chris-tian

otherfaith /

no faith

gave a lot of thought to how it mightapply to your life

57% 51% 54% 59% 62% 64% 42% 49% 66%

gave some thought to how it mightapply to your life

37 41 41 35 30 32 51 42 29

did not give any thought to how itmight apply to your life

5 6 5 5 3 2 7 8 2

not sure 2 2 0 1 5 3 0 1 2

n= 427 60 128 149 85 210 43 130 38


% read Bible in the past seven days 2011 2012 2013 2014

gave a lot of thought to how it mightapply to your life

61% 59% 65% 57%

gave some thought to how it mightapply to your life

34 35 28 37

did not give any thought to how it

might apply to your life4 5 4 5

not sure 1 1 2 2

n= 449 446 434 427


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Table 3.14 | Use of Bible FormatsQuestion: These days, the Bible is available and used in different formats. For each format I read, please tell

me whether or not you have used that format in the past year?


% among Bible readersall

adults

Millenn-ial

18-29Buster30-48

Boomer49-67

Elder68+

Protes-tant

Cath-olic

Chris-tian

otherfaith /

no faith

read from a print version of theBible on your own

89% 90% 86% 93% 89% 94% 96% 82% 97%

used the Internet on a computer toread Bible content

44 62 52 44 19 50 39 40 39

attended a small group or Biblestudy, where you studies the Biblein a group, not including weekendworship services

44 51 39 42 50 57 39 33 43

searched for Bible verses or Biblecontent on a smart phone or cellphone

35 64 55 18 5 36 20 37 37

listened to a teaching about theBible via podcast

29 33 33 29 22 34 16 31 24

listened to an audio version of theBible

25 22 27 24 27 30 23 20 26

read an electronic version of theBible on an e-reader such as Kindleor iPad

24 37 33 18 9 27 14 22 33

n= 590 93 192 190 104 247 63 212 53



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Table 3.14 | Use of Bible Formats (contd)

% among Bible readers 2011 2012 2013 2014

read from a print version of theBible on your own

89% 89% 90% 89%

attended a small group or Biblestudy, where you studies the Biblein a group, not including weekendworship services

53 47 44 44

used the Internet on a computer toread Bible content

37 38 41 44

listened to an audio version of theBible

28 30 26 25

listened to a teaching about theBible via podcast

24 26 26 29

searched for Bible verses or Biblecontent on a smart phone or cellphone

18 23 29 35

read an electronic version of theBible on an e-reader such as Kindleor iPad

12 15 17 24

n= 633 597 603 590


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Table 3.15 | Smartphone or Mobile Phone OwnershipQuestion: Do you have a smartphone or mobile phone?

yes 75% 89% 85% 69% 48% 72% 80% 73% 86%no 25 11 15 31 52 28 21 27 14

n= 1,012 214 334 302 142 265 93 416 197


Table 3.16 | Use of Bible AppsQuestion: Do you have a Bible app downloaded on your phone?

no 73% 73% 70% 76% 76% 56% 70% 78% 81%yes 21 26 28 14 2 36 22 16 14dont own a smartphone 6 2 2 10 21 8 7 6 5

not sure * 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0



% among smart phone or mobile phoneusers 2011 2012 2013 2014

no 86% 85% 80% 73%

yes 13 15 15 21

not sure / no smartphone 1 1 4 6

n= 673 736 773 761


all

adults

Millenn-ial

18-29

Buster

30-48

Boomer

49-67

Elder

68+

Protes-

tant

Cath-

olic

Chris-

tian

otherfaith / no

faith


% among mobile phone or smartphone users

alladults

Millenn-ial

18-29Buster30-48

Boomer49-67

Elder68+

Protes-tant

Cath-olic

Chris-tian

otherfaith / no

faith


50/179

BarnaGroup

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Table 3.17 | Preferred Bible FormatQuestion: All things considered, in what format do you prefer to use the Bible print, digital, or audio?


% Bible readersall

adults

Millenn-ial

18-29Buster30-48

Boomer49-67

Elder68+

Protes-tant

Cath-olic

Chris-tian

otherfaith /

no faith

print 84% 81% 75% 89% 94% 89% 87% 79% 74%

digital 10 15 17 4 1 7 9 12 16

audio 5 4 6 5 3 3 4 7 8

video * 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0

other 1 0 0 * 2 1 0 0 3

not sure 1 0 1 2 0 1 0 1 0

n= 590 93 192 190 104 247 63 212 53



% Bible readers 2012 2013 2014

print 83% 85% 84%

digital 8 8 10

audio 7 6 5

video * * *other * 1 1

not sure 2 1 1

n= 597 603 590* indicates less than one-half of one percent


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4. BIBLE LITERACY

Table 4.1 | Self-Assessment of Biblical KnowledgeQuestion: How knowledgeable do you feel about the Bible?

highly knowledgeable 13% 11% 12% 15% 16% 19% 12% 11% 12%moderately knowledgeable 32 30 33 32 36 47 23 26 30somewhat knowledgeable 37 42 37 37 31 29 55 39 36not too knowledgeable 12 14 11 10 11 4 9 17 11not at all knowledgeable 6 3 8 6 5 1 2 6 11

not sure 1 0 0 2 1 * 0 * 0n= 1,012 214 334 302 142 265 93 416 197



2012 2013 2014

highly knowledgeable 12% 12% 13%

moderately knowledgeable 32 31 32

somewhat knowledgeable 35 38 37

not too knowledgeable 16 13 12not at all knowledgeable 5 6 6

not sure 1 1 1

n= 1,020 1,005 1,012

2011

completely knowledgeable 5%

highly knowledgeable 18

about average 56

not too knowledgeable 18

not at all knowledgeable 3

not sure 1

n= 1,011


alladults

Millenn-ial

18-29Buster30-48

Boomer49-67

Elder68+

Protes-tant

Cath-olic

Chris-tian

otherfaith /

no faith


52/179

BarnaGroup

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Table 4.2 | Highly Knowledgeable about the Bible: Segmentation

Segmentation Analysis:

Highly Knowledgeable about the Bible(average 13%)

Above average Below average evangelical Christians (31%) Bible engaged (24%)African-Americans (22%) adults with an active faith1(21%) non-mainline Protestants (19%) residents of the South (19%) practicing Protestants (19%) born again Christians (18%) weekly church attenders (17%) Bible readers (17%) Protestants (16%)

non-practicing Christians (11%) notional Christians (10%) non-born again (10%) adults lacking an active faith1(10%) residents of the Northeast (9%) unchurched adults2(9%) non-Bible readers (8%) Bible-engagement: neutral (6%)

All differences listed are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level or higher.

1Adults with an active faith have attended church, read from the Bible and prayed to God all within the past week.2Unchurched adults have not attended church in the past six months.


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Table 4.3 | Bible as Literal or Inspired Word of GodQuestion: Which of the following statements comes closest to describing what you believe about the Bible?


all

adults

Millenn-ial

18-29

Buster

30-48

Boomer

49-67

Elder

68+

Prot-

estant

Cath-

olic

Chris-

tian

otherfaith /

no faith

actual word of God and shouldbe taken literally, word for word

23% 16% 24% 26% 27% 41% 18% 22% 9%

inspired word of God, no errors,some verses symbolic

30 31 29 29 33 40 50 31 13

inspired word of God, hasfactual or historical errors

15 13 16 15 14 10 17 18 12

not inspired, tells how writersunderstood the ways and

principles of God

10 13 7 10 8 4 3 14 10

just another book of teachingswritten by men that containstories and advice

18 24 19 16 11 2 5 10 51

other 2 1 2 2 3 2 2 2 3

not sure 3 2 3 2 4 1 4 3 2

online + telephone sample size= 2,014 420 663 622 277 491 178 822 451

Note: A (

)or (

) sign indicates that data for that segment is statistically significantly higher or lower than the total response for all adults.Differences are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level or higher.


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Table 4.3 | Bible as Literal or Inspired Word of God (contd)

2007* 2011 2012 2013 2014

actual word of God and should be

taken literally, word for word 26% 24% 24% 22% 23%

inspired word of God, has noerrors, some verses are meant tobe symbolic

30 31 28 27 30

inspired word of God, has factual orhistorical errors

18 14 14 15 15

not inspired by God, tells howwriters understood the ways andprinciples of God

11 8 8 10 10

just another book of teachingswritten by men that contain storiesand advice

11 12 16 16 18

other NA 2 2 2 2

not sure 5 9 9 9 3

online + telephone sample size= 1,004 2,012 2,008 2,060 2,014* Research was conducted by Barna in 2007 in the OmniPollSM..,Note: Historical data collected by telephone interviews; 2011-2014 data collected by telephone and online surveys.


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Table 4.4 | Knowledge of the First Five Books of the BibleQuestion: What are the first five books of the Bible?

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus,Numbers, Deuteronomy

43% 37% 48% 42% 43% 69% 39% 30% 42%

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus,Deuteronomy, Joshua

13 16 13 12 12 11 18 12 17

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John andRevelation

6 7 8 5 3 1 6 11 4

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts 4 4 2 5 7 4 4 5 1

other 1 1 1 1 1 2 0 * 2

not sure 33 36 28 35 36 13 34 42 34

n= 1,012 214 334 302 142 265 93 416 197


2012 2013 2014

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus,Numbers, Deuteronomy

46% 42% 43%

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus,

Deuteronomy, Joshua12 14 13

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John andRevelation

8 6 6

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts 6 8 4

other 1 1 1

not sure 28 30 33

n= 1,020 1,005 1,012


all

adults

Millenn-ial

18-29

Buster

30-48

Boomer

49-67

Elder

68+

Protes-

tant

Cath-

olic

Chris-

tian

otherfaith /

no faith


56/179

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Table 4.5 | Knowledge of the Bibles TeachingQuestion: There are some attitudes and behaviors that are specifically addressed in the Bible, while others

are not addressed. For each one of the following, please tell me whether or not you feel the Bible encourages

or discourages each action or if you feel the Bible is silent on this issue.


alladults

Millenn-ial

18-29Buster30-48

Boomer49-67

Elder68+

Prot-estant

Cath-olic

Chris-tian

otherfaith /

no faith

forgiveness

strongly encourages 80% 66% 81% 87% 79% 97% 93% 85% 65%

somewhat encourages 11 15 10 8 12 0 6 9 18

somewhat discourages 2 6 1 * 1 0 1 2 3

strongly discourages 1 2 1 1 2 2 0 * 2

silent 6 12 6 4 5 2 1 5 12

generosity

strongly encourages 70 60 74 73 67 86 82 72 57


somewhat discourages 3 6 2 2 1 0 1 2 5

strongly discourages 2 3 2 1 3 4 2 1 3

silent 7 11 7 6 5 3 2 5 13

patience



somewhat discourages 2 5 2 1 1 * 1 1 4

strongly discourages 1 2 1 1 2 1 4 * 2silent 18 14 7 6 6 2 2 5 15

repression of women





silent 24 22 22 26 27 17 11 26 28

war

strongly encourages 4 4 4 5 2 2 3 3 7somewhat encourages 16 13 19 15 18 19 4 15 19



silent 18 23 18 17 15 13 11 19 21

n= 946 194 301 331 120 161 67 370 334


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Table 4.5 | Knowledge of the Bibles Teaching (contd)


alladults

state of the bible a survey of us adults 2014-2012

Documents