the state of the bible | 2014 - American Bible Society

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American Bible Society

THE STATE OF THE BIBLE | 2014 Research conducted among US adults

Research commissioned by: American Bible Society New York, NY

Research conducted by: Barna Group Ventura, CA

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Barna Group

Copyright 2014 This information has been produced by Barna Group (Ventura, CA) for the American Bible Society (New York, NY). The information is confidential and copyrighted, and belongs to American Bible Society. It may not be reproduced in any form or format without the written permission of ABS.

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

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T ABLE OF C ONTENTS Introduction ................................................................................ 4 Researcher’s Notes ..................................................................... 5 Data Analysis 1. Bible Perceptions ......................................................... 6 2. Bible Penetration .......................................................... 9 3. Bible Engagement ........................................................11 4. Bible Literacy...............................................................20 5. Moral Decline and Social Impact ................................24 6. Giving to Non-Profit Organizations.............................25 Appendix I: Data Tables 1. Bible Perceptions .........................................................26 2. Bible Penetration ..........................................................30 3. Bible Engagement ........................................................33 4. Bible Literacy...............................................................51 5. Moral Decline and Social Impact ................................58 6. Giving to Non-Profit Organizations.............................60 Appendix II: About the Study Definitions........................................................................61 Methodology ....................................................................63 Guide to Survey Data .......................................................65


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I NTRODUCTION 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 other consisted 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 written explanation of the results that also includes an analysis of the implications of the data. The Appendices contain 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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R ESEARCHER ’ S N OTES 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 Jehovah’s 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 Bible’s mention since 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%).

Books Considered Sacred or Holy Bible

79%

Koran Torah

12% 7%

Book of Mormon

5%

other

5%

none not sure

13% 4%


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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 Bible’s Role in US Society | p. 30] Half of adults (50%) believe the Bible has too little influence in US society today—more than three times the proportion of those who think it has too much influence (16%). Three out of 10 adults (30%) consider the Bible’s role and influence to be just right, while the remaining 6% are not sure. The number of adults who feel the Bible has too little influence has decreased by sixpercentage 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 right are 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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Influence of Bible in US Society Today too little influence

just right

too much influence

not sure

6% 13%

56% 26%

Influence of the Bible in US Society too little influence

too much influence 61% 54%

52%

50%

30%

26%

16%

15%

14% 6%

all adults

Millennials (18-29)

Buster (30-48)

Boomer (49-67)

Elder (68 plus)


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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.

Bible Ownership yes

no

12%

88%


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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.

Number of Bibles Owned % among households that own a Bible 4.7

4.5

4.4

4.3

3.4

2011

3.5

3.3

2012

2013 mean

3.4

2014

median

[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.


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3. BIBLE E NGAGEMENT 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 readers—that is, those who read the Bible at least three to four times a year—is 53%. Fifteen percent of adults say they read the Bible daily. Another 13% spend time 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.

Bible Readership More Likely Among Older Americans and in the South

53%

57%

66%

63% 46%

40%

Millennials (18-29)

Busters (30-48)

Boomers Elders (68+) (49-67)

South

Northeast

53%

48%

Midwest

West


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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 minutes readers 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, nonborn-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 people who 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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Bible Version Read Most Often % among Bible readers

King James Version

34%

New International Version

13%

New King James Version

10%

English Standard Version

6%

New Living Translation

4%

New Revised Standard Version

3%

all others (2% or less combined)

19%

not sure

11% 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%


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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 and 1% 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 to understand 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 life’s 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 difficult experience 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 decrease from 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 possible favorable and 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 unfavorable emotions while reading the Bible. Just 11% said they did not feel any favorable emotions 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, with a 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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Preferred Bible Formats % among Bible readers 2011

2012

2013

2014

89% 89% 90% 89%

print

53% 47%

small group

44% 37% 38%

Internet

44% 28% 30%

audio

29% 24% 26%

podcast

29% 18% 23%

smart phone / cellphone

35% 12% 15%

e-reader such as a Kindle or iPad

24% 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%


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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 (