Has the cure been found?
A new survey from the American Bible Society reveals a connection between stronger spiritual engagement and lower levels of loneliness. The survey, part of the “State of the Bible USA 2024” report, found that Americans who are more involved with the Bible and practice forgiveness tend to experience less loneliness. Conducted from January 4-23, 2024, the research showed that nearly 75% of Americans report feeling moderate to high loneliness, with Generation Z women (ages 18-27) experiencing the highest levels. The study suggests that a meaningful relationship with Scripture might help alleviate loneliness, especially in a society grappling with what some have called an “epidemic of loneliness.”
The survey categorized respondents based on their level of Bible engagement using the Scripture Engagement Scale, which measures the importance of the Bible in their lives. Those with low engagement (“Bible disengaged”) reported the highest levels of loneliness, with 22% experiencing high loneliness and 52% reporting moderate loneliness. In contrast, those highly engaged with Scripture (“scripture engaged”) reported much lower levels of loneliness, with only 11% feeling highly lonely. The “movable middle,” those with moderate engagement, had more mixed results, with 59% reporting high loneliness and 17% moderate loneliness.
The research also found that loneliness levels varied by church attendance. People who attend church weekly reported the lowest levels of loneliness, with 33% saying they felt little loneliness. On the other hand, those who never attend church had the highest rates of high loneliness (25%). The study also explored the connection between forgiveness and loneliness, revealing that those who struggle with forgiveness report higher levels of loneliness. Among those who consider themselves “strongly unable to forgive,” 36% experienced high loneliness, while those who feel “strongly able to forgive” had the lowest rates of high loneliness (16%).
The report stresses the importance of fostering meaningful relationships in Christian communities to combat loneliness, especially among younger generations. It suggests that churches should offer spaces where individuals can build authentic, supportive relationships. The findings come amid broader concerns about the mental and physical health impacts of loneliness, which has been linked to a range of health issues, including increased risks of heart disease and depression. The U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on loneliness has emphasized its significant health risks, highlighting the need for greater social connection.