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Researchers Baffled As Bible Reading Soars

For the first time in four years, Bible engagement in the U.S. is on the rise, with a notable increase among younger men, according to the 2025 State of the Bible report by the American Bible Society (ABS).

The study revealed that approximately 11 million more Americans are engaging with Scripture compared to the previous year, a shift led by millennials, Gen Xers, and especially men—demographics that had previously shown declining interest in the Bible.

“We found the results incredibly encouraging,” said John Plake, ABS’s Chief Innovation Officer, during a conversation with Christian Daily International after presenting at the Evangelical Press Association’s annual gathering on May 5. “It’s early, and not yet a confirmed trend, but it’s a meaningful movement in the right direction.”

Now in its 15th year, the State of the Bible report surveys a nationally representative sample of adults to explore their connection with the Bible, church, and personal faith. Data collected in January showed a positive shift, particularly in areas and among groups typically less engaged with Scripture.

After reaching 50% in 2021, the percentage of Americans identified as “Bible users” — those who read Scripture outside of religious services at least several times per year — dropped significantly in recent years: 40% in 2022, 39% in 2023, and 38% in 2024. However, early 2025 saw a three-point increase, representing millions more turning to the Bible.

Interestingly, this increase was not seen across all demographics. Engagement among older adults and women remained mostly unchanged, while men showed a 21% rise, millennials saw a 30% boost, and Gen Xers climbed by 14%.

“That kind of momentum, especially among younger adult men, wasn’t something we predicted,” Plake said.

The geographical distribution of these gains was also unexpected. The Northeast and Western U.S. both saw an 18% uptick in Bible usage, while the Midwest rose by 15%. In contrast, the Southern U.S., typically known for its strong religious base, showed little change.

Even in the Bay Area—often considered one of the least religious regions—young adults were more engaged than their national peers. While just 19% of local seniors were Bible users (compared to 46% nationally), millennials in the Bay Area showed 40% engagement, slightly above the national average. Gen Z in the area also slightly outpaced their counterparts across the U.S.

“These insights disrupt the stereotype of regions like the Bay Area being spiritual wastelands,” Plake noted. “In many cases, it’s the younger generations who are more open to Scripture than their elders.”

While ABS is careful not to overstate the shift, Plake believes it could point to deeper spiritual curiosity emerging across culture. This aligns with a 2024 Wall Street Journal report showing a 22% spike in Bible sales—many of which were to first-time buyers, particularly younger readers.

“There are roughly 71 million Americans who we consider the ‘movable middle’—they’re intrigued by the Bible but uncertain,” Plake explained. “They need someone to walk with them, to help them make sense of Scripture’s larger story.”

ABS also identified that nearly half of U.S. adults who identify as Christians but are not actively practicing are open to re-engaging with the Bible and learning more about Jesus. Many in this group feel disconnected from the way Scripture was originally presented to them—often as a series of moral lessons rather than a cohesive narrative leading to Christ.

“People know stories like Samson and Jonah,” Plake said, “but often miss how they fit into the broader biblical arc that points to Jesus. That’s where we need to reframe how we present the Bible.”

Currently, around 52 million Americans are considered “Bible engaged”—those who interact with Scripture in a way that shapes their behavior and relationships. However, even among this group, many don’t feel confident sharing their faith with others.

“They love the Bible and it’s had a real impact on them,” Plake explained, “but they struggle to communicate that to others. Helping them do so naturally and meaningfully is the next mission for churches and faith communities.”

Plake believes this isn’t just a task for institutions—it’s a personal call to action.

“If you care about Scripture, this is the time to speak up,” he said. “People around you—friends, colleagues, neighbors—are asking spiritual questions. They may not be in church, but they’re searching. You could be the one to help guide them.”

ABS is also expanding its research lens globally. Chapter Two of the 2025 report integrates findings from the PATMOS World Bible Engagement Study—an international survey conducted by the British and Foreign Bible Society in collaboration with Gallup. Released in April, this global study covers 85 nations and provides a comparative look at Bible engagement trends around the world.

“We’re learning how the U.S. fits into a broader spiritual landscape,” Plake said. “It’s fascinating to see where we align or differ from other countries in terms of Scripture, faith identity, and overall well-being.”

Future chapters of the report will delve into areas like mental health, trauma recovery, and faith in public life. ABS is also investing in digital innovations and global partnerships to increase Scripture access through various mediums—whether print, apps, audio, or trauma-healing resources.

Plake, who combines pastoral, academic, and global mission experience, sees this data as a window into spiritual reality.

“Statistics themselves don’t transform lives,” he said. “But they help us understand the people we’re trying to reach, and how the Bible can meet them where they are.”

His hope is that the report will inspire Christian leaders, both in the U.S. and internationally, to embrace not only the challenges but also the new spiritual openings of this cultural moment.

“Sure, we want more people reading the Bible,” Plake said. “But the fact that interest is growing again—especially in groups that had disengaged—tells us the soil might be more ready than we think.”

And while the study is U.S.-focused, its implications reach beyond.

“The global church can benefit from these lessons,” he added. “Spiritual curiosity among younger Americans might be part of a larger pattern around the world. That’s why international collaboration and understanding matter so much.”