By Christian Daily International
Monday, May 19, 2025
BRANSON, Mo. — After years of decline, Bible engagement across the United States has shown a hopeful increase for the first time in four years, according to the latest findings from the American Bible Society’s (ABS) 2025 State of the Bible report. This resurgence is notably driven by younger men—a demographic previously less engaged with Scripture.
The annual report, now in its 15th year, surveys a diverse panel of U.S. adults to track their Bible reading habits, church involvement, and overall faith journey. The 2025 edition reveals that roughly 11 million more Americans are engaging with the Bible this year compared to 2024, with significant gains among millennials, Gen Xers, and men.
John Plake, Chief Innovation Officer at ABS, shared his optimism after presenting the findings at the Evangelical Press Association’s annual convention on May 5. “While it’s not yet a confirmed trend, the increase represents an encouraging step forward,” Plake noted.
Bible Reading Rebounds Post-Pandemic
In 2021, half of American adults were considered “Bible users,” defined as reading Scripture outside church services at least several times a year. However, after a pandemic-related spike, this number fell to 38% by 2024. The new report shows a rebound to 41% in early 2025—equivalent to 11 million additional readers.
The growth is uneven: while engagement among women and older adults remains steady, men show a remarkable 21% increase in Bible use. Millennials increased their engagement by 30%, and Gen Xers by 14%.
Surprising Regional Trends: San Francisco Bay Area
One of the most surprising findings comes from the San Francisco Bay Area, a region long known for low religious participation. ABS’s regional analysis shows that younger generations in the Bay Area are more Bible-engaged than their peers nationwide.
Among Bay Area millennials, 40% qualify as Bible users, slightly above the national average of 39%. For Gen Z, the rate is 37%, compared to 36% nationally. Conversely, only 19% of Bay Area residents aged 61 and older engage with the Bible, significantly lower than the national 46% for the same age group.
“These findings challenge the perception of the Bay Area as a spiritual desert,” Plake explained. “It appears younger generations are more open to Scripture, even if their elders are less engaged.”
Cultural Shifts and Opportunities
The report highlights a growing curiosity about Scripture among the so-called “movable middle”—roughly 71 million Americans who are interested but unsure about the Bible. Many non-practicing Christians expressed openness to re-engaging with Scripture, especially if it is presented beyond moralistic stories and towards the grand narrative centered on Jesus.
Plake emphasizes the role of churches and ministries in equipping believers to share their faith naturally and confidently. “People love the Bible and are transformed by it, but they often need support in communicating that to others,” he said.
Global Connections and Future Research
The 2025 report also links U.S. trends with global Bible engagement data from the PATMOS World Bible Engagement Study, covering 85 countries. These insights help position the U.S. within a wider spiritual landscape, offering lessons for both domestic and international Christian communities.
Plake concludes, “The data is a tool, not the mission. It shows where the Spirit is at work and invites us to join Him.”
For more details on the report, visit AmericanBible.org.
