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
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
TABLE OF CONTENTS 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 American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 3
INTRODUCTION 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. American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 4
RESEARCHER S NOTES 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. American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 5
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 12% Torah Book of Mormon other 7% 5% 5% none 13% not sure 4% American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 6
[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. American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 7
Influence of Bible in US Society Today too little influence just right too much influence not sure 6% 13% 26% 56% Influence of the Bible in US Society too little influence too much influence 61% 50% 52% 54% 30% 26% 16% 15% 14% 6% all adults Millennials (18-29) Buster (30-48) Boomer (49-67) Elder (68 plus) American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 8
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% American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 9
[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 4.5 4.3 4.4 4.7 3.4 3.3 3.5 3.4 2011 2012 2013 2014 mean 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. American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 10
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 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 40% 53% 57% 66% 63% 46% 53% 48% Millennials (18-29) Busters (30-48) Boomers (49-67) Elders (68+) South Northeast Midwest West American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 11
[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. American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 12
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% American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 13
[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%). American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 14
[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. American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 15
[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). American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 16
[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. American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 17
Preferred Bible Formats % among Bible readers 2011 2012 2013 2014 print 89% 89% 90% 89% small group 53% 47% 44% Internet 37% 38% 44% audio 28% 30% 29% podcast 24% 26% 29% smart phone / cellphone 18% 23% 35% e-reader such as a Kindle or ipad 12% 15% 24% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 18
[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 (<1%) or other types of Bible formats (1%). While Busters are the generation least likely to prefer print versions, three out of four (75%) still list print versions as the format they prefer most. Boomers (4%) and Elders (1%) are less likely than average to prefer digital formats compared to Busters (17%) and Millennials (15%). Americans Still Prefer Printed Bibles % among Bible readers print digital audio all others 1% 10% 5% 84% American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 19
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. Self-Reported Knowledge of Bible highly knowledgeable not too knowledgeable not sure moderately / somewhat knowledgeable not at all knowledgeable 12% 6% 1% 13% 69% American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 20
[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 onehalf 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 the Bible s 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%. American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 21
Beliefs about the Bible as the Literal or Inspired Word of God 2007 2011 2012 2013 2014 inspired word of God, has no errors, some verses are meant to be symbolic actual word of God and should be taken literally, word for word 30% 31% 28% 27% 30% 26% 24% 24% 22% 23% just another book of teachings written by men that contain stories and advice 11% 12% 16% 16% 18% inspired word of God, has factual or historical errors not inspired by God, tells how writers understood the ways and principles of God 11% 14% 14% 15% 15% 11% 8% 8% 10% 10% other not sure 0% 2% 2% 2% 2% 5% 3% 9% 9% 9% American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 22
[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%). Onethird of Americans (33%) were unsure. [Table 4.5 Knowledge of the Bible s Teaching pp. 56-57] Americans were asked whether or not they felt the Bible encourages, discourages it or is silent about 10 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 feel strongly that 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 samesex relationships (21%) and repression of women (24%). American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 23
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 the main 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%). American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 24
6. GIVING TO NON-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 nonpracticing Christians ($100) and other faith groups and no faith groups ($50) also giving below average. Practicing Protestants ($1,500) and practicing Catholics ($1,000) were above average in their giving. $1,600.00 $1,400.00 $1,200.00 $1,000.00 $800.00 $600.00 $400.00 $200.00 $- total Non-Profit Giving by Age median annual dollar amount Millennials (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 American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 25
APPENDIX I 1. BIBLE PERCEPTIONS Table 1.1 Sacred Literature Question: To start with, what books, if any, do you consider sacred literature or holy books? (MULTIPLE RESPONSE) all adults Millenni al 18-29 Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith other Buster Boomer Elder Protestanolitian Cath- Chris- faith / 30-48 49-67 68+ no faith the Bible 79% 64% 79% 85% 89% 96% 91% 85% 47% the Koran 12 14 15 10 7 7 9 12 20 Torah 7 8 10 5 2 4 5 7 14 Book of Mormon 5 6 7 3 5 3 0 4 11 other 5 7 3 5 6 3 6 4 8 none 13 19 14 11 7 1 6 9 35 not 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 American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 26
Table 1.2 Beliefs about the Bible Question: I would like to read some statements about sacred literature and would like to know whether you agree or disagree with each statement? % agree strongly the Bible contains everything a person needs to know to live a meaningful life the Bible, the Koran, and the book of Mormon all are different expressions of the same spiritual truths* all adults Millennial 18-29 Buster 30-48 Generation Boomer 49-67 Elder 68+ Practicing faith Protestant Non-practicing faith Catholic Christian other faith / no faith 50% 35% 49% 55% 63% 79% 60% 48% 16% 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. 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. American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 27
Table 1.2 Beliefs about the Bible (continued) 2011 2012 2013 2014 the Bible contains everything a person needs to know to live a meaningful 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 the Book of Mormon are all different expressions of the same spiritual truths* 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. American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 28
Table 1.3 The Bible s Role in U.S Society Question: 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? all adults Millennial 18-29 Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith other Buster Boomer Elder Protestanolitian Cath- Chris- faith / 30-48 49-67 68+ no faith too little influence 50% 30% 52% 54% 61% 73% 59% 49% 21% just right 30 37 28 26 28 20 32 36 27 too much influence 16 26 15 14 6 2 6 10 46 not 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 American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 29
2. BIBLE PENETRATION Table 2.1. Bible Ownership Question: Does your household own a Bible? all adults Millenn -ial 18-29 Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith other Buster Boomer Elder Prot- Catholitian Chris- faith / 30-48 49-67 68+ estant 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 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. 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. American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 30
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 statistically significant at the 95% confidence level or higher. American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 31
Table 2.3 Number of Bibles Owned Question: How many Bibles, in total, does your household own? Millennial 18-29 Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith other faith / no faith two to three 35 39 31 35 35 23 45 39 31 four to five 22 20 24 19 23 25 31 19 18 six 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 don t 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? all Buster Boomer Elder Protes Catholitian Chris- % own a Bible (without don t know) adults 30-48 49-67 68+ -tant one 17% 22% 20% 14% 12% 4% 13% 22% 30% Millennial 18-29 Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith other faith / no faith all Buster Boomer Elder Protestanolitian Cath- Chris- adults 30-48 49-67 68+ 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 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. 2012 2013 2014 yes 14% 15% 13% no 86 85 87 n= 1,020 1,005 1,012 American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 32
3. BIBLE ENGAGEMENT Table 3.1 Bible Readers Question: How often, if ever, do you actually read the Bible, not including times when you are at a church service or church event? Millennial 18-29 Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith other faith / no faith all Buster Boomer Elder Prot- Catholitian Chris- adults 30-48 49-67 68+ estant 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 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 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 American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 33
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 statistically 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. American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 34
Table 3.3 Time Spent Reading the Bible Question: What is the average amount of time you spend reading the Bible at each sitting? % among Bible readers all adults Millennial 18-29 Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith other Buster Boomer Elder Protestanolitian Cath- Chris- faith / 30-48 49-67 68+ no faith less 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 * Don t know has been removed from the base of responses. 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. 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 American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 35
Table 3.4 Preferred Bible Version Question: 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 all adults Millennial 18-29 Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith other Buster Boomer Elder Protestanolitian Cath- Chris- faith / 30-48 49-67 68+ 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 Today s New International Version 1 1 0 2 1 1 0 1 2 New International Reader s 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 27 don t 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 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. American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 36
Table 3.4 Preferred Bible Version (cont d) % 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 Reader s 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 Today s New International Version 0 2 2 1 other 8 6 10 11 don t know, unsure 12 9 13 11 n= 633 597 603 590 * indicates less than one-half of one percent American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 37
Table 3.5 Motivations for Reading the Bible Question: I d like to read a few reasons that people may read the Bible. Please tell me which statement is most true for you? % Bible reader all adults Millennial 18-29 Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith other Buster Boomer Elder Protestanolitian Cath- Chris- faith / 30-48 49-67 68+ 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 or I 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 I m 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 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. % Bible reader 2011 2012 2013 2014 it brings me closer to God 64% 55% 53% 56% I need comfort 14 10 14 15 I have a problem I need to solve or I need direction 12 17 18 17 I know I m 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 American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 38
Table 3.6 Level of Bible Use Question: Would you say that your own personal use of the Bible has increased, decreased, or is about the same as one year ago? all adults Millennial 18-29 Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith other Buster Boomer Elder Protestanolitian Cath- Chris- faith / 30-48 49-67 68+ no faith stayed the same 71% 64% 74% 74% 71% 55% 72% 75% 81% increased 18 19 17 20 20 36 22 14 9 decreased 9 15 8 7 8 8 3 11 9 not 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 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. 2012 2013 2014 phone 2014 combined 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 American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 39
Table 3.7 Desire for Bible Reading Question: Do you wish that you read the Bible more or not? all adults Millennial 18-29 Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith other Buster Boomer Elder Protestanolitian Cath- Chris- faith / 30-48 49-67 68+ no faith yes 62% 52% 66% 61% 68% 85% 81% 62% 24% no 36 45 33 36 30 14 17 35 75 don t know 2 3 1 3 2 1 1 4 2 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 yes 67% 60% 61% 62% no 31 38 37 36 don t know 2 2 2 2 n= 1,011 1,020 1,005 1,012 American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 40
Table 3.8 Reasons for Bible Engagement Question: 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 important part of my faith journey difficult experience in my life caused me to search the Bible for direction / answers downloaded the Bible onto my smartphone or tablet significant change in my life (marriage, birth of child, etc.) saw how the Bible changed someone I know for the better someone I know asked me to read the Bible with them media conversations around religion and spirituality joined a group that used the Bible when they met went to a church where the Bible became more accessible to me 53% 41 26 17 15 14 14 13 13 listened to a church podcast / streaming 12 watched the Bible mini-series on television 11 conversation with a Christian friend 11 other 17 n= 119 Note: due to the limited sample size, segmentation is not shown. American Bible Society The State of the Bible Report 2014 41