The Benefits of Scripture: New study finds higher Bible engagement leads to greater hope and resilience
Newly released research from the American Bible Society shows that Bible-engaged Americans are more hopeful and resilient.
By EEW Magazine Online // Research
Scripture engagement is defined as consistent interaction with the Bible that shapes a person's choices and transforms their relationships with God, self, and others.
And according to the American Bible Society, that just released its third chapter of the 12th annual State of the Bible report highlighting cultural trends in the U.S. regarding spirituality and Scripture engagement, those who consistently read and apply the Bible report greater levels of hope and resilience.
The research also reveals that Bible-engaged Americans' overall scores of Human Flourishing have risen to or exceeded the pre-pandemic levels.
According to Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program, human flourishing is based around five central domains: happiness and life satisfaction, mental and physical health, meaning and purpose, character and virtue, and close social relationships. Those who integrate the Bible into their daily lives reportedly thrive in these areas, according to the American Bible Society.
"Our research continues to confirm that consistent Bible reading leads to hope and greater flourishing,” said John Farquhar Plake, PhD and Director of Ministry Intelligence for the organization.
“Christians know that Jesus offers us full life; there's no surprise here. But for those who are questioning their faith or even who need reassurance after a hard season, the data validates that applying the truths of Scripture leads to better health, better relationships, and a higher sense of purpose and meaning—all while bringing us closer to God,” he added.
The State of the Bible 2022 findings come from a survey in January 2022 conducted by American Bible Society in collaboration with NORC at the University of Chicago, which produced 2,598 online or telephone responses from American adults in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
"To put it simply: the Bible's message is not only spiritually transformative,” said Plake, “it also transforms how we experience life on earth. There is restoration and healing in the Word of God, and we urgently need to point our hurting neighbors toward that life-changing truth."
Between July and December 2022, American Bible Society will release six new chapters in the State of the Bible 2022 story—including reports on the tools and technology people are using to engage with the Bible, faith across generations with interesting findings on Generation Z, and the influence of the Bible on philanthropy.
Since 1816, American Bible Society has been making the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so all people may experience its life-changing message. One of the nation's first and most enduring ministries, American Bible Society today advocates for all people to apply the Bible's teachings to their lives in a way that transforms their relationship with God and others.
To download the first three chapters of the State of the Bible 2022 ebook, visit StateoftheBible.org.
