Black Americans Lead in Scripture Engagement: Insights from the State of the Bible 2024 Report
Written By Tony Reed // EEW Magazine Online
The latest State of the Bible USA 2024 report by the American Bible Society offers a comprehensive look at how Americans interact with Scripture today.
While the study uncovers challenges in Bible engagement nationwide, it also highlights an inspiring truth: Black Americans lead the way in Scripture engagement, setting an example of spiritual resilience and faithfulness in an increasingly secular world.
Black Americans: Leading the Way
According to the report, 28% of Black Americans are considered “Scripture Engaged,” far surpassing other racial groups. This means nearly one in three regularly interacts with the Bible, allowing it to shape their lives, relationships, and decision-making. Additionally, Black Americans represent the highest percentage in the “Movable Middle” category—those curious about the Bible but not yet fully engaged—showing a broader openness to Scripture in this community.
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This leadership in Scripture engagement reflects the historical and cultural role of faith in Black communities, where churches have long been centers of spiritual, social, and cultural life. It reflects how the Bible continues to offer hope, healing, refreshment and guidance during challenging times.
The Bible’s Role in Overcoming Life’s Trials
The report highlights the deep connection between Scripture engagement and spiritual vitality, a sense of community, and mental well-being. As loneliness, anxiety, and emotional distress continue to rise, the Bible remains a source of strength and hope, guiding many through life’s challenges.
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The data show that Black Christians are thriving spiritually at higher rates than other groups, with 31% categorized as spiritually “Thriving” compared to 20% of white Christians.
This underscores an essential truth: the Bible is more than a book; it’s a source of strength, resilience, and transformation for Black Americans navigating life’s complexities—and for all communities seeking hope and guidance in challenging times.
Opportunities for Growth
While Black Americans lead in Scripture engagement, the study also reveals room for growth. The “Movable Middle” represents 38% of Black adults—individuals curious about the Bible but not yet actively engaged. This group offers a significant opportunity for ministries to reach out, provide resources, and encourage deeper engagement.
Strategies like offering modern Bible translations, leveraging digital tools, and fostering relational connections can help draw this group closer to the transformative power of Scripture.
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Nationwide Trends in Bible Engagement
Though Black Americans stand out, the overall picture of Bible engagement in America presents challenges. Only 18% of Americans are considered “Scripture Engaged,” while 38% fall into the “Bible Disengaged” category—the highest percentage ever recorded. Yet, there’s hope: 53% of Americans express a desire to read the Bible more, signaling an openness to reconnect with Scripture.
The report also emphasizes the critical role of technology, with many exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) and online platforms can make Scripture more accessible to younger generations and the curious alike.
A Call to Action for Black Christian Women
For Black Christians—women in particular— this report is a powerful reminder of the unique role we play as spiritual anchors in our families, churches, and communities. It challenges us to deepen our engagement with the Word of God while inviting others—especially those in the “Movable Middle”—to discover the life-changing power of Scripture.
Jennifer Holloran, CEO of the American Bible Society, writes, “This is no time for complacency. Millions of lives depend on the transforming power of Christ.” Her words ring true for the Black community, where the Bible has long been a source of guidance, healing, and hope.
Explore the Full Report
The State of the Bible USA 2024 report dives deeper into these findings, including chapters on faith and technology, mental health, and generational trends. To explore the full report, visit stateofthebible.org.
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