Bible reading is on the rise in the U.S., particularly among younger Americans and men, according to the 2025 State of the Bible report released by the American Bible Society.
The study reveals that 41% of U.S. adults now read the Bible outside of church at least three times a year—up from 38% the previous year. This three-point increase represents 10 million more Bible users nationwide.
Unexpected Growth Among Millennials and Men
While overall Bible engagement has grown, the most significant increases are among two groups historically less likely to read Scripture: Millennials and men.
“Millennials saw a 29% increase in Bible use from 2024 to 2025,” the study reports, “and men saw a 19% increase, closing the long-time gender gap in Bible use.”
These findings suggest a notable shift in engagement patterns, challenging previous assumptions about which demographics are most inclined toward Scripture.
Deeper Scripture Engagement Among Younger Generations
In addition to general Bible use, the study also measures Scripture engagement—defined as a deeper, more meaningful interaction with the Bible. Again, younger generations are leading the trend.
Gen Z: Scripture engagement rose from 11% in 2024 to 15% in 2025.
Millennials: Increased from 12% to 17% in the same period.
This upward trajectory underscores a growing spiritual curiosity among younger Americans—a trend researchers find encouraging.
Beyond current habits, the survey found that 51% of Americans wish they read the Bible more often. This widespread desire suggests a significant opportunity for faith communities to connect with people seeking spiritual growth.
Dr. John Plake, editor-in-chief of the State of the Bible report and chief innovation officer at the American Bible Society, emphasized the importance of these findings:
“For the first time since 2021, we’re seeing an increase in both Bible use and Scripture engagement, particularly among younger adults and in men,” he said. “People are curious about the Bible and Jesus.”
Plake called on churches to meet this moment with intention and innovation:
“Opportunities like this don’t come along every day, so we need to listen carefully and respond to our neighbors with grace, hope, and truth.”
In a recent interview with CBN News, Plake shared how his perspective shifted after reading about surging Bible sales in The Wall Street Journal:
“I guess I woke up … when the press reached out to me about the article published last October about a spike in Bible sales.”
Plake said he often balances anecdotal evidence from his own church experience with broader data to avoid false assumptions:
“From Europe, from the United States, from Canada, from data, and from experience, we’re starting to get a sense that there is something going on.”
The findings come from a nationally representative online survey of 2,656 U.S. adults, conducted between January 2 and 21, 2025.
You Might Be Interested In:
