Satisfying Their Curiosity

Each year the Barna Group, in partnership with American Bible Society, conducts a survey to examine behaviors and beliefs about the Bible among U.S. adults.  The recently released 2018 survey reveals that Americans still read the Word, and it remains a powerful, trans-formative tool in their lives.  Perhaps most surprising is that Millennials use their Bibles at about the same percentage as other generations.

Overall, about half of Americans are “Bible users.”  That means they engage with the Bible on their own by reading, listening to, watching, praying or using Bible text or content in any format (not including use at a church service) at least three to four times a year (48%). That percentage has remained relatively steady since 2011. Adults who use the Bible daily account for 14 percent of the total adult population, followed by 13 percent who use it several times a week, 8 percent who do so once a week, 6 percent about once a month and 8 percent who use it three to four times a year.  Baby Boomers have the highest percentage of Bible users (51%) but Millennials are not far behind at 47%.

Americans of all ages continue to be curious about the Bible.  In response to the statement “I am curious about what the Bible says,” 29% strongly agree and 37% somewhat agree.  As expected, curiosity is most common among weekly church attenders, but also with adults with minor children at home and young adults.   

This leads me to wonder whether churches are capitalizing on this curiosity.   As faith communities we often gather around The Word.  In addition to worship, most churches offer Sunday morning Bible classes.  In some cases we also gather in homes in small groups.  But in most cases, we are gathering with other believers to strengthen our faiths and grow in our walks of discipleship.  My concern is that for the most part our studies are exclusive.  If those around us who do not know Jesus have a curiosity about God’s Word why are we not including them in our discussions? 

Aside from the Sunday morning education hour, I would like to propose moving all Bible class out of the church and into the community.  That should especially be the case for small groups.  Restaurants like Panera Bread or Corner Bakery can be an ideal settings.  I do a fair amount of writing at Starbucks.  I have found that having a Bible open, even when I am working on my laptop, can be a door opener.

If the world is curious about the Bible we need to be more open to satisfying that curiosity.