A new survey indicates a continuing trend of limited daily engagement with scripture among Protestant churchgoers in the United States, with only 31 percent reporting reading the Bible every day. The findings, released by Lifeway Research on , offer a snapshot of spiritual practices within a key demographic and raise questions about the role of scripture in contemporary faith life.
While a majority – 61 percent – of Americans who attend religious services at least monthly report regularly reading the Bible, the proportion engaging with scripture on a daily basis remains below previous levels. In 2012, 46 percent of churchgoers were regular Bible readers, including 19 percent who read daily. Five years prior, in 2007, those figures were 36 percent and 16 percent respectively, suggesting a long-term decline in daily devotional practice despite a recent slight increase in overall engagement.
The study, part of Lifeway Research’s State of Discipleship series, frames Bible engagement as one of eight key indicators of spiritual maturity. Churchgoers scored an average of 69.8 out of 100 on this metric, placing it fifth among the assessed characteristics. Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, noted a broader pattern of assessment among churchgoers. “Protestant churchgoers overall report they are engaging the Bible, but on any specific question as many as 1 in 5 say they are not following Jesus Christ in that way,” McConnell said. “This reflects an overall pattern in assessments of churchgoers where the direction is often good but far from the standard seen in Scripture.”
The research also reveals the extent of familiarity with the Bible, even among those who do not read it regularly. A significant 9 in 10 Americans report having read at least some portion of scripture, though only 22 percent claim to have read the entire Bible at least once. This suggests a cultural awareness of biblical narratives, even if not consistently reinforced through personal study.
The impact of consistent Bible reading on personal faith was also explored. A substantial 62 percent of respondents indicated a feeling of spiritual need when they abstain from reading scripture for a few days. A further 21 percent were unsure, while 17 percent did not share this sentiment. Similarly, 58 percent reported feeling unfulfilled without regular Bible study, with 21 percent disagreeing and another 21 percent expressing uncertainty.
Despite varying levels of personal practice, a strong majority – 74 percent – of U.S. Protestant churchgoers affirm the Bible’s overarching authority in their lives. However, the study also reveals a degree of nuance in this conviction. While a clear majority believe in the Bible’s authority, only 40 percent *strongly* agreed with the statement, with 11 percent disagreeing and 15 percent remaining unsure. This suggests that while the Bible is widely respected, the extent of its perceived authority is not universally held with unwavering conviction.
The findings arrive at a time of shifting religious landscapes in the United States. While traditional measures of religious affiliation have been in decline for decades, recent data from the Barna Group suggests a potential resurgence in church attendance, particularly among young adults. This trend, if sustained, could influence future patterns of Bible engagement and spiritual practice. However, the Lifeway Research data suggests that increased attendance does not automatically translate into increased daily scripture reading.
The implications of these findings extend beyond the immediate context of American Protestantism. Globally, the Bible remains a central text for hundreds of millions of Christians and patterns of engagement with scripture are often seen as indicators of broader religious vitality. The relatively low rate of daily Bible reading among American churchgoers may reflect broader cultural trends, including increased time pressures, competing priorities, and the proliferation of alternative sources of information and meaning.
The study does not delve into the *reasons* behind the limited daily engagement, leaving open questions for further research. Factors such as the accessibility of scripture, the availability of resources for Bible study, and the role of pastoral leadership in encouraging devotional practice could all play a role. The study focuses specifically on Protestant churchgoers, and the findings may not be generalizable to other Christian denominations or religious traditions.
The Lifeway Research study provides a valuable data point for understanding the spiritual lives of American Protestants. While a majority value the Bible and engage with it regularly, the proportion reading it daily remains relatively low, raising questions about the ongoing role of scripture in shaping faith and practice in the 21st century. The data suggests a complex relationship between belief, practice, and spiritual fulfillment, one that warrants continued attention from researchers and religious leaders alike.
