MILLENNIALS & THE BIBLE 201 4 A nationwide study of 18- to 30-year-olds Research commissioned by American Bible Society New York, New York InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Madison, Wisconsin Research conducted by Barna Group Ventura, California American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
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Millennials and the Bible Report (Barna, ABS & InterVarsity) · MILLENNIALS & THE BIBLE 2014 A nationwide study of 18- to 30-year-olds Research commissioned by American Bible Society
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MILLENNIALS & THE BIBLE 2014
A nationwide study of 18- to 30-year-olds
Research commissioned by American Bible Society New York, New York InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Madison, Wisconsin Research conducted by Barna Group Ventura, California
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
Copyright 2014 This information has been produced by Barna Group for American Bible Society and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. The information is confidential and copyrighted information that belongs to Barna Group, American Bible Society and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and may not be reproduced in any form or format without their written permission.
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 3
REPORT CONTENTS
Introduction ........................................................................... 4 Data Tables
1. What Millennials Believe about the Bible ................... 5 2. How Millennials Perceive the Bible ............................12 3. Ways Millennials Engage the Bible .............................21 4. Screens and Millennials’ Bible Practices .....................46
Appendix I Key Questions by Bible Engagement Segment ...............50
Appendix II A. Additional Data Tables ...............................................70 B. Research Definitions ...................................................78 C. Methodology ...............................................................80 D. Guide to Survey Data ..................................................81
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 4
INTRODUCTION
This report contains the findings from questions commissioned by the American Bible Society and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in a nationwide study of young adults, ages 18 to 30 conducted online. The study – known publicly as MillennialPollSM – is a shared-cost research study conducted by Barna Research (a division of Barna Group).
Organizations commission questions in MillennialPollSM on a pay-per-item basis, while Barna Research includes a variety of demographic and theolographic™ variables for cross-tabulation purposes. This study was conducted in August of 2014.
American Bible Society and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship commissioned questions based on the following areas of interest:
• Participation on social justice and community issues • Viewership and perceptions of Bible-themed Hollywood productions • Moral truth • Perceptions of the Bible • Bible messaging • Bible engagement • Bible literacy
The remainder of this report provides a summary analysis of the survey data for these questions; a description of the survey methodology; and a summary of sampling error considerations. Detailed (cross-tabulated) data tables are provided in a separate document.
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 5
DATA TABLES
1. WHAT MILLENNIALS BELIEVE ABOUT THE BIBLE
Table 1.1 | Beliefs about the Bible Which of the following statement comes closest to describing what you believe about the Bible?
all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
The Bible is the actual word of God and should be taken literally, word for word. 21% 46% 41% 57% 20% 6%
The Bible is the inspired word of God and has no errors, although some verses are meant to be symbolic rather than literal.
27 39 49 28 34 10
The Bible is the inspired word of God but has some factual or historical errors. 17 11 7 11 24 11
The Bible was not inspired by God but tells how the writers of the Bible understood the ways and principles of God.
11 3 3 4 11 14
The Bible is just another book of teachings written by men that contains stories and advice.
18 0 0 0 6 45
other 7 0 0 0 5 13 n= 998 218 99 53 433 347
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 6
Table 1.1 | Beliefs about the Bible (cont’d) Which of the following statement comes closest to describing what you believe about the Bible?
all
Millennials InterVarsity
State of the Bible
Study
The Bible is the actual word of God and should be taken literally, word for word. 21% 8% 23%
The Bible is the inspired word of God and has no errors, although some verses are meant to be symbolic rather than literal.
27 79 30
The Bible is the inspired word of God but has some factual or historical errors. 17 9 15
The Bible was not inspired by God but tells how the writers of the Bible understood the ways and principles of God.
11 1 10
The Bible is just another book of teachings written by men that contains stories and advice.
18 * 18
other 7 3 2 n= 998 1347 1982
*Indicates less than one-half of one percent
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 7
Table 1.2 | Moral Truth Some people believe there are moral truths that are absolute, meaning those moral truths or principles do not change according to the circumstances. Other people believe moral truth always depends on the circumstances, meaning that their moral and ethical choices are based on each situation. How about you? Do you believe there are moral absolutes that are unchanging, or that moral truth always depends on the circumstances—or is this something you are not sure about?
all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
moral truth depends on circumstances 45% 23% 20% 25% 47% 58% moral truth is absolute 40 71 76 66 39 22 not sure / don’t know 14 6 4 9 14 20
n= 1000 219 99 54 434 347
Table 1.3 | Source of Moral Truth What is the main source from which you have learned or discovered absolute moral truths and standards?
base: believe moral truth is absolute all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
Bible 26% 39% 45% 26% 23% 7% parents: views/values they taught you 19 14 11 14 19 28 church 15 16 15 20 19 7 experiences you’ve had 9 8 5 8 7 13 feelings 8 4 5 5 9 16 friends; conversations, behavior 6 5 5 4 5 9 God speaking directly to you 6 4 7 0 7 5
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 8
n= 402 155 74 36** 170 77 *Indicates less than one-half of one percent **Caution: small sample size
Table 1.4 | More Beliefs about the Bible The following are different statements about the Bible. Which comes closest to describing what you believe about the Bible? (Choose one.)
all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
The Bible is a useful book of moral teachings. 30% 21% 16% 22% 35% 30%
The Bible is the inspired word of God. 15 22 27 20 18 8 The Bible is a dangerous book of religious dogma used for centuries to oppress people.
13 9 6 21 4 27
Table 1.4 | More Beliefs about the Bible (cont’d)
all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
The Bible, though flawed, points to God and his teachings for us 12 5 1 1 18 9
The Bible is inspiring and should be read by everyone. 11 17 13 21 14 5
The Bible is an outdated book with no relevance for today. 10 6 4 8 6 19
The Bible is the inerrant, infallible, living word of God. 8 21 34 7 6 4
n= 997 218 98 54 432 347
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 9
Table 1.5 | Bible Translations and Interpretations Do you agree or disagree with the following statements about the Bible?
base: self-identified Christians all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian all Protestant Catholic
it's important to understand the original cultural context of the passage, verse or book.
agree strongly 46% 59% 66% 49% 38% agree somewhat 46 35 27 44 51 disagree somewhat 7 4 6 3 9 strongly disagree 1 1 0 4 2 single verses can stand alone and be useful
agree strongly 44 59 60 54 36
agree somewhat 47 37 35 37 51
disagree somewhat 8 5 5 9 10
strongly disagree 1 0 0 0 2 it's important to understand the original intention of the Bible’s writers
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 11
Table 1.5 | Bible Translations and Interpretations (cont’d)
base: self-identified Christians all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian all Protestant Catholic
Bible translations don’t affect the truth of the Bible
agree strongly 22% 33% 31% 47% 16% agree somewhat 37 35 38 33 39 disagree somewhat 30 21 23 15 35 strongly disagree 11 11 9 5 11 the Bible is only truly accurate in its original languages
agree strongly 21 29 29 35 18 agree somewhat 38 33 23 37 41 disagree somewhat 28 24 29 21 30 strongly disagree 13 15 19 7 11 the Bible can only be correctly interpreted by people who have years of intense training in theology
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 13
Table 2.2 | Main Messages of the Bible What would you say are the two or three main messages of the Bible? (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)
all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
There is only one God. 39% 53% 57% 54% 38% 32% Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. 35 18 16 19 42 36
Humans are sinful and require forgiveness and redemption. 32 29 40 21 32 35
Jesus is the only way to eternal life. 28 46 59 37 26 19 God helps those who help themselves. 25 24 16 34 26 23 You can discover freedom, hope, and joy. 24 27 22 27 26 18 Humans need God. 23 31 22 37 22 18 This is how you can live well and obey God. 21 22 21 27 21 20
Here is the way to get to heaven. 17 21 23 14 14 17 other 4 0 0 0 1 9
n= 997 219 99 54 433 344 •
Table 2.3 | Reason for Bible Reading Below are a few reasons that people may read the Bible. Please indicate which statement is most true for you. I read the Bible because . . .
base: read Bible at least three or four times a year
all Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
It brings me closer to God. 32% 43% 48% 35% 25% 21% I need comfort. 14 11 4 21 18 9 I live better when I read it. 12 14 11 23 11 10 It changes me personally. 11 9 10 11 12 15 I know I’m supposed to. 9 9 8 10 9 8 My day is different when I read the Bible. 7 5 6 0 9 4 I have a problem I need to solve or I need direction. 5 4 5 0 6 7
It is part of my studies at school. 3 3 6 0 4 4 don’t know 3 1 2 0 5 7
n= 440 188 93 40 196 56
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 14
Table 2.3 | Reason for Bible Reading (cont’d)
base: read Bible at least three or four times a year
all Millennials
State of the Bible Study *
It brings me closer to God. 32% 56% I need comfort. 14 15 I live better when I read it. 12 NA It changes me personally. 11 NA I know I’m supposed to. 9 4 My day is different when I read the Bible. 7 NA I have a problem I need to solve or I need direction. 5 17
It is part of my studies at school. 3 3 don’t know 3 4
n= 440 590 *Note: American Bible Society phone survey only
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 15
Table 2.4 | Bible Reading Compared to Other Spiritual Disciplines How important is personal Bible reading compared to the following spiritual disciplines?
base: have ever read the Bible all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
church attendance more 38% 55% 52% 61% 31% 27% less 22 12 9 14 27 26 equal 40 34 39 25 42 47
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 16
Table 2.5 | Reading Bible in Public What do you think when you see someone reading the Bible in public? (Mark all that apply.)
Table 2.5 | Reading Bible in Public (cont’d)
all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
I am happy to see other Christians around. 29% 57% 69% 38% 33% 7% I feel encouraged. 29 57 67 46 32 7 I feel joyful 27 56 59 51 29 7 I feel grateful to see that sacred books are still important to people. 26 44 48 52 28 11
It reminds me to read my own Bible. 24 53 57 49 25 6 I feel like they are a kindred spirit. 18 34 37 36 19 8 I assume the person is politically conservative. 15 13 11 17 10 22
I feel like stopping and saying hello. 12 23 27 15 11 7 I suspect the person is trying to make a statement or be provocative. 12 11 10 8 10 15
I think the person is old-fashioned. 12 10 5 17 9 17 I figure I don’t have anything in common with the person. 12 8 4 15 6 21
I feel curious about what’s in the Bible. 11 14 13 18 11 9
all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
I think they should read the Bible in private. 10 9 1 15 9 13
I think the person is naïve. 8 5 2 9 6 14 I feel uncomfortable. 8 2 2 3 7 14 I get embarrassed for them. 6 8 2 18 5 7 I feel guilty. 6 10 10 12 7 3 none of these 19 3 3 2 19 28
n= 998 219 99 54 433 346
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 17
Table 2.6 | Biblical Support for Current Issues There are some attitudes and behaviors that are specifically addressed in the Bible, while other behaviors are not addressed. For each one of the following, please indicate whether or not you feel the Bible encourages or discourages each action – or if you feel the Bible is silent on this issue.
n= 800 1024 * ”Not sure” has been removed from the base of respondents in the MillennialPoll for comparisons to the American Bible Society data. **Note: American Bible Society online survey only
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 21
3. WAYS MILLENNIALS ENGAGE THE BIBLE
Table 3.1 | Bible Reading Frequency How often, if ever, do you actually read the Bible, not including times when you are at a church service or church event?
all
Millennials InterVarsity* State of the Bible
Study
never 32% 2% 26% less than once a year 16 1 9 once or twice a year 8 2 11 three or four times a year 8 3 8 once a month 9 7 8 once a week 9 16 9 several times a week 7 25 9 four or more times a week 5 24 5 every day 5 22 15
n= 1000 1350 2036 *Note: Wording for IVCF survey was: How often, if ever, do you read or listen to the Bible, not including times when you are at a church service or church event?
all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
never 32% 2% 0% 4% 23% 62% less than once a year 16 6 3 9 22 15 once or twice a year 8 7 2 13 9 7 three or four times a year 8 6 3 11 13 4 once a month 9 12 13 9 12 4 once a week 9 22 25 18 8 2 several times a week 7 19 16 15 5 2 four or more times a week 5 11 15 7 4 3 every day 5 16 22 14 3 2
n= 1000 219 99 54 434 347
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 22
Table 3.2 | Hear Bible Read Aloud How often, if ever, do you hear the Bible read aloud when you attend a church service or Mass?
base: self-identified Christians all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
never 15% 3% 3% 1% 22% 22% less than once a year 9 2 1 7 13 0 once or twice a year 7 3 4 2 10 0 three or four times a year 9 3 3 5 12 0 once a month 13 14 14 14 14 4 once a week 26 43 38 48 16 39 several times a week 11 19 25 12 6 35 every day 4 5 5 6 4 0
n= 573 200 96 44 358 15
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 23
Table 3.3 | Time Spent Reading Bible at Each Sitting What is the average amount of time you spend reading the Bible at each sitting?
base: read the Bible at least three or four times a year
all Millennials InterVarsity*
State of the Bible Study **
less than 15 minutes 23% 38% 15%
15-29 minutes 26 40 26
30-44 minutes 28 16 30
45-59 minutes 8 2 7
more than 1 hour 16 4 22
median 30 15 30
n= 441 1350 1012 *Note: wording for IVCF survey was as follows: What is the average amount of time you spend reading the Bible each time you use it?” and was asked among the entire population segment. **Note: American Bible Society phone survey only
base: read the Bible at least three or four times a year
all Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
less than 15 minutes 23% 21% 26% 11% 22% 31%
15-29 minutes 26 25 28 27 27 27
30-44 minutes 28 30 19 52 26 28
45-59 minutes 8 10 8 10 7 5
more than 1 hour 16 15 19 0 19 10
median 30 30 20 30 30 20
n= 441 188 93 40 197 56
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 24
Table 3.4 | Engagement with the Bible Thinking about your Bible reading in the past month, how did you usually engage with the Bible?
base: read Bible three or four times a year all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
read it by myself most 54% 64% 60% 61% 47% 35% some 30 28 32 22 30 41 a little 12 7 5 17 17 16 none 4 2 3 0 6 8 heard it read out loud at church most 41 50 50 37 34 26 some 36 38 39 45 33 39 a little 13 11 8 18 15 17 none 10 1 3 0 18 18
prayed about what I read most 33 39 34 41 24 35 some 39 41 41 42 38 38 a little 18 16 19 13 22 12 none 10 5 6 4 15 15
discussed it with friends or family most 31 40 34 39 21 29 some 34 31 31 33 36 38 a little 26 22 26 22 31 24 none 9 7 9 6 11 10 read it with a devotional most 29 35 30 30 21 32 some 36 39 36 47 38 18 a little 16 12 15 9 18 23 none 19 14 19 14 23 27
n= 356 174 89 33* 138 42 * Caution: small sample size. **Note: A similar question was asked in the IVCF survey, yet not similar enough to show a table for: “Which of the following ways of using the Bible have you used in the past month (Mark all that apply?)” The top answer was studying the Bible with others (85%), reading/listening to the Bible with others (79%), studying the Bible by yourself (74%).
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 25
Table 3.4 | Engagement with the Bible (cont’d)
base: read Bible three or four times a year all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
made notes or underlined verses most 28% 35% 27% 40% 19% 30% some 36 31 31 32 43 33 a little 18 20 23 15 16 13 none 18 14 19 13 22 24 as part of a one-year plan to read full Bible
most 27 34 30 41 21 18 some 31 28 27 26 35 28 a little 18 17 15 19 18 23 none 24 21 28 13 25 31 read it in conjunction with a liturgy or prayer
most 27 29 19 48 23 30 some 36 40 40 40 34 24 a little 15 12 11 5 19 17 none 22 20 29 7 24 30 memorized Scripture most 26 30 26 38 21 22 some 35 37 29 43 31 40 a little 22 19 26 6 26 25 none 17 14 20 13 22 13 read it with a commentary or Bible resource
most 24 27 24 33 18 27 some 40 41 39 44 41 36 a little 11 9 9 12 14 10 none 25 23 29 11 27 27
Table 3.5 | Setting for Reading Bible In which setting do you most often read the Bible?
base: read Bible at least three or four times a year
all Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
home 64% 65% 66% 55% 67% 52% at church 19 22 21 25 18 13 nature 5 5 6 6 4 6 office 3 2 2 2 4 3 park 2 2 1 3 1 6 coffee shop 2 2 2 0 1 5 at small group 2 1 0 0 3 2 library 2 2 1 5 1 9 in transit 1 1 0 3 1 2 some other location * 0 0 0 0 2
n= 441 188 93 40 197 56 *Indicates less than one-half of one percent
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 27
Table 3.5 | Setting for Reading Bible (cont’d)
base: read Bible at least three or four times a year
all Millennials InterVarsity**
home 64% 75% at church 19 3 nature 5 4 office 3 1 coffee shop 2 2 park 2 * library 2 * at small group 2 NA in transit 1 2 some other location (specify) 0 1
n= 441 1350 *Indicates less than one-half of one percent **Note: wording for IVCF survey was as follows: In what settings do you most often have devotional times?
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 28
Table 3.6 | Approaches to Reading the Bible When you read the Bible, how often do you use the following approaches?
base: have ever read the Bible all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
in search of a specific verse or verses often 32% 40% 43% 34% 29% 26% sometimes 42 43 44 55 44 34 rarely 15 13 8 9 17 15 never 11 4 4 3 10 24 as you feel led by the Spirit often 30 48 45 49 23 17 sometimes 35 38 40 37 38 21 rarely 16 10 12 7 20 16 never 19 4 3 7 18 46
one book at a time often 29 39 44 41 23 25 sometimes 37 42 37 34 36 32 rarely 19 11 10 21 26 16 never 15 8 9 4 15 27
from front to back often 28 41 44 28 20 26 sometimes 30 31 21 47 31 28 rarely 21 18 21 13 24 21 never 21 11 13 11 25 26 with a devotional often 22 35 40 39 16 16 sometimes 37 44 35 51 39 22 rarely 21 16 16 8 26 13 never 20 6 10 1 19 49
n= 671 212 97 50 327 129
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 29
Table 3.6 | Approaches to Reading the Bible (cont’d)
base: have ever read the Bible all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
chronologically often 21% 36% 28% 48% 12% 19% sometimes 38 36 39 34 41 32 rarely 22 17 19 11 28 16 never 19 12 14 7 18 33 as part of a guided plan (like a one-year plan)
often 21 33 34 34 16 11 sometimes 31 39 30 41 29 22 rarely 23 16 18 11 29 21 never 26 12 18 13 27 45
n= 671 212 97 50 327 129
Table 3.7 | Parts of the Bible Read Most What parts of the Bible do you read most often? (Mark all that apply).
base: have ever read the Bible all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
all 37% 51% 51% 63% 29% 35% New Testament 30 29 35 26 34 22 Old Testament 30 26 19 39 31 34 Psalms 27 29 25 27 29 19 Proverbs 21 24 22 22 18 23 Prophets 16 18 17 26 13 20 Gospels 15 19 15 23 14 12 Revelation 12 10 7 9 11 15 Books of the Law (or Pentateuch or Torah) 11 10 5 21 11 12 Epistles or Letters of the New Testament 6 7 6 13 5 5
n= 678 216 99 52 332 130
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 30
Table 3.8 | Desire to Read the Bible Do you wish that you read the Bible more or not?
Table 3.8 | Desire to Read the Bible (cont’d)
all
Millennials
State of the Bible Study *
yes 54% 62% no 34 36 don't know 12 2
n= 996 1012 *Note: American Bible Society phone survey only
Table 3.9 | Changes to Bible Usage Would you say that your own personal use of the Bible has increased, decreased, or is about the same as one year ago?
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 36
Table 3.12 | Motivation for Reading Bible (cont’d)
base: read the Bible at least 3-4 times a year
all Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
discipline
often 36% 44% 48% 34% 32% 22%
sometimes 41 39 34 50 43 38
rarely 15 12 12 14 15 28
never 9 6 6 2 10 12
habit often 31 39 37 33 24 27 sometimes 38 38 38 50 40 35
rarely 19 17 17 12 21 21
never 11 6 8 4 15 17
obligation often 26 33 34 39 20 23 sometimes 33 29 28 36 38 33 rarely 21 20 17 18 23 20 never 20 19 21 7 19 24 as a requirement for small group or class
often 25 31 26 43 20 28 sometimes 29 30 28 27 29 24 rarely 22 19 20 19 23 28 never 24 20 26 11 28 21
guilt often 23 29 24 37 18 21 sometimes 32 31 31 34 36 24 rarely 24 20 23 21 26 29 never 21 20 22 9 20 25
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 37
Table 3.12 | Motivation for Reading Bible (cont’d)
base: read the Bible at least 3-4 times a year (Millennials)
all Millennials InterVarsity**
desire to learn more about God
often 56% NA sometimes 37 NA rarely 4 NA never 2 NA
seeking guidance and wisdom often 54 70 sometimes 36 27 rarely 8 3 never 3 * need for God’s help often 52 68 sometimes 35 29 rarely 9 3 never 3 * desire for joy often 40 49 sometimes 42 39 rarely 12 11 never 6 2
need for healing often 38 35 sometimes 42 40 rarely 15 21 never 5 4
n= 434 1350 * Indicates less than one-half of one percent **Note: Wording for IVCF survey was as follows: How much do each of the following motivate you when it comes to growing spiritually?
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 38
Table 3.12 | Motivation for Reading Bible (cont’d)
base: read the Bible at least 3-4 times a year (Millennials)
all Millennials InterVarsity**
discipline often 36% 26% sometimes 41 49 rarely 15 21 never 9 5
habit often 31 20% sometimes 38 46 rarely 19 26 never 11 8 obligation
often 26 10 sometimes 33 37 rarely 21 40 never 20 13 as a requirement for small group or class
often 25 NA sometimes 29 NA rarely 22 NA never 24 NA guilt often 23 11 sometimes 32 39 rarely 24 38 never 21 12
n= 434 1350 * Indicates less than one-half of one percent **Note: Wording for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship survey was as follows: How much do each of the following motivate you when it comes to growing spiritually?
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 39
Table 3.13 | Frustration with Bible Reading Which of the following would you say is your most significant frustration when it comes to reading the Bible?
all
Millennials
State of the Bible Study *
You never seem to have enough time to read it. 19% 35%
You do not read the Bible. 19 6 You don’t feel that excited about reading it. 15 10 You find the language difficult to relate to. 13 11 You don’t understand the background or the history of the Bible. 9 7
You can never find the stories or verses you are looking for. 4 7
none / no frustrations 3 17 other 17 4
n= 998 1012 *Note: American Bible Society phone survey only
all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
You never seem to have enough time to read it. 19% 33% 28% 37% 22% 7%
You do not read the Bible. 19 1 1 1 10 42 You find the language difficult to relate to. 13 13 18 16 17 8 You don’t feel that excited about reading it. 15 9 10 9 19 15 You don’t understand the background or the history of the Bible. 9 13 11 13 11 5
You can never find the stories or verses you are looking for. 4 6 7 3 3 3
none / no frustrations 3 2 2 1 3 4 other 17 23 24 19 15 16
n= 998 218 98 54 433 346
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 40
Table 3.14 | Resources for Understanding the Bible What do you do when you read something in the Bible that you don’t understand or don’t agree with? (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)
base: have ever read the Bible all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
I do research on the passage in commentaries or study guides. 32% 40% 38% 52% 27% 30%
I pray about it. 31 44 53 34 27 19 I ask a pastor or church leader. 28 45 52 35 21 16 I go online to read what other people think about those passages. 24 25 28 19 24 21
I ignore it or move on. 20 13 8 24 20 34 I don’t feel like I have to believe every part of the Bible. 19 8 8 7 22 30
I don’t have to understand everything, so I accept it as true. 16 17 23 12 16 13
It makes me doubt God. 10 12 8 17 8 11 n= 679 216 99 52 332 131
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 41
Table 3.15 | Spiritual Disciplines in Past Month Of the following list of spiritual disciplines, which (if any) have you done in the last 30 days?
base: self-id Christians all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
prayer 70% 81% 84% 82% 63% NA worship 40 59 69 55 27 NA reading or studying the Bible 34 50 58 44 23 NA serving someone else or volunteering 26 30 39 23 22 NA talking about faith with a non-Christian 22 29 35 17 18 NA solitude/silence 18 19 22 18 16 NA accountability or confession 17 25 29 32 13 NA Sabbath (regular practice of resting from work and responsibilities) 17 20 19 23 14 NA
fasting from food 13 21 14 31 8 NA fasting from electronics 9 12 7 19 8 NA other * 1 2 0 0 NA none of these 9 1 3 0 14 NA
n= 573 200 96 44 358 15 *Indicates less than one-half of one percent
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 42
Table 3.15 | Spiritual Disciplines in Past Month (cont’d)
base: self-id Christians (Millennials) all
Millennials InterVarsity
prayer 70% 99% worship 40 94 reading or studying the Bible 34 94 solitude/silence 18 64 serving someone else or volunteering 26 67 talking about faith with a non-Christian 22 60 accountability or confession 17 53 Sabbath (regular practice of resting from work and responsibilities) 17 44
fasting from food 13 12 fasting from electronics 9 9 other * 6 none of these 9 *
n= 573 1349
Table 3.16 | Most Practiced Spiritual Disciplines Which two (if any) have you practiced most often in the last month?
base: mentioned two or more disciplines in previous question
all Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Catholic Protestant
prayer 63% 67% 70% 68% 58% NA worship 27 37 42 24 18 NA reading or using the Bible 25 30 35 19 22 NA serving someone else / volunteering 13 11 7 14 14 NA sharing your faith / evangelism 13 10 8 10 16 NA Sabbath – taking time off from daily or weekly routines 9 8 8 9 7 NA
solitude & silence 8 5 4 5 11 NA accountability / confession 7 5 3 10 10 NA fasting from electronics 6 3 0 2 9 NA fasting from food 5 7 5 9 3 NA other 1 0 1 0 1 NA
n= 272 134 69 33* 127 11
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 43
Table 3.16 | Most Practiced Spiritual Disciplines (cont’d)
base: mentioned two or more disciplines in previous question
all Millennials InterVarsity
prayer 63% 73% worship 27 33 reading or using the Bible 25 54 serving someone else / volunteering 13 13 sharing your faith / evangelism 13 5 Sabbath – taking time off from daily or weekly routines 9 5
solitude & silence 8 6 accountability / confession 7 4 fasting from electronics 6 * fasting from food 5 1 other 1 *
n= 272 1333 *indicates less than one-half of one percent
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 44
Table 3.17 | Religious Activities in Past Week Now I'm going to list some activities. Please tell me which, if any, of these activities you have done during the past week.
% who participated in each event in the past week
all Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
pray to God 62% 96% 98% 98% 75% 23% read from the Bible, not including when you were at a church or synagogue 37 85 87 79 30 14
attend a church service, not including a special event such as a wedding or funeral 36 88 91 96 28 13
n= 1000 219 99 54 434 347
% who participated in each event in the past week
all Millennials
Inter Varsity**
State of the Bible Study *
read from the Bible, not including when you were at a church or synagogue 37% 98% 42%
pray to God 62 98 78 attend a church service, not including a special event such as a wedding or funeral 36 76 41
n= 1000 1347 1012 *Note: American Bible Society phone survey only
** Questions in this series are compared to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship’s wording as follows: Bible reading: How often, if ever, do you read or listen to the Bible, not including times when you are at a church service or church event?
Prayer: How many times did you pray alone, not including meal prayers, in the last week? Attend Church: When was the last time you attended a Christian church service, other than for a holiday service, such as Christmas or Easter, or for special events such as a wedding or funeral?
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 45
Table 3.18 | Self-Descriptions
To start with, which of the following describe you?
all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
want to make a difference with your life 89% 89% 93% 94% 87% 93% actively contribute to the common good of your community. 61 78 76 69 63 48
you are a Christian 57 91 97 82 83 4 donated to a non-profit that focuses on social justice 38 55 49 65 37 27
n= 1000 219 99 54 434 347
all
Millennials U.S. adults**
want to make a difference with your life 89% 89% actively contribute to the common good of your community. 61 87***
you are a Christian*** 57 78% donated to a non-profit that focuses on social justice 38 NA
n= 1000 1005 / 2036 **BarnaPoll conducted in August 2008 by telephone with 1,005 U.S. adults nationwide. *** Wording in 2008 study did not include the word “actively.”
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 46
4. SCREENS AND MILLENNIALS’ BIBLE
PRACTICES
Table 4.1 | Bible as Hollywood Entertainment Which of the following best reflects your opinion of recent Bible-‐themed Hollywood productions?
all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
I appreciate the Bible being incorporated into entertainment today. 49% 77% 73% 81% 56% 21% I think Hollywood is just trying to make money. 36 10 10 11 31 58 I don’t think it is good for the Bible because the depictions are often not entirely accurate. 16 13 17 7 13 21
n= 993 219 99 54 429 346
Table 4.2 | Movies Viewed Now which of the following movies have you watched, whether in a movie theater, at home or in another location? (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)
all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
any episodes of The Bible miniseries on the History Channel 24% 48% 56% 48% 24% 10%
God’s Not Dead 22 40 36 40 21 11 Heaven Is for Real 29 48 45 55 32 13 Noah 39 62 53 62 40 24 Son of God 28 48 40 61 28 15 none of these 42 14 15 18 40 62
n= 993 219 99 54 429 346
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 47
Table 4.3 | Bible Reading Formats These days, the Bible is available and used in different formats. For each of the following formats, please indicate whether or not you have used that format in the past year.
base: read Bible at least three or four times a year
all Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
read from a print version of the Bible on your own 81% 86% 88% 87% 76% 78%
heard the Bible read in a worship service or mass 78 89 94 83 71 68
used the Internet on a computer to read Bible content 66 71 72 70 63 60
searched for Bible verses or Bible content on a smart phone or cell phone 66 76 73 76 59 53
attended a small group or Bible study, where you studied the Bible in a group, not including weekend worship services
59 71 72 65 49 52
read an electronic version of the Bible on an e-reader such as Kindle or iPad 51 58 54 55 45 48
listened to a teaching about the Bible via podcast 45 55 50 64 39 35
listened to an audio version of the Bible 43 55 49 74 35 31 n= 437 187 92 39* 193 54
* Caution: small sample size
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 48
Table 4.3 | Bible Reading Formats (cont’d)
base: read Bible at least three or four times a year
All Millennials
State of the Bible Study *
read from a print version of the Bible on your own 81% 89%
heard the Bible read in a worship service or mass 78 NA
used the Internet on a computer to read Bible content 66 44
searched for Bible verses or Bible content on a smart phone or cell phone 66 35
attended a small group or Bible study, where you studied the Bible in a group, not including weekend worship services
59 44
read an electronic version of the Bible on an e-reader such as Kindle or iPad 51 24
listened to a teaching about the Bible via podcast 45 29
listened to an audio version of the Bible 43 25 n= 437 1012
* Note: American Bible Society phone survey only
Table 4.4 | Posting Bible Verses on Social Media How often do you quote or post Scripture online (on a blog, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.)?
base: self-id Christians all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
never 41% 19% 18% 19% 52% NA a few times a year 26 30 34 27 23 NA a few times a month 17 25 26 26 13 NA a few times a week 9 13 9 13 8 NA daily or more often 7 13 12 16 4 NA
n= 573 200 96 44 358 15
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 49
Table 4.5 | Impressions of Others Quoting the Bible on Social Media What do you think when you see other people quote Scripture in their social media or blogs?
all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
I think it’s okay sometimes if you are religious. 29% 22% 17% 28% 28% 33%
It encourages me. 27 56 63 43 27 7 It inspires me. 27 53 60 41 29 9 It’s fine when verses are used in context. 27 27 25 28 30 24 It bothers me if they use verses naively or out of context. 25 20 20 19 21 35
I think it’s bold (in a good way). 22 35 42 25 24 11 I find it irritating. 18 12 7 21 12 30 They are trying to evangelize. 17 18 21 17 13 21 They are judgmental. 15 10 9 18 11 24 They will push others away. 13 12 11 15 10 18 I think that person is wrong. 8 9 7 14 7 10 That person is strange. 8 8 7 9 7 10
n= 991 218 99 53 431 343
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 50
APPENDIX I: KEY QUESTIONS BY BIBLE ENGAGEMENT SEGMENT
Table A | Adjectives Describing the Bible Which words best reflect your beliefs about the Christian Bible? (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 51
Table B | More Beliefs About the Bible The following are different statements about the Bible. Which comes closest to describing what you believe about the Bible?
all
Millennials Bible
engaged Bible
friendly Bible
neutral Bible
skeptics
Bible friendly: medium
Bible friendly:
light
The Bible is a useful book of moral teachings. 30% 13% 27% 44% 26% 19% 31% The Bible is the inspired word of God. 15 13 25 10 8 29 22 The Bible is a dangerous book of religious dogma used for centuries to oppress people. 13 17 5 4 32 8 4 The Bible, though flawed, points to God and his teachings for us 12 4 7 27 7 5 8 The Bible is inspiring and should be read by everyone. 11 16 16 10 2 13 18 The Bible is an outdated book with no relevance for today. 10 11 8 3 22 7 9 The Bible is the inerrant, infallible, living word of God. 8 26 13 1 3 19 9
n= 997 100 378 269 249 139 239
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 52
Table C | Bible Translation and Interpretation Do you agree or disagree with the following statements about the Bible?
base: self-identified Christians all
Millennials Bible
engaged Bible
friendly Bible
neutral Bible
skeptics
Bible friendly: medium
Bible friendly:
light
it's important to understand the original cultural context of the passage, verse or book.
agree strongly 46% 68% 46% 40% 16% 54% 41% agree somewhat 46 32 45 50 66 37 50 disagree somewhat 7 0 7 8 19 9 7 strongly disagree 1 0 2 2 0 1 3 single verses can stand alone and be useful
agree strongly 44 54 48 36 21 51 46 agree somewhat 47 40 44 50 65 39 47 disagree somewhat 8 4 8 10 12 9 7 strongly disagree 1 1 0 3 2 0 0 it's important to understand the original intention of the Bible’s writers
agree strongly 43 73 42 36 13 53 34 agree somewhat 45 22 47 53 55 39 53 disagree somewhat 10 3 10 10 30 7 12 strongly disagree 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 verses should never be taken out of context
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 54
Table C | Bible Translation and Interpretation (cont’d)
base: self-identified Christians all
Millennials Bible
engaged Bible
friendly Bible
neutral antag-onistic
Bible friendly: medium
Bible friendly:
light
Bible translations don’t affect the truth of the Bible agree strongly 22% 40% 23% 12% 17% 28% 19% agree somewhat 37 32 41 38 19 39 42 disagree somewhat 30 17 27 36 50 20 33 strongly disagree 11 11 9 14 15 13 7 the Bible is only truly accurate in its original languages
agree strongly 21 42 19 15 20 25 15 agree somewhat 38 25 40 41 36 38 41 disagree somewhat 28 16 30 30 33 24 35 strongly disagree 13 17 11 14 11 13 9 the Bible can only be correctly interpreted by people who have years of intense training in theology
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 55
Table D | Reading the Bible in Public What do you think when you see someone reading the Bible in public?
all
Millennials Bible
engaged Bible
friendly Bible
neutral Bible
skeptics
Bible friendly: medium
Bible friendly:
light
I am happy to see other Christians around. 29% 61% 44% 23% 2% 56% 36% I feel encouraged. 29 50 46 19 4 56 40 I feel joyful 27 50 44 18 3 53 39 I feel grateful to see that sacred books are still important to people. 26 43 36 24 5 35 37 It reminds me to read my own Bible. 24 43 39 17 2 43 36 I feel like they are a kindred spirit. 18 38 25 15 4 25 25 I assume the person is politically conservative. 15 15 13 15 17 13 14 I feel like stopping and saying hello. 12 21 17 10 3 23 14 I suspect the person is trying to make a statement or be provocative. 12 20 10 11 14 7 11 I think the person is old-fashioned. 12 7 7 15 18 4 8 I figure I don’t have anything in common with the person. 12 8 7 7 24 9 7 I feel curious about what’s in the Bible. 11 11 16 9 6 17 15 I think they should read the Bible in private. 10 9 10 10 12 14 7 I think the person is naïve. 8 15 5 5 14 6 5 I feel uncomfortable. 8 3 6 9 14 2 8 I get embarrassed for them. 6 14 6 4 7 7 5 I feel guilty. 6 14 9 4 1 8 10 none of these 19 2 9 23 37 4 12
n= 998 100 379 268 250 139 240
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 56
Table E | Main Messages of the Bible What would you say are the two or three main messages of the Bible? (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)
all
Millennials Bible
engaged Bible
friendly Bible
neutral Bible
skeptics
Bible friendly: medium
Bible friendly:
light
There is only one God. 39% 49% 46% 37% 26% 51% 44% Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. 35 22 23 54 37 15 27 Humans are sinful and require forgiveness and redemption. 32 29 33 29 37 29 35 Jesus is the only way to eternal life. 28 54 37 15 18 47 31 God helps those who help themselves. 25 26 24 31 17 24 25 You can discover freedom, hope, and joy. 24 30 21 29 19 19 22 Humans need God. 23 20 30 21 15 30 30 This is how you can live well and obey God. 21 18 24 19 18 24 24 Here is the way to get to heaven. 17 23 20 12 16 24 17 other 4 1 0 2 12 0 0
n= 997 100 378 270 248 139 239
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 57
Table F | Engagement with Bible Thinking about your Bible reading in the past month, how did you usually engage with the Bible?
% among Bible readers who read the Bible at least once a month
all Millennials
Bible engaged
Bible friendly
Bible neutral
Bible skeptics
Bible friendly: medium
Bible friendly:
light
read it by myself most 54% 71% 48% 43% NA 49% 46% some 30 22 36 26 NA 37 32 a little 12 2 14 22 NA 11 20 none 4 5 2 9 NA 3 2 heard it read out loud at church most 41 50 40 30 NA 40 41 some 36 33 41 30 NA 43 35 a little 13 10 12 20 NA 11 15 none 10 7 7 20 NA 6 8 prayed about what I read most 33 46 33 12 NA 35 28 some 39 36 44 30 NA 48 35 a little 18 12 17 36 NA 12 29 none 10 6 6 22 NA 5 8 discussed it with friends or family most 31 46 28 19 NA 30 25 some 34 30 38 24 NA 39 36 a little 26 17 27 36 NA 26 31 none 9 7 6 21 NA 5 8 read it with a devotional most 29 38 26 24 NA 29 20 some 37 37 42 17 NA 43 42 a little 16 11 17 20 NA 14 22 none 19 14 15 39 NA 14 16
n= 354 98 196 52 9 136 59 * NA: data not show due to limited sample size
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 58
Table F | Engagement with Bible (cont’d)
% among Bible readers who read the Bible at least once a month
all Millennials
Bible engaged
Bible friendly
Bible neutral
Bible skeptics
Bible friendly: medium
Bible friendly:
light
made notes or underlined verses most 28% 43% 23% 25% NA 25% 19% some 36 33 42 20 NA 45 34 a little 18 9 22 19 NA 18 30 none 18 15 14 37 NA 12 17 as part of a one-year plan to read full Bible
most 27 42 21 23 NA 19 27 some 31 32 36 15 NA 39 27 a little 19 8 23 21 NA 22 24 none 24 18 20 41 NA 20 22 read it in conjunction with a liturgy or prayer
most 27 40 24 14 NA 24 24 some 36 27 43 31 NA 46 36 a little 15 12 16 17 NA 13 23 none 22 20 17 38 NA 17 18 memorized Scripture most 26 39 25 8 NA 26 22 some 35 29 39 34 NA 40 38 a little 22 17 23 26 NA 21 28 none 17 16 13 32 NA 13 13 read it with a commentary or Bible resource
most 24 38 19 20 NA 18 20 some 40 36 46 30 NA 49 40 a little 11 6 15 7 NA 14 17 none 25 20 20 43 NA 19 22
n= 356 98 196 52 9 136 59 * NA: data not show due to limited sample size
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 59
Table F | Engagement with Bible (cont’d)
% among Bible readers who read the Bible at least once a month
all Millennials
Bible engaged
Bible friendly
Bible neutral
Bible skeptics
Bible friendly: medium
Bible friendly:
light
with a small group most 21% 31% 19% 9% NA 22% 14% some 35 42 36 22 NA 37 34 a little 21 9 26 27 NA 25 28 none 23 17 18 42 NA 16 24
n= 356 98 196 52 9 136 59 * NA: data not show due to limited sample size
Table G | Changes to Bible Usage Would you say that your own personal use of the Bible has increased, decreased, or is about the same as one year ago?
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 60
Table H | Increase in Bible Engagement What do you think caused the increase in your Bible engagement? (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)
Base: personal use of the Bible has increased compared to one year ago
all Millennials
Bible engaged
Bible friendly
Bible neutral
Bible skeptics
Bible friendly: medium
Bible friendly:
light
I came to understand it as an important part of my faith journey. 41% 39% 40% 48% NA 38% 43% I saw how the Bible changed someone I know for the better. 31 35 32 22
NA 36 28
I had a significant change in my life (marriage, birth of a child, etc.). 29 26 33 21
NA 24 43
I downloaded the Bible onto my smartphone or tablet. 29 38 24 28
NA 29 19
I went to a church where the Bible became more accessible to me. 28 30 30 20
NA 26 35
A difficult experience in my life caused me to search the Bible for direction and answers 28 28 29 24
NA
29 29 I had a conversation with a Christian friend. 27 18 32 26
NA 31 34
I followed media conversations about religion and spirituality. 26 35 24 23
NA 30 17
I watched The Bible mini-series on television. 24 31 26 8
NA 29 22
I joined a group that used the Bible when they met. 22 28 25 6
NA 31 18
I listened to a church podcast/church streaming. 22 17 25 25
NA 26 24
Someone I know asked me to read the Bible with them. 19 24 18 15
NA 18 18
other 3 4 1 2 NA 1 1 not sure 4 4 3 5 NA 2 3
n= 264 73 143 41 7* 79 64 * NA: data not show due to limited sample size
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 61
Table I | Decrease in Bible Engagement What do you think caused the decrease in your Bible engagement? (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)
Base: personal use of the Bible has decreased compared to one year ago
all Millennials
Bible engaged
Bible friendly
Bible neutral
Bible skeptics
Bible friendly: medium
Bible friendly:
light
I got too busy with life’s responsibilities (job, family, etc.) 39% NA 51% 43% 14% NA 50%
I became atheist or agnostic. 21 NA 10 9 46 NA 8 I had a significant change in my life (loss of a job, death of a loved one, etc.)
18 NA 23 10 14 NA 24
A difficult experience in my life caused me to doubt my faith (or God and the Bible).
13 NA 19 5 11 NA 15
I decided to leave the church altogether. 13 NA 10 12 17 NA 10
I saw how reading the Bible made very little difference in the life of someone I know.
9 NA 9 6 10 NA 5
I converted to another faith. 8 NA 5 6 15 NA 7 I followed media discussions around religion and spirituality. 8 NA 10 2 8 NA 6
I had conversation with a non-Christian friend. 7 NA 10 3 6 NA 6
other 8 NA 2 9 16 NA 3 not sure 11 NA 8 19 11 NA 8
n= 152 4 63 36** 49 16 47 * NA: data not show due to limited sample size ** caution: small sample size
Table J | Desire to Read the Bible More Do you wish that you read the Bible more or not?
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 62
Table K | Frustration with Bible Reading Which of the following would you say is your most significant frustration when it comes to reading the Bible?
all
Millennials Bible
engaged Bible
friendly Bible
neutral Bible
skeptics
Bible friendly: medium
Bible friendly:
light
You never seem to have enough time to read it. 19% 24% 26% 21% 4% 33% 22% You do not read the Bible. 19 0 3 19 51 0 5 You don’t feel that excited about reading it. 15 14 16 17 14 11 19 You find the language difficult to relate to. 13 25 15 12 6 9 19 You don’t understand the background or the history of the Bible. 9 10 13 12 1 14 13 You can never find the stories or verses you are looking for. 4 3 5 4 2 6 4 none / no frustrations 3 2 2 4 5 1 2 other 17 23 20 11 18 27 16
n= 998 100 377 270 249 139 238
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 63
Table L | Reasons for Bible Reading Below are a few reasons that people may read the Bible. Please indicate which statement is most true for you. I read the Bible because . . .
base: read Bible at least three or four times a year
all Millennials
Bible engaged
Bible friendly
Bible neutral
Bible skeptics
Bible friendly: medium
Bible friendly:
light
It brings me closer to God. 32% 36% 34% 30% NA 37% 29% I need comfort. 14 9 17 13 NA 13 23 I live better when I read it. 12 9 13 16 NA 14 12 It changes me personally. 11 21 8 10 NA 9 7 I know I’m supposed to. 9 8 10 7 NA 13 6 My day is different when I read the Bible. 7 12 6 3 NA 4 8
I have a problem I need to solve or I need direction. 5 1 5 9 NA 3 7
It is part of my studies at school. 3 2 4 4 NA 4 4 don’t know 3 2 2 6 NA 2 1 none of these 3 0 1 2 NA 1 1
n= 440 100 244 75 20 139 105 NA: not shown due to limited sample size.
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 64
Table M | Approaches to Reading the Bible When you read the Bible, how often do you use the following approaches?
base: have ever read the Bible all
Millennials Bible
engaged Bible
friendly Bible
neutral Bible
skeptics
Bible friendly: medium
Bible friendly:
light
in search of a specific verse or verses
often 32% 47% 32% 29% 13% 43% 25% sometimes 42 42 46 39 29 45 46 rarely 15 4 16 19 23 9 20 never 11 6 6 14 34 3 8 as you feel led by the Spirit often 30 45 33 22 6 41 28 sometimes 35 37 40 32 14 41 38 rarely 16 10 16 21 15 13 19 never 19 7 11 25 65 5 15
one book at a time often 29 61 28 18 11 35 23 sometimes 37 27 45 34 21 49 43 rarely 19 6 18 29 19 12 21 never 15 6 9 19 49 4 13 from front to back often 28 56 29 14 15 32 26 sometimes 30 20 34 32 18 38 31 rarely 21 13 23 27 13 20 24 never 21 11 15 27 53 9 18 with a devotional often 22 49 21 17 1 26 18 sometimes 37 35 46 31 7 52 42 rarely 21 8 21 26 24 14 26 never 20 7 12 26 67 8 15
n= 671 100 337 166 65 137 200
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 65
Table M | Approaches to Reading the Bible (cont’d)
base: have ever read the Bible all
Millennials Bible
engaged Bible
friendly Bible
neutral Bible
skeptics
Bible friendly: medium
Bible friendly:
light
chronologically often 21% 39% 21% 14% 11% 28% 17% sometimes 38 37 42 34 25 46 39 rarely 22 13 24 28 16 17 28 never 19 11 13 24 48 9 16 as part of a guided plan (like a one-year plan)
Table N | Posting Bible Verses on Social Media How often do you quote or post Scripture online (on a blog, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.)?
base: self-id Christians all
Millennials Bible
engaged Bible
friendly Bible
neutral Bible
skeptics
Bible friendly: medium
Bible friendly:
light
never 41% 14% 32% 61% 86% 22% 39% a few times a year 26 21 32 23 4 24 37 a few times a month 17 16 21 13 5 28 17 a few times a week 9 23 11 1 0 21 4 daily or more often 7 26 4 2 5 6 3
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 66
Table O | Impressions of Others Quoting the Bible on Social Media What do you think when you see other people quote Scripture in their social media or blogs? (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)
all
Millennials Bible
engaged Bible
friendly Bible
neutral Bible
skeptics
Bible friendly: medium
Bible friendly:
light
I think it’s okay sometimes if you are religious. 29% 15% 24% 37% 32% 23% 25%
It encourages me. 27 41 41 22 3 47 38 It inspires me. 27 42 43 22 3 47 40 It’s fine when verses are used in context. 27 23 27 33 21 27 28
It bothers me if they use verses naively or out of context. 25 22 19 27 34 20 18
I think it’s bold (in a good way). 22 27 32 18 9 34 30 I find it irritating. 18 18 8 17 35 7 9 They are trying to evangelize. 17 34 14 15 17 16 12 They are judgmental. 15 16 12 11 26 16 9 They will push others away. 13 16 10 10 20 10 10 I think that person is wrong. 8 15 8 5 10 6 9 That person is strange. 8 10 8 6 9 9 8
n= 991 100 376 267 247 138 238
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 67
Table P | Resources for Understanding the Bible What do you do when you read something in the Bible that you don’t understand or don’t agree with? (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)
base: have ever read the Bible all
Millennials Bible
engaged Bible
friendly Bible
neutral Bible
skeptics
Bible friendly: medium
Bible friendly:
light
I do research on the passage in commentaries or study guides. 32% 37% 31% 29% 33% 37% 26%
I pray about it. 31 53 34 17 13 44 27 I ask a pastor or church leader. 28 35 33 20 9 42 27 I go online to read what other people think about those passages. 24 23 24 27 16 28 20
I ignore it or move on. 20 18 18 22 32 12 21 I don’t feel like I have to believe every part of the Bible. 19 11 13 31 34 6 18
I don’t have to understand everything, so I accept it as true. 16 20 19 14 0 20 18
It makes me doubt God. 10 16 9 8 9 9 9 n= 679 100 344 169 65 139 205
Table Q | Bible Reading Compared to Other Spiritual Disciplines How important is personal Bible reading compared to the following spiritual disciplines?
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 69
Table R | Religious Activities in Past Week Now I'm going to list some activities. Please tell me which, if any, of these activities you have done during the past week.
% who participated in each event in the past week
all Millennials
Bible engaged
Bible friendly
Bible neutral
Bible skeptics
Bible friendly: medium
Bible friendly:
light
pray to God 62% 98% 86% 59% 14% 97% 79% read from the Bible, not including when you were at a church or synagogue
37 92 51 25 4 83 33
attend a church service, not including a special event such as a wedding or funeral
36 79 53 24 5 76 40
n= 1000 100 379 270 250 139 240
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 70
APPENDIX II: ADDITIONAL DATA TABLES
Table A | Belief Segments
all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
ever made a personal commitment to Jesus that is still important in your life today
50% 87% 92% 82% 57% 17%
When you die you will go to Heaven because you have confessed your sins and have accepted Jesus Christ as your savior. (among those who made a personal commitment to Jesus)
*In order to be classified as born again, respondents must say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus that is still important in their life and believe they will go to Heaven because they’ve made a personal commitment to Jesus (out of six options presented on life after death).
all
Millennials InterVarsity
State of the Bible
Study
ever made a personal commitment to Jesus that is still important in your life today
50% 92% 62%%
When you die you will go to Heaven because you have confessed your sins and have accepted Jesus Christ as your savior (among those who made a personal commitment to Jesus)
44 95 59
Born again* 22 87 36 n= 1000 1347 1012
*In order to be classified as born again, respondents must say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus that is still important in their life and believe they will go to Heaven because they’ve made a personal commitment to Jesus (out of six options presented on life after death).
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 71
Table B | Faith Beliefs The following is a list of statements about people’s beliefs. People have a variety of beliefs on these matters, so please indicate whether you, personally, agree or disagree with each statement, no matter what you think other people may believe.
all
Millennials
practicing Christians non-practicing Christian
non-Christian all Protestant Catholic
your religious faith is very important in your life today*
agree strongly 35% 100% 100% 100% 18% 14% agree somewhat 32 0 0 0 59 17 disagree somewhat 16 0 0 0 20 21 disagree strongly 18 0 0 0 3 48 when He lived on earth, Jesus Christ was human and committed sins, like other people
agree strongly 30 42 33 59 26 27 agree somewhat 33 18 12 12 41 33 disagree somewhat 16 10 10 15 17 18 disagree strongly 21 30 45 15 16 21 the Bible is totally accurate in all of the principles it teaches
agree strongly 29 67 71 68 26 9 agree somewhat 27 26 22 25 40 12 disagree somewhat 22 7 8 7 23 31 disagree strongly 21 0 0 1 11 47 if a person is generally good, or does enough good things for others during their life, they will earn Heaven
your religious faith is very important in your life today
agree strongly 35% 89% 54% agree somewhat 32 10 23 disagree somewhat 16 1 10 disagree strongly 18 * 13 when He lived on earth, Jesus Christ was human and committed sins, like other people
n= 995 1311 1865 *Indicates less than one-half of one percent
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 73
Table B | Faith Beliefs (cont’d)
all
Millennials InterVarsity U.S. adults
if a person is generally good, or does enough good things for others during their life, they will earn Heaven
agree strongly 29% 3% 26% agree somewhat 39 8 30 disagree somewhat 15 13 14 disagree strongly 17 76 29 the Bible is totally accurate in all of the principles it teaches
agree strongly 29 71 34 agree somewhat 27 21 22 disagree somewhat 22 6 28 disagree strongly 21 2 22 the devil, or Satan, is not a living being but is a symbol of evil
agree strongly 27 4 30 agree somewhat 37 10 29 disagree somewhat 18 21 14 disagree strongly 18 66 26 you, personally, have a responsibility to tell other people your religious beliefs
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 75
Table D | Demographic Profile
all
Millennials InterVarsity U.S. adults
gender
male 49% 38% 49% female 51 62 51
education completed high school or less 26 NA 42 some college 32 NA 29 college graduate 43 NA 30 children under 18 in household yes 43 NA 32 no 57 NA 68
marital status married 34 17 49 single, never married 54 82 28 all non-married 12 83 23 ethnicity white 57 72 69 African-American / black 15 8 12 Hispanic / Latino 17 6 5 all non-white 42 28 31
region Northeast 26 25 22 Midwest 23 38 21 South 25 18 33 West 26 19 24
income <$35K 32 NA 28 $35K to $75K 37 NA 37 $75K 31 NA 35
n= 1000 1350 2036
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 76
Table D: Demographic Profile (cont’d)
all
Millennials InterVarsity U.S. adults
registered to vote
yes 72% NA 82% no 29 NA 19
party identification
Republican 23 NA 28 Democrat 44 NA 38 Independent 31 NA 27 other party 2 NA 1
n= 1000 1350 2036
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 77
Table E | Theolographic Profile
all
Millennials InterVarsity U.S. adults
denominational segment self-id Christian 67% NA 78% Protestant 27 95 41 Catholic 18 5 21 Protestant, mainline 8 21 13 Protestant, non-mainline 19 62 29 Non-Christian 33 NA 22
faith segments*
evangelical 2 38 6 non-evangelical born again 20 49 30 notional 45 13 44 other faith 14 NA 7 atheist / agnostic 20 NA 13
church attendance
once a week or more 36 76 36 monthly, not weekly 7 16 10 within the past 6 months 9 5 7 not within the past 6 months 47 3 47
n= 1000 1350 2036
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 78
RESEARCH DEFINITIONS
Practicing Faith Segments Practicing Christians describe themselves as Christians who attend church at least once a month and say their religious faith is very important in their life today.
Practicing Protestants meet the criteria for practicing Christian and most frequently attend a church associated with a Protestant denomination.
Practicing Catholics meet the criteria for practicing Christian and most frequently attend a Catholic church.
Non-Practicing Christians describe themselves as Christian but do not meet the criteria for practicing Christians.
Non-Christians align themselves with a faith other than Christianity or with no faith at all.
Faith Segments Born-again Christians are defined in these surveys as people who say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important in their life today and who also believe that when they die they will go to Heaven because they have received by faith God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Respondents were not asked to describe themselves as born again. Being classified as born again is not dependent on church or denominational affiliation or involvement.
Evangelicals are a subset of born-again Christians. In addition to meeting the born-again criteria, evangelicals also meet six other conditions. These include saying their faith is very important in their life today; contending that they have a personal responsibility to share their religious beliefs about Christ with non-Christians; stating that Satan exists; maintaining that eternal salvation is possible only through grace, not works; asserting that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth; and saying the Bible is totally accurate in all it teaches. Respondents were not asked to describe themselves as evangelical. Being classified as evangelical is not dependent on any church or denominational affiliation or involvement.
Non-evangelical born again adults meet the criteria for born again but do not meet the criteria for evangelical.
Notionals consider themselves to be Christian but do not meet criteria for born gain.
“Other faith” includes those who profess faiths other than Christianity.
Atheists / Agnostics include adults who self-identify as atheist or agnostic or no faith.
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 79
Denominational Segments Mainline Protestants say they attend one of the following denominations: United Church of Christ, American Baptist, Episcopal, Presbyterian Church USA, Lutheran or United Methodist.
Non-Mainline Protestants attend a church not covered in the Mainline category above. Major groups include Adventist, Assembly of God, Baptist (various types), Church of God, Evangelical, Nazarene, non-denominational churches, Pentecostal, Wesleyan and so on.
Geographic Regions Northeast: residents of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington, DC, and Vermont
South: residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia and Virginia
Midwest: residents of Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin
West: residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Alaska and Hawaii
Bible Engagement Segments Bible engaged: believe the Bible is the actual word of God or the inspired word of God with no errors and read the Bible at least 4 times each week OR believe the Bible is the inspired word but has some factual errors and read the Bible daily.
Bible friendly: believe the Bible is the actual word of God or the inspired word of God with no errors and read the Bible less than 4 times each week.
Bible neutral: believe the Bible is the inspired word with factual errors or that it was not inspired but tells how writers understood the ways of God.
Bible skeptic: believe the Bible is just another book of good teachings written by men with stories and advice.
Bible engagement - medium: A subset of Bible friendly, meets criteria for Bible friendly, read the Bible once a week to several times a week
Bible engagement - light: a subset of Bible friendly, meets criteria for Bible friendly, read the Bible less than once a week
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 80
METHODOLOGY
MillennialPollSM included 1,000 online surveys conducted among a representative sample of young adults ages 18 through 30 in the United States. The survey was conducted from August 18 through August 22, 2014. The margin of error for a sample of this size is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, at the 95% confidence level.
American Bible Society’s State of the Bible study, which included 1,012 telephone interviews and 1,024 online surveys, was conducted with adults ages 18 or older in the US from January 8 to February 5, 2014. Data for core questions included in both the telephone and online studies was aggregated. The sampling error for the combined data (n=2,036) is plus or minus 2 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.
The InterVarsity study included 1,350 online interviews conducted from October 18 through November 20, 2013. The sampling error for the data in the aggregate is plus or minus 2.5 percentage points, at the 95% confidence level.
Minimal statistical weighting was used to calibrate the sample to known population percentages in relation to demographic variables.
BARNA GROUP
American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 81
GUIDE TO SURVEY DATA
Do you remember reading the results of a survey and noticing the fine print that says that the results are accurate within plus or minus three percentage points (or some similar number)? That figure refers to the “range of sampling error.” The range of sampling error indicates the accuracy of the results and is dependent upon two factors: 1) the sample size and 2) the degree to which the result you are examining is close to 50 percent or the extremes, 0 percent and 100 percent.
You can estimate the accuracy of your survey results using the table below. First, find the column heading that is closest to your sample size. Next, find the row whose label is closest to the response percentages observed for a particular question from your survey. The intersection of the row and column displays the number of percentage points that need to be added to, and subtracted from, the observed result to obtain the range of error. There is a 95 percent chance that the true percentage of the group being sampled is in that range.
Note that the above statistics only relate to the sampling accuracy of survey results. When comparing the results of two subgroups (e.g., men versus women), a different procedure is followed and usually requires a greater sample size. Further, there is a range of other errors that may influence survey results (e.g. biased question wording, inaccurate data tabulation) -- errors whose influence cannot be statistically estimated.