The American Bible Society's annual "State of the Bible" study shows most Americans believe society needs the Bible, but few are finding time to read it.
A majority of people in the United States believe the Bible contains the best advice for a meaningful life, but they also don't want to take it, and are too busy to read the scriptures.
According to the American Bible Society's "State of the Bible 2013" study, 66 percent of Americans agreed that "the Bible contains everything a person needs to know to live a meaningful life," while 58 percent say they don't want wisdom and advice from the Bible, and 57 percent say they read it fewer than five times per year.
"There is a difference between believing something is beneficial and opening up your heart, mind and life to let that beneficial thing in," Geof Morin, chief communications officer for the American Bible Society (ABS), wrote in a Thursday statement to The Christian Post. He explained that some people "view reading the Bible as taking your medicine," rather than a life-changing encounter with God.
But it isn't just a lack of motivation, Morin argued. Sixty-one percent of adults wish they read the Bible more. "It seems that many Americans are letting other priorities get in the way of them opening the pages of the Bible." His organization is trying to fix that.
According to its website, the ABS aims to "bring God's Word to cultural channels where the Bible lacks a strong voice and extend new reach within today's leading churches, inviting millions to reconsider and renew their engagement with God's Word." Along with sending Bibles overseas and using scripture to bring relief, this goal of transforming culture forms the organization's mission statement.
"We are constantly innovating how we deliver God's Word to give people anytime, anywhere access in a way that fits their busy schedules," Morin said. He mentioned digital access to the Bible – on smartphone, Kindle and iPad – which has hit a new high. Forty-one percent of Americans use the internet to read the Bible.
Read More: http://www.christianpost.com/news/americas-bible-hypocrisy-study-shows-disconnect-between-beliefs-and-behavior-103935/
A majority of people in the United States believe the Bible contains the best advice for a meaningful life, but they also don't want to take it, and are too busy to read the scriptures.
According to the American Bible Society's "State of the Bible 2013" study, 66 percent of Americans agreed that "the Bible contains everything a person needs to know to live a meaningful life," while 58 percent say they don't want wisdom and advice from the Bible, and 57 percent say they read it fewer than five times per year.
"There is a difference between believing something is beneficial and opening up your heart, mind and life to let that beneficial thing in," Geof Morin, chief communications officer for the American Bible Society (ABS), wrote in a Thursday statement to The Christian Post. He explained that some people "view reading the Bible as taking your medicine," rather than a life-changing encounter with God.
But it isn't just a lack of motivation, Morin argued. Sixty-one percent of adults wish they read the Bible more. "It seems that many Americans are letting other priorities get in the way of them opening the pages of the Bible." His organization is trying to fix that.
According to its website, the ABS aims to "bring God's Word to cultural channels where the Bible lacks a strong voice and extend new reach within today's leading churches, inviting millions to reconsider and renew their engagement with God's Word." Along with sending Bibles overseas and using scripture to bring relief, this goal of transforming culture forms the organization's mission statement.
"We are constantly innovating how we deliver God's Word to give people anytime, anywhere access in a way that fits their busy schedules," Morin said. He mentioned digital access to the Bible – on smartphone, Kindle and iPad – which has hit a new high. Forty-one percent of Americans use the internet to read the Bible.
Read More: http://www.christianpost.com/news/americas-bible-hypocrisy-study-shows-disconnect-between-beliefs-and-behavior-103935/