African-Americans with higher levels of Bible engagement are also more likely to desire even more interaction with the Bible (more than 90 percent of both Bible Centered and Bible Engaged [ii]). And half of all African-Americans say they always feel more connected to God when they read the Bible, while 75 percent usually or always experience a curiosity to know God better when reading the Bible.

“African-Americans know that Bible engagement can impact all areas of their lives for the better,” said Roy Peterson, president and CEO of American Bible Society. “The Bible is the source of ultimate hope and joy. People who devote time in it can discover for themselves how the Word of God can help make sense of life.”

African-Americans who use the Bible at least once a month were found to:

• Feel more willing to engage with their faith (96 percent)
• Be more generous with one’s time, energy or financial resources (94 percent)
• Show a more loving behavior toward others (98 percent)

Church attendance also positively correlated with Bible engagement. There is a jump in Bible engagement with any church attendance in the past six months for African-Americans.

The Bible also impacts African-Americans beliefs. Nearly half, 45 percent, of African-Americans believe the Bible has too little influence on society. Eighty-three percent of African-Americans are concerned about the decline in morality compared to 79 percent of all Americans. Many cite the lack of Bible reading as the reason for the decline (23 percent). However, 51 percent of African-Americans are still more optimistic about the future than Whites (32 percent) or Asians (24 percent). Moreover, half believe the Bible strongly discourages pornography and prostitution, while as a group they are less certain about what the Bible says about politics and public life than other topics. Even so, 92 percent say elected leaders should display peace, kindness, gentleness and self-control, while 80 percent do not believe elected officials are doing this. Finally, 61 percent believe the Bible is the moral fabric of the U.S. compared to 39 percent who believe the U.S. Constitution is.

When African-Americans sit down to read the Bible, many cite feeling peaceful (43 percent) and encouraged (39 percent) as a result of reading the Bible.

African-Americans ranked higher than other Americans in:

• Listening to a church leader (48 percent) versus a business leader (9 percent)
• Owning at least one Bible in their homes (93 percent)
• Wishing they read the Bible more (74 percent)
• Downloading or using a Bible app on a smart phone (52 percent)
• Increasing Bible reading in the last year (26 percent)

Survey Methodology

The State of the Bible 2018 report contains the findings from a nationwide study commissioned by American Bible Society and conducted by Barna Research (a division of Barna Group). Two research methodologies were used for the study: the first included 1,004 telephone interviews (including cellphone interviews) with adults in all 50 states in the U.S., and the second consisted of 1,063 online surveys using a nationally representative panel. The use of two methodologies provided a larger sample size for key questions and ensured even greater representation among all age groups. The telephone interviews were conducted Jan. 4 – 11, 2018, and included U.S. adults 18 years of age or older. The online surveys were conducted Jan. 9 – Jan. 18, 2018.

About American Bible Society

Since 1816, American Bible Society has worked to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so all people may experience its life-changing message. One of the nation’s first and most enduring ministries, today’s American Bible Society provides resources across a variety of platforms, enabling first-time readers and seasoned theologians alike to engage with the best-selling book of all time. For more information, visit American.Bible.

Interact with the Bible frequently. It is transforming their relationships and shaping their choices; 11 percent of African-Americans