Most Americans Own a Bible, So Why Aren't They Reading It?

[KR McKay]

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/...ing-good-book/

Most Americans Own a Bible, So Why Aren't They Reading It?

By Lamar Vest

Published November 08, 2011
FoxNews.com


It may surprise you to learn that America is decidedly pro-Bible. According to research commissioned by American Bible Society, Barna Research polled 2,000 Americans and discovered that nine out of 10 households own a Bible. A full 86 percent of people surveyed indicated that they consider the Bible to be sacred or holy. That’s the good news.
But this positive view of the Bible and high rate of Bible ownership in America begs a question: what are Americans doing with all these Bibles?To put it another way, is the Bible simply sitting on our shelves or is it being read? And what difference does it make in our society if we’re not actually reading the Bible?

To look at popular depictions of American society—a jaded, faithless people too sophisticated for belief in God—it would seem there is a decided disconnect between what we say we believe about the Bible and how it impacts—or doesn’t impact—our lives.
More than half of the people surveyed as part of the American Bible Society study reported that they had an average knowledge of the Bible, while nearly a quarter of U.S. adults considered themselves quite knowledgeable on the topic. Two-thirds of adults correctly identified what "3" means in John 3:16 (chapter), indicating a working knowledge of the Bible's basic construction. Seven out of 10 responding described the Bible as the inspired Word of God.
But are people were overestimating their connection with the Bible?
After all,if people were reading their Bible on a consistent basis, wouldn’t the world look a little better?
Consider the facts:
- According to recent U.S. Census data (May 2011), approximately one in two first marriages end in divorce.
- 42 percent of Americans believe gambling is not an issue.
- 23 percent believe telling a lie to spare someone's feelings is morally acceptable.
- At least 1,500 men, women and children are seriously injured or killed each year in the U.S. as a result of senseless traffic disputes and altercations (source: AAA).
So if we are a society of Bible believers, how do we explain the prevalence of behaviors falling beneath the Bible’s highest standards? Do we really believe in our beliefs?
What would America look like if our actions did a better job of reflecting what most of us acknowledge as God's Word?
Would we, as Jesus instructs, resolve conflict more peacefully by turning the other cheek?
Would we love our neighbor as ourselves—even if it meant checking our frustration with the driver slowing down our commute?
Would we take the time to offer a kind word? Ask about a sick neighbor? Keep an eye on an elderly widow? Visit a prisoner?
We see a lot of media stories about someone complaining about a prayer offered at a graduation, the mention of God by a public official, or the presence of a cross in a military memorial. We’re often left with the impression that Americans want religion to stay out of everyday life.
But the research doesn’t support this.
In fact, 54 percent of those surveyed think that the Bible has too little influence in U.S. society today. They recognize, as do I, that the influence of the Bible can bring about positive changes in our society.
The big, sweeping narrative of the Bible is, in fact, dialed into our highest hopes and aspirations. All that we long to see in our world—love, forgiveness, compassion and humility—can be found in the Word.
So how do we achieve a better alignment of our reported beliefs and observable actions?
A good start is to move from being a Bible owner to a Bible reader. The presence of a dusty Bible on the shelf won’t make a person live more Biblically any more than the presence of a diet book in the home will make one live more healthily. For the Bible to get into our hearts and lives, we need to get into the Bible.

As we actively engage with Scripture, I believe we’ll begin to become people whose lives—not just words—reflect what it says.

Lamar Vest is the President and CEO of the American Bible Society. Founded in 1816, the American Bible Society exists 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.

©2011 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved.

[IamPJ]

There are so many Bibles in this country and in peoples homes. And not many are read. And there are so many people in other countries that would love to have a Bible, but can't get their hands on one. What a shame. I cannot go a day without reading my Bible. I feel for those that are Christians in other countries that would love to read a Bible but don't have one available.

[micah719]

Why? Because the majority are not sheep. Or is the hand of The Lord shortened? Did He not say the word went forth from His mouth and would not return void? His sheep hear His voice and do not follow strangers.

Barna has been shown up to be dodgy, and a look at the ABS' history and products will show the discerning what the underlying problem is.

Joh 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
Joh 10:2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
Joh 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Joh 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
Joh 10:5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
Joh 10:6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
Joh 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
Joh 10:8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
Joh 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Joh 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Joh 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
Joh 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
Joh 10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
Joh 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
Joh 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Joh 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
Joh 10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
Joh 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Joh 10:19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.
Joh 10:20 And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?
Joh 10:21 Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?
Joh 10:22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.
Joh 10:23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.
Joh 10:24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
Joh 10:25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
Joh 10:26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
Joh 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Joh 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
Joh 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
Joh 10:30 I and my Father are one.
Joh 10:31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

[LivnForChrist]

What a shame. Christians in China and other parts of the world
would love to be able to have some of them bibles that are just laying
around gathering dust.

[Quillter]

I'm on my second reading, got about all of the NT done. I think people don't read the Bible because it can be hard, and the amount is intimidating.

The shame of it is, the Bible would be such a blessing and teaching for them if they took the time and made the effort to read it.

[MikeD]

One of my earliest childhood memories is that of my GrandFather sitting at the kitchen table in the early morning hours sipping his coffee and reading his Bible. Throught the years that has left a TREMENDOUS impact on me. The sense of "safety and wellbeing" was overwhelming.

If others could realize what this simple thing could, WOULD and DOES do for our children/grandchildren, just seeing us reading the Bible! Not "preaching", not shoving the Word at them, just seeing us read the Bible. That's all.

Sadly, many children in homes all over America will never receive the JOY of seeing this being done by their parents or Grand parents. How sad, so very sad...

[jesuschangesall]

Before I become a believer in Jesus ( I was 23 years old then,I am 62 now..) we had a Bible at home.
A neat black cover Bible.....unopened...u see, my father ( who got saved 1 year after me) was a free mason,so we had the Bible ( by the way I was a Roman Catholic,being Italian) at home.....I remember that I tried to read it before salvation and it did not make much sense to me....expecially because I started reading the old testament and i got really confused with the various war and battles of joshua and all...so I decided the book was too complicated and I gave up reading it...3 months later by the way,He saved me....but that is because of HIS amazing Greace....
People can read the Bible,yes,but UNLESS one is born again it can be even a real problem...one can become legalistic and hard...
I am convinced that no one can know JESUS until HE REVEALS HIMSELF.....
in fact He might bring us in a place of despair and we cry that if there is a God out there please help...and at that point Jesus will reveal Himself and save us....
in my case ,when in despair I was wandering from a religion to another,from a cult to another,in one instant,HE REVEALED HIMSELF to BE THE TRUE LIVING GOD...and man,that was 6 pm 4th February 1972 and all of sudden I KNEW in my spirit HE IS GOD,and I confessed HIM as my Savior and believed that He raised from the dead and" BANG!! HE REVEALED HIMSELF...and in 40 years HE IS MY LORD and SAVIOR REDEEMER and what to say?
GRACE,GRACE...nothing but AMAZING GRACE....
So,YES,THE BIBLE is GREAT...but one has to know and believe in the AUTHOR of THE BIBLE,our TRIUNE GOD.....to receive SALVATION.....dont know if I myself....SALVATION IS SUPERNATURAL.....we cannot produce it by human efforts....it is HIS GIFT....GLORY BE TO JESUS CHRIST! AMEN

[Andrei]

Just wanted to point out something interesting, related to the thread's title. The #8 free application on the Android Market is a multilingual Bible app, just under Facebook (#5) and YouTube (#6). This made my friend and me exclaim "That's awesome!"

[Betty]

I have the Bible on my Nook Color. It makes it convenient to read it. When I was growing up, my mom read a chapter of the Bible to us every morning before School.
betty

[SonSeeker]

Just wanted to point out something interesting, related to the thread's title. The #8 free application on the Android Market is a multilingual Bible app, just under Facebook (#5) and YouTube (#6). This made my friend and me exclaim "That's awesome!"

That IS awesome! But not awesome enough for me to break down and buy a smart phone. I'll stick with my Bible made of paper and my dumb phone thank you.

[livin_in_the_Son]

I also have a Nook Color (which is how connect with you lovely people) and I have 2 diff. bible versions on it...but just like Sonseeker said, I prefer my actual paper ones....something about the feel of the onionskin, and the ability to highlight and write notes on the pages just feels right. I've oftened wondered if in heaven we'll still have bibles even though we'll have The Living Word with us....

My children each have their own bibles as well for their own personal use, and we take turns at night reading chapters. My 7 yr old daughter will also read from a storybook version for the baby. They are all just as excited about the rapture as I am!

[Carl]

I was never interested in the Bible until God grabbed me. If you don't have Christ then you have no interest in what God has to say.

[Meg]

The Bible isn't easy to understand, even if you are saved. I doubt most seasoned Christians realize that... When I first started reading it, I had endless questions, and some Books, notably Hebrews and Isaiah were very hard for me to understand. I wanted to understand the Word badly, and worked hard to break through.

I think people really crave the comfort of a loving God, but have trouble finding that in the Bible. Which is why the way we present ourselves around here matters so much...

[cspat64]

Because it is just another book if you are not led by the Holy Spirit to understand its God's handwriting. I had this book long before I got saved. Trying to read and understand it gave me nothing...Its content meant nothing to me. It is the work of the Holy Spirit who helps edify me with the Book.

[SonSeeker]

I was never interested in the Bible until God grabbed me. If you don't have Christ then you have no interest in what God has to say.

This short statement speaks volumes, Carl.

Having been brought catholic, we had something called a Missal that we read during Mass. Nothing was ever said about the very existence of the Bible.

Sure says a lot about Catholicism, doesn't it?

[luckyhouston]

Perhaps people don't read their bibles because their church or group doesn't really encourage them to. Reading requires thinking, and understanding requires reflection on what is read. I find that the authorities of groups don't really want discussion of what is said in the bible. Here for example. We are simply told what the bible says. Don't discuss or question its meaning apart from what we tell you it means. If you are only allowed to parrot what the leader says why bother reading it in the first place?

[micah719]

This short statement speaks volumes, Carl.

Having been brought catholic, we had something called a Missal that we read during Mass. Nothing was ever said about the very existence of the Bible.

Sure says a lot about Catholicism, doesn't it?

The Bible is the world's best Anti-Missal System. A Weapon of Mass-Destruction!

Probably why the RCC either twists, suppresses or corrupts Scripture.

[mattfivefour]

Perhaps people don't read their bibles because their church or group doesn't really encourage them to. Reading requires thinking, and understanding requires reflection on what is read. I find that the authorities of groups don't really want discussion of what is said in the bible. Here for example. We are simply told what the bible says. Don't discuss or question its meaning apart from what we tell you it means. If you are only allowed to parrot what the leader says why bother reading it in the first place?

Not at all, my brother. And what you have just stated is an untruth. Nobody has forbidden the discussion of the topic over which you are sore. You were allowed considerable leeway in putting forth your understanding of the lot of sinners in hell. You were permitted to put forward your views on annihilationism, that the punishment is not eternal but limited. Not only the leadership here but other members disputed that from scripture. And you are unhappy because people see scripture differently from you and thus you want to continue to contest it. Please do not say that people are not allowed to discuss things. That is simply not true, outside of the cardinal doctrines of the Church which are fixed and immutable. Discussion is allowed here, even where the view of the topic is in error. But, ultimately, when the various points have been put forward, there is nothing to be gained by allowing the discussion to drag on. And when it does, we close it. However, in any closed thread, if somebody believes they have something to contribute that has not been put forwarfd before, they are free to contact any of the admin/mod team and make a request to either re-open the thread, or add this new information to the closed thread.

[luckyhouston]

Not at all, my brother. And what you have just stated is an untruth. Nobody has forbidden the discussion of the topic over which you are sore. You were allowed considerable leeway in putting forth your understanding of the lot of sinners in hell. You were permitted to put forward your views on annihilationism, that the punishment is not eternal but limited. Not only the leadership here but other members disputed that from scripture. And you are unhappy because people see scripture differently from you and thus you want to continue to contest it. Please do not say that people are not allowed to discuss things. That is simply not true, outside of the cardinal doctrines of the Church which are fixed and immutable. Discussion is allowed here, even where the view of the topic is in error. But, ultimately, when the various points have been put forward, there is nothing to be gained by allowing the discussion to drag on. And when it does, we close it. However, in any closed thread, if somebody believes they have something to contribute that has not been put forwarfd before, they are free to contact any of the admin/mod team and make a request to either re-open the thread, or add this new information to the closed thread.

Not really. The thread in question was closed twice by people pushing their point of view. There was only one scripture sited against mine, and I contested its meaning. I put forward a clear scripture. Then then when the thread was closed a second time preventing me from posting even more scripture others were allowed to post claiming they had provided "mountains" of evidence which they did not. I was not provided a way to counter. That is not discussion, but indoctrination.

Also, to say that my position is that punishment is temperary is not true. We are eternally seperated by destruction. Suffering is temperary, not the punishment. There is a distict difference.

In the end only one point of view gets across. If only one point of view is allowed again why bother reading the bible.

[livin_in_the_Son]

Not really. The thread in question was closed twice by people pushing their point of view. There was only one scripture sited against mine, and I contested its meaning. I put forward a clear scripture. Then then when the thread was closed a second time preventing me from posting even more scripture others were allowed to post claiming they had provided "mountains" of evidence which they did not. I was not provided a way to condtended. That is not discussion, but indoctrination.

Also, to say that my position is that punishment is temperary is not true. We are eternally seperated by destruction. Suffering is temperary, not the punishment. There is a distict difference.

In the end only one point of view gets across. If only one point of view is allowed again why bother reading the bible.

Respectfully lucky, the thread was closed because the horse was dead, and yet people were still whacking at it. You are welcome to your opinion, that was made clear, but constant posting of the same thing over and over, is frustrating for others to read. Thread jacking is also not proper forum etiquette, and using this thread to start whacking at that horse, is exactly that, and it reads like sour grapes. I apologize if this comes off as harsh, because I don't mean it too.