The State of the Bible | 2014

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American Bible Society

THE STATE OF THE BIBLE | 2014

Research conducted among US adults

Research commissioned by: American Bible Society New York, NY

Research conducted by: Barna Group Ventura, CA

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Barna Group

This information has been produced by Barna Group (Ventura, CA) for the American Bible Society (New York, NY). The information is confidential and copyrighted, and belongs to American Bible Society. It may not be reproduced in any form or format without the written permission of ABS.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ...... 4 Researcher’s Notes ...... 5

Data Analysis

1. Bible Perceptions ...... 6 2. Bible Penetration ...... 9 3. Bible Engagement ...... 11 4. Bible Literacy...... 20 5. Moral Decline and Social Impact ...... 24 6. Giving to Non-Profit Organizations...... 25

Appendix I: Data Tables

1. Bible Perceptions ...... 26 2. Bible Penetration ...... 30 3. Bible Engagement ...... 33 4. Bible Literacy...... 51 5. Moral Decline and Social Impact ...... 58 6. Giving to Non-Profit Organizations...... 60

Appendix II: About the Study

Definitions...... 61 Methodology ...... 63 Guide to Survey Data ...... 65

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INTRODUCTION

This report contains the findings from a nationwide study commissioned by the American Bible Society and conducted by Barna Research Group. Two research methodologies were used for the study; one included 1,012 telephone interviews with adults in the continental US, while the other consisted of 1,024 online surveys conducted using a nationally representative panel.

Most of the questions were asked in the telephone survey, while a set of core questions were included online. The use of two methodologies provided a larger sample size for key questions and ensured greater representation among all age groups. The telephone interviews were conducted from January 8 to January 20, 2014, and the online surveys were conducted January 28 to February 5, 2014.

The objectives of this research were to determine:

 perceptions of the Bible  Bible penetration  Bible engagement  Bible literacy  moral decline and social impact  giving to non-profit organizations

This report contains key findings of the telephone and online interviews completed for this research study. Following the Introduction is the Data Analysis section, which is a written explanation of the results that also includes an analysis of the implications of the data. The Appendices contain the data tables, a description of the research methodology and definitions of terminology used in this report. Copies of the questionnaire and detailed, cross-tabulated data tables are provided separately.

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RESEARCHER’S NOTES

Data is shown with a () or () sign, if applicable, to indicate if the data for that segment is statistically significantly higher or lower than the total response for all adults in the study, as well as to indicate change over time. Where these tests of significance have been performed, differences are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level or higher.

Segmentation of the findings is as follows:

Generations: Millennials: those currently ages 18 to 29 Busters: those currently ages 30 to 48 Boomers: those currently ages 49 to 67 Elders: those currently ages 68 or older

Practicing Protestant, Practicing Catholic: Practicing faith are those who attend a religious service at least once a month, who say their faith is very important in their lives and who identify as either Protestant or Catholic.

Non-Practicing Christian: Self-identified Christians who are non-practicing as defined above

No faith/Other faith: Individuals who do not consider themselves Christian (including atheists, agnostics and other faiths); Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses are also included, even if they describe themselves as Christian.

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1. BIBLE PERCEPTIONS

[Table 1.1 | Sacred Literature | p. 28] When asked to name the books that come to mind when they consider sacred literature or holy books, Americans overwhelmingly name the Bible (79%). This proportion is more than seven times the popularity of the next most frequently mentioned holy book, the Koran (12%). Awareness of the Koran has risen four percentages points during the past year, from 8% in 2013.

While relatively rare, other books considered to be holy include the Torah (7%) and the Book of Mormon (5%). Adults who identify with non-Christian faith groups or are atheist or agnostic are more likely than average to mention the Koran (20%) and the Book of Mormon (11%). A total of 13% of adults do not regard any book as sacred text, and another 4% said they were not sure. Compared to 2013, those who mention the Bible as sacred has remained statistically unchanged. While the difference from 2013 to 2014 is not statistically significant, it does continue the decline of the Bible’s mention since 2011 (86% in 2011 to 79% in 2014).

Boomers (ages 49 to 67) and Elders (ages 68 plus) are more likely to regard the Bible as sacred. Millennials (18 to 29) are the least likely generational segment to regard the Bible as sacred literature. Additionally, Millennials (18-29) are more likely than average to say they do not consider any book sacred or holy (19%) or are unable to name a book that is sacred or holy (10%).

Books Considered Sacred or Holy

Bible 79%

Koran 12%

Torah 7%

Book of Mormon 5%

other 5%

none 13%

not sure 4%

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[Table 1.2 | Beliefs about the Bible | p. 29] Half of Americans (50%) strongly agree that the Bible contains everything a person needs to know to live a meaningful life. Elders and Boomers are more likely to believe this, while Millennials are less likely to believe it. The percent who agree with this statement is statistically unchanged from 2013 (47%). Agreement with this statement has rebounded slightly since it was first measured in 2011 (53%).

Americans were also asked their views on whether or not they agree that the Bible, the Koran and the Book of Mormon are all different expressions of the same spiritual truths. Just 18% of Americans strongly agree with this statement. The percentage of adults in strong agreement with this statement has remained statistically unchanged since 2011 (17%). The oldest generation, Elders, are least likely to agree strongly (13%), while the youngest generation, Millennials, are more likely than average to agree strongly (23%).

[Table 1.3 | The Bible’s Role in US Society | p. 30] Half of adults (50%) believe the Bible has too little influence in US society today—more than three times the proportion of those who think it has too much influence (16%). Three out of 10 adults (30%) consider the Bible’s role and influence to be just right, while the remaining 6% are not sure. The number of adults who feel the Bible has too little influence has decreased by six- percentage points since 2013, which is statistically significant. The number of adults who feel the Bible has too much influence has increased in 2014 from 13% in 2013. Similarly, adults who feel the Bible has just the right amount of influence in US society has increased slightly from 26% in 2013. Those who say the Bible has too much influence and those who feel it is just right are on par with 2011 numbers.

Practicing Protestants and practicing Catholics are more inclined to believe the Bible has too little influence, while those of a non-Christian faith or with no religious faith are far more likely to think the Bible is too influential. Non-practicing Christians are more likely than average to say they feel the influence is just right (36%).

As in previous years, there is a generational gap in how people feel about the influence of the Bible in society. Boomers and Elders say the Bible does not have enough influence. Millennials are far more likely than average to say the Bible has too much influence (30% compared to 50% of all adults). The percent of Millennials who believe the Bible has too little influence has declined significantly from 2011 when 44% of Millennials said the Bible has too little influence on society.

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Influence of Bible in US Society Today

too little influence just right too much influence not sure

13%

56% 26%

Influence of the Bible in US Society

too little influence too much influence

61% 54% 52% 50%

30% 26%

16% 15% 14% 6%

all adults Millennials (18-29) Buster (30-48) Boomer (49-67) Elder (68 plus)

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2. BIBLE PENETRATION

[Table 2.1 | Bible Ownership | p. 31] [Table 2.2 | Bible Ownership: Segmentation | p. 32] The vast majority of adults (88%) say their household owns a Bible. Elders and Boomers are more likely to have a Bible in their homes, while Millennials are less likely. Virtually all practicing Protestants and Catholics say they own a Bible. Non-practicing Christians also showed a significantly higher number of households that own a Bible (93%).

Not surprisingly, those who do not consider themselves to be Christian are far less likely than average to say their household owns a Bible (65%). Bible ownership has remained statistically unchanged since the 2011 measurement.

Bible ownership has decreased over the past two decades, from 92% in 1993 to 88% 2014.

Bible Ownership

yes no

12%

88%

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[Table 2.3 | Number of Bibles Owned | p. 33] American Bible owners have an average of three Bibles in their home (median of 3.4). A total of 17% of Bible owners have one Bible; 35% have two to three Bibles; 22% have four to five Bibles; and 27% have six or more Bibles in their household. The number of Bibles Americans own has remained unchanged since 2011.

Number of Bibles Owned % among households that own a Bible

4.7 4.5 4.3 4.4

3.5 3.4 3.3 3.4

2011 2012 2013 2014

mean median

[Table 2.4 | Bible Purchases | p. 33] Among US adults, 13% purchased a Bible in the past 12 months. This is statistically the same as purchases made in 2012 and 2013. Practicing Protestants are more likely to say they purchased a Bible during the past year. Non-practicing Christians and those who align themselves with a faith other than Christianity, as well as those who are atheist or agnostic, are less likely to have purchased a Bible in 2013.

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3. BIBLE ENGAGEMENT

Please note that many of the questions in this section were applicable only to those who read the Bible. “Bible readers” are defined as those who read the Bible as frequently as daily to as infrequently as three or four times a year.

[Table 3.1 | Bible Readers | p. 33] [Table 3.2 | Bible Readers: Segmentation | p. 34] One-fourth of adults (26%) say they never read the Bible. One in 10 (9%) read it less than once a year and about the same number (11%) read it only once or twice a year, not including times when they are at a church service or church event. These three segments combined represent non-Bible readers (46%).

The total proportion of Bible readers—that is, those who read the Bible at least three to four times a year—is 53%. Fifteen percent of adults say they read the Bible daily. Another 13% spend time in Scripture several times per week; 9% read it once a week; 8% read the Bible once a month; and 8% read it three to four times a year.

Elders are the most avid readers, with 24% reporting they read the Bible daily. Boomers are also more likely to read the Bible daily (20%) compared to Millennials and Busters. Residents of the South are more likely than residents of the Northeast, Midwest or West to read the Bible daily.

There have been no significant changes in the past three years in how often people report reading the Bible.

Bible Readership More Likely Among Older Americans and in the South

66% 63% 53% 57% 53% 46% 48% 40%

Millennials Busters Boomers Elders (68+) South Northeast Midwest West (18-29) (30-48) (49-67)

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[Table 3.3 | Time Spent Reading the Bible | p. 35] The average Bible reader spends 30 minutes (median) reading the Bible at each sitting. One in seven (15%) spend less than 15 minutes per sitting. Nearly an equal proportion of adults spend 15-29 minutes (26%), 30-44 minutes (30%) and 45 minutes or more (28%) at one sitting.

There are no statistical differences by generation or faith engagement in the number of minutes readers spend reading the Bible. However, the percent of Bible readers who spend an hour or more in one sitting reading the Bible are more likely than average to be notional Christians, non- born-again Christians, non-practicing Christians, and Bible-neutral adults (29%). These same segments are reading the Bible less frequently than Bible readers on average, but when they do they are more likely to read for longer periods of time.

[Table 3.4 | Preferred Bible Version | pp. 36-37] One-third of Bible readers (34%) say they most often read the King James Version of the Bible. Since tracking began in 2011, the KJV has seen a nine-point decrease in percentage of people who read it most often (45% in 2011 to 34% in 2014). Far fewer say they prefer the New International Version (13%) or the New King James Version (10%). The English Standard version is read by 6% of Bible readers, while the New Living Translation is read by 4%. All other translations were mentioned by 3% or fewer Bible readers. Boomers are more likely to mention the King James Version while Millennials are less likely to do so.

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Bible Version Read Most Often % among Bible readers

King James Version 34%

New International Version 13%

New King James Version 10%

English Standard Version 6%

New Living Translation 4%

New Revised Standard Version 3%

all others (2% or less combined) 19%

not sure 11%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

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[Table 3.5 | Motivations for Reading the Bible | p. 38] Bible readers were presented with a list of possible reasons for reading the Bible. More than half (56%) say that reading it brings them closer to God. Far fewer spend time in Scripture because they have a problem they need to solve or need direction (17%) or need comfort (15%). While the percent of those who say they read the Bible because it brings them closer to God has increased by three percentage points (from 53% in 2013 to 56% in 2014), it ranks statistically lower than when tracking first began (64% in 2011, 55% in 2012, 53% in 2013 and 56% in 2014). Practicing Protestants are more likely than average say their top motivation for reading the Bible is that it brings them closer to God (65%).

[Table 3.6 | Level of Bible Use | p. 39] [Table 3.7 | Desire for Bible Reading | p. 40] When asked how much they use the Bible today versus how much they used the Bible a year ago, the majority of adults (71%) said their level of use has remained the same. Eighteen percent said their level of use has increased. Only 9% said their personal level of use has decreased and 1% were unsure. There has been no significant change in Bible readership among US adults in the past year. Among Bible readers, one-third (33%) say their Bible reading has increased in the previous year, compared to 57% who say it has remained the same and 9% who report their level of use has decreased.

Three out of five adults (62%) say they wish they read the Bible more, statistically on par with 2013 findings (61%), but a significant decrease from 2011 (67%).

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[Table 3.8 | Reasons for Bible Engagement | p. 41] [Table 3.9 | Reasons for Bible Disengagement | p. 42] A follow-up question was asked among adults who said they had either increased or decreased their Bible reading: why had such an increase or decrease occurred?

Among adults who increased their Bible reading, more than half (53%) say they came to understand the importance of Bible reading as part of their faith journey. Another 41% say they had experienced something difficult in their life that caused them to turn to the Bible to search for direction or answers, while another 17% believe a significant life change caused them to turn to the Bible more. One in four (26%) say their increase in Bible reading was because they had downloaded the Bible onto their smartphone or tablet.

Being too busy with life’s responsibilities was the number one reason (40%) Bible readers gave for their decrease in Bible engagement compared to one year ago. Less than half as many (17%) experienced a significant change in their life that caused them to engage in the Bible less often. Roughly one in seven say they became an atheist or agnostic (15%) or underwent a difficult experience that caused them to doubt their faith (13%).

[Tables 3.10 | Frustrations with Bible Reading | p. 43] When presented with a number of potential frustrations with reading the Bible, close to half of adults (47%) who read the Bible at least once a week say they never seem to have enough time to read it, up seven points from 2013. Other Bible readers cited finding the language difficult to relate to (8%); not understanding the background or history of the Bible (8%); and never finding the stories or verse they are looking for (6%). Just 1% do not feel excited to read it.

One in four Bible readers (25%) say they have no frustrations in reading the Bible. This is a significant decrease from 2013 (31%); however, it is on par with 2011 (23%) and 2012 (25%).

When the sample size is expanded to include all adults and not just weekly Bible readers, the proportion of adults who say they have no frustrations with reading the Bible shows a significant decrease from 22% in 2013 to 17% in 2014. More adults this year (35%) than in 2013 (30%) cite lack of time to read the Bible as a top frustration.

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[Table 3.11 | Favorable Emotions When Reading the Bible | p. 44] [Table 3.12 | Unfavorable Emotions When Reading the Bible | p. 45] Any adult who had ever read the Bible was presented with possible favorable and unfavorable emotions they may have experienced the last time they read the Bible. Respondents were asked to choose which emotions they had experienced from a list of descriptions. More than one answer was allowed for these questions.

Three in five adults (60%) say they did not experience any unfavorable emotions while reading the Bible. Just 11% said they did not feel any favorable emotions while reading the Bible. This suggests the general feeling of those who have read the Bible have more positive than negative emotions. Millennials are more likely than average to report such negative emotions as confusion (21%), doubt (11%), boredom (16%) and discouragement (9%). They are also less likely to say they feel encouraged or inspired (24%). Boomers are more likely feel hopeful (34%), while Elders are more likely than average to say they feel peaceful (49%) and encouraged or inspired (42%).

The top three unfavorable emotions mentioned were feeling confused (15%), overwhelmed (9%) and doubtful (6%). Non-practicing Christians are more likely to say they feel confused (18%), while non-Christian and adults of no faith are more likely to say they feel bored (11%).

The top three favorable emotions mentioned were feeling at peace (42%), encouraged or inspired (33%) and hopeful (29%). Slightly more adults said they felt peaceful and happy in 2014 than in 2013. The proportion of those who felt no favorable emotions when reading the Bible has increased significantly in 2014 (from 3% in 2013 to 11% in 2014).

[Table 3.13 | Applying the Bible to Life | p. 46] In a separate inquiry among those adults who read the Bible in the past week, 57% say they gave a lot of thought to how it might apply to their life, down significantly from 65% in 2013. More than one-third (37%) say they gave some thought to its applicability, up from 28% in 2013. Only 5% did not give any thought to how the Bible might apply to their life, which is on par with 2013.

Practicing Protectants were more likely than practicing Catholics to say they gave a lot of thought to how the Bible might apply to their life (64% and 42%, respectively).

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[Table 3.14 | Use of Bible Formats | p. 47] Bible readers were asked about a variety of ways in which the Bible is available and asked whether or not they had used that format in the past year. Nine out of 10 Bible readers (89%) say they read on their own from a print version of the Bible, the most prevalent by far of the formats tested. Less than half of Bible readers used the Internet to read Bible content (44%) or attended a small group or Bible study (44%) where they studied the Bible in a group (not including during weekend church worship services).

One in three Bible readers (35%) say they searched for Bible verses or Bible content on a smart phone or cell phone; 29% listened to a teaching about the Bible via podcast; 25% listened to an audio version of the Bible; and 24% read an electronic version of the Bible on an e-reader such as a Kindle or iPad.

Although the number of Bible readers who read on their own from a print version of the Bible remains high at 89%, the data shows a continuing shift to digital formats. The number of readers who use their smart phone or cell phone to search for Bible content has increased each year, with a six percent increase from 2013 (18% in 2011, 23% in 2012, 29% in 2013 and 35% in 2014). Use of the Internet to find Bible content has also increased, up three percent from 2013. While the change is within the range of sampling error, it does represent a gradual increase since tracking began in 2011 (37% in 2011, 38% in 2012, 41% in 2013 and 44% in 2014). One-quarter of adults use an e-reader such as Kindle or iPad to read Bible content (24% in 2014 compared to 17% in 2013).

Use of the Bible via small group studies has leveled off from a high of 53% in 2011 to its current level of 44%. Listening to audio versions of the Bible has also decreased (30% in 2012 to 26% in 2013).

Not surprisingly, Millennials and Busters are more likely than their older counterparts to use digital media for Bible content.

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Preferred Bible Formats % among Bible readers

2011 2012 2013 2014

89% 89% print 90% 89%

53% 47% small group 44%

37% 38% Internet 44%

28% 30% audio 29%

24% 26% podcast 29%

18% 23% smart phone / cellphone 35%

12% 15% e-reader such as a Kindle or iPad 24%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

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[Table 3.15 | Smartphone or Mobile Phone Ownership | p. 49] [Table 3.16 | Use of Bible Apps | p. 49] Three out of four Americans (75%) own a smartphone or mobile phone. Of those who have a mobile phone, 21% have downloaded a Bible app. Elders (2%) and Boomers (14%) are less likely than average to have downloaded an app, as are non-practicing Christians (16%) and other faith and no-faith groups (14%). More than one-third of practicing Protestant mobile phone users (36%) report downloading a Bible app, which represents a significant increase since 2013 (15%).

[Table 3.17 | Preferred Bible Format | p. 50] Despite the rise in digital technologies, Bible readers overwhelmingly prefer to read a print version (84%) over digital (10%), audio (5%), video (<1%) or other types of Bible formats (1%). While Busters are the generation least likely to prefer print versions, three out of four (75%) still list print versions as the format they prefer most.

Boomers (4%) and Elders (1%) are less likely than average to prefer digital formats compared to Busters (17%) and Millennials (15%).

Americans Still Prefer Printed Bibles % among Bible readers

print digital audio all others

5% 10%

84%

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4. BIBLE LITERACY

[Table 4.1 | Self-Assessment of Biblical Knowledge | p. 51] [Table 4.2 | Highly Knowledgeable about the Bible: Segmentation | p. 52] The majority of adults (69%) consider themselves moderately or somewhat knowledgeable about the Bible. Twelve percent of adults say they are highly knowledgeable; 12% say not too knowledgeable; and 6% say not at all knowledgeable. These percentages are on par with 2013 findings.

Self-Reported Knowledge of Bible

highly knowledgeable moderately / somewhat knowledgeable not too knowledgeable not at all knowledgeable not sure

6% 13% 12%

69%

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[Table 4.3 | Bible as Literal or Inspired Word of God | pp. 53-54] Presented with a number of possible descriptions of the Bible, more adults believe it to be inspired (with some symbolism) than literal. Three in 10 adults (30%) say the Bible is the inspired word of God and has no errors, although some verses are meant to be symbolic. Another 23% consider it to be the actual Word of God that should be taken literally, word for word.

A smaller proportion of adults (15%) think the Bible is the inspired word of God but that it has some factual or historical errors.

Eighteen percent of adults express strong skepticism of Scripture, stating that it is just another book of teachings written by men that contains stories and advice. Ten percent believe Scripture is not inspired by God but just a book that tells how its writers understood the ways and principles of God. Just 3% of adults were unable to select from the five available options as a response that match their opinion.

Both practicing Catholics (50%) and Protestants (40%) are more inclined to believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God with some symbolism, but practicing Protestants are also more likely than average to consider the Bible to be the actual, literal Word of God (41%). Non-practicing Christians are more likely to believe Scripture is inspired but has errors (18%). More than one- half of those of non-Christian faiths or no faith are more likely to believe the Bible is just another book of teachings written by men (51%). Non-practicing Christians (14%) are also more likely than average to believe the Bible is not inspired and tells how writers understood the ways and principles of God.

While the 2014 study did not reveal any significant changes in the adults who believe in the Bible’s accuracy, the percent of adults who believe the Bible is just another book of good teachings has increased from 11% in 2007 to its current level of 18%.

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Beliefs about the Bible as the Literal or Inspired Word of God

2007 2011 2012 2013 2014

30% inspired word of God, has no errors, some verses are meant 31% 28% to be symbolic 27% 30%

26% actual word of God and should be taken literally, word for 24% 24% word 22% 23%

11% just another book of teachings written by men that contain 12% 16% stories and advice 16% 18%

11% 14% inspired word of God, has factual or historical errors 14% 15% 15%

11% not inspired by God, tells how writers understood the ways 8% 8% and principles of God 10% 10%

0% 2% other 2% 2% 2%

5% 9% not sure 9% 9% 3%

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[Table 4.4 | Knowledge of the First Five Books of the Bible| p. 55] One in four US adults (43%) can correctly name “Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy” as the first five books of the Bible. This number rises to 69% among practicing Protestants. The percent of practicing Protestants who can correctly name the first five books increased in 2014 from 61% in 2013. Just 30% of non-practicing Christians answered correctly compared to 42% of other faith and no-faith groups. The percent of adults who correctly named the first five books of the Bible has remained statistically unchanged from 2013 (42%). One- third of Americans (33%) were unsure.

[Table 4.5 | Knowledge of the Bible’s Teaching | pp. 56-57] Americans were asked whether or not they felt the Bible encourages, discourages it or is silent about 10 specific attitudes or behaviors. The most common behaviors Americans feel the Bible strongly encourages are forgiveness (80%), generosity (70%) and patience (69%). Millennials are less likely to agree the Bible strongly encourages these behaviors, and more likely to say the Bible is silent on forgiveness and patience.

Roughly half of all Americans feel the Bible strongly discourages prostitution (58%), homosexual or same-sex relationships (57%), pornography (52%) and gambling (49%). Elders are most likely to feel the Bible strongly discourages homosexual or same-sex relationships.

While more than half of all adults believe the next tier of behaviors is discouraged in the Bible, no more than one in three Americans feel strongly that the Bible discourages these behaviors. One in three (34%) feel the Bible strongly discourages slavery; 28% feel war is strongly discouraged; and 25% believe the Bible speaks strongly against the repression of women.

In contrast, relatively few adults believe the Bible is silent on the 10 issues. At least one in five adults believe the Bible is silent on pornography (34%), gambling (23%), homosexual or same- sex relationships (21%) and repression of women (24%).

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5. MORAL DECLINE AND SOCIAL IMPACT

[Table 5.1 | Belief that Morality Is on the Decline in America | p. 58] [Table 5.2 | Cause of Moral Decline | p. 59] More than four out of five US adults (81%) believe that morality is on the decline in America. Although highest among Elders (89%), no less than seven out of 10 adults from each generation see a decline. Practicing Protestants (91%) and Catholics (87%) are also more likely to agree that morality is declining. Millennials (74%) and non-Christian and no-faith groups (61%) are less likely to believe it.

Those who agreed that the morals of Americans are declining were asked to identify which of three reasons is most responsible for the decline. One-quarter of US adults (29%) say the lack of Bible reading is the primary cause, while one-third (33%) blame the negative influence of television and music. Another one in three point to corruption from corporate greed (29%) as the main cause. Compared to 2013 (32%), fewer adults in 2014 (26%) believe a lack of Bible reading is the cause of moral decline in America.

Boomers are more likely to cite a lack of Bible reading as the cause of moral decline (32%), while Millennials are more likely to identify corruption from corporate greed (47%).

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6. GIVING TO NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

[Table 6.1 | Donations to Non-Profit Organizations | p. 60] [Table 6.2 | Three out of four adults (75%) say they gave to a charity or non-profit organization, including a church or religious organization, during the previous year. This represents a statistically significant increase from the number of adults who gave to a non-profit organization in 2013.

Millennials were more likely than average to say they had not given any money to a non-profit; Boomers and Elders were less likely to say they did not give money to non-profits.

The average (median) adult gave $200 to such organizations in 2013, double the amount adults reported giving in 2012. Millennials gave the least amount of money ($30 on average), with non- practicing Christians ($100) and other faith groups and no faith groups ($50) also giving below average. Practicing Protestants ($1,500) and practicing Catholics ($1,000) were above average in their giving.

Non-Profit Giving by Age median annual dollar amount $1,600.00 $1,400.00 $1,200.00 $1,000.00 $800.00 $600.00 $400.00 $200.00 $- Millennials Busters Boomers Elders total (18-29) (30-48) (49-67) (68 plus) All adults $200.00 $30.00 $300.00 $300.00 $800.00 Bible Readers $600.00 $100.00 $1,000.00 $800.00 $1,500.00 Non-Bible Readers $100.00 $10.00 $100.00 $125.00 $200.00

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APPENDIX I

1. BIBLE PERCEPTIONS

Table 1.1 | Sacred Literature Question: To start with, what books, if any, do you consider sacred literature or holy books? (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenni other all al Buster Boomer Elder Protes- Cath- Chris- faith / adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ tant olic tian no faith the Bible 79% 64% 79% 85% 89% 96% 91% 85% 47% the Koran 12 14 15 10 7 7 9 12 20 Torah 7 8 10 5 2 4 5 7 14 Book of Mormon 5 6 7 3 5 3 0 4 11 other 5 7 3 5 6 3 6 4 8 none 13 19 14 11 7 1 6 9 35 not sure 4 10 3 3 3 2 1 3 9 n= 1,012 214 334 302 142 265 93 416 197

Note: A () or () sign indicates that data for that segment is statistically significantly higher or lower than the total response for all adults. Differences are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level or higher.

2011 2012 2013 2014 the Bible 86% 82% 80% 79% the Koran 10 10 8 12 Torah 4 6 4 7 Book of Mormon 4 5 3 5 other 3 3 4 5 none 7 11 12 13 not sure 3 3 6 4 n= 1,011 1,020 1,005 1,012

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Table 1.2 | Beliefs about the Bible Question: I would like to read some statements about sacred literature and would like to know whether you agree or disagree with each statement?

Non-practicing Generation Practicing faith faith Millenn- other all ial Buster Boomer Elder Prot- Cath- Chris- faith / % agree strongly adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ estant olic tian no faith the Bible contains everything a person needs to know to 50% 35% 49% 55% 63% 79% 60% 48% 16% live a meaningful life the Bible, the Koran, and the book of Mormon all are 18 23 18 19 13 12 21 20 22 different expressions of the same spiritual truths* *online + telephone sample size= 2,008 420 658 619 278 488 178 822 450 telephone sample size= 1,012 214 334 302 142 265 93 416 197 * denotes questions asked in the online survey and the telephone survey.

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Table 1.2 | Beliefs about the Bible (continued)

2011 2012 2013 2014 the Bible contains everything a person needs to know to live a meaningful life agree strongly 53% 48% 47% 50% agree somewhat 22 21 19 19 disagree somewhat 11 15 14 16 disagree strongly 12 12 17 14 not sure 2 5 3 2 the Bible, the Koran, and the Book of Mormon are all different

expressions of the same spiritual truths* agree strongly 17 15 16 18 agree somewhat 33 31 31 29 disagree somewhat 17 18 19 15 disagree strongly 28 28 28 29 not sure 6 8 7 9 *online + telephone sample size= 1,982 1,969 2,030 2,008 telephone sample size= 1,011 1,020 1,005 1,012 * denotes questions asked in the online survey and the telephone survey.

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Table 1.3 | The Bible’s Role in U.S Society Question: Some people believe that the Bible should have a greater role in US society today, while others believe that the Bible should have less influence. Do you think the Bible has too much, too little, or just the right amount of influence in U.S. society today?

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other all ial Buster Boomer Elder Protes- Cath- Chris- faith / adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ tant olic tian no faith too little influence 50% 30% 52% 54% 61% 73% 59% 49% 21% just right 30 37 28 26 28 20 32 36 27 too much influence 16 26 15 14 6 2 6 10 46 not sure 6 7 5 6 5 5 3 5 6 n= 1,012 214 334 302 142 265 93 416 197

2011 2012 2013 2014 too little influence 54% 47% 56% 50% just right 28 29 26 30 too much influence 13 16 13 16 not sure 5 7 6 6 n= 1,011 1,020 1,005 1,012

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2. BIBLE PENETRATION

Table 2.1. | Bible Ownership Question: Does your household own a Bible?

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn other all -ial Buster Boomer Elder Prot- Cath- Chris- faith / adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ estant olic tian no faith yes 88% 80% 87% 92% 95% 100% 98% 93% 65% no 12 20 13 8 6 0 2 7 35 online + telephone sample size= 2,028 427 666 623 280 490 178 827 458 * indicates less than one-half of one percent

1993* 2011 2012 2013 2014 yes 92% 88% 85% 88% 88% no 8 12 15 12 12 n= 601 2,011 2,014 2,071 2,028 * Historical data collected by telephone interviews; 2011-2014 data collected by telephone and online surveys.

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Table 2.2 | Bible Ownership: Segmentation

Segmentation Analysis: Household Owns a Bible (average 88%) Above average ownership …

 evangelicals (100%)  practicing Protestants (100%)  Bible readers (99%)  non-evangelical born agains (99%)  born again Christians (99%)  practicing Catholics (98%)  Protestants (98%)  weekly church attenders (98%)  Bible engagement: engaged (98%)  marginally churched adults (96%)  self-identified Christians (95%)  Bible engagement: friendly (95%)  Elders, ages 68 or older (95%)  Catholics (93%)  non-practicing Christians (93%)  notional Christians (92%)  married adults (92%)  Boomers, ages 49-67 (92%)  women (91%)  adults with some college experience, no degree (91%)  adults who have experienced a divorce (91%)  residents of the South (91%)  residents of the Midwest (91%)

Below average ownership …

 atheists and agnostics (55%)  non-self-identified Christians (62%)  those aligned with non-Christian faith groups (64%)  Bible engagement: skeptic (66%)  non-Bible readers (76%)  unchurched adults (77%)  Millennials, ages 18-29 (80%)  non-born agains (82%)  never marrieds (82%)  residents of the Northeast (85%)  residents of the West (85%)  single adults (85%)  men (86%)  college graduates (86%)

All differences listed are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level or higher.

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Table 2.3 | Number of Bibles Owned Question: How many Bibles, in total, does your household own?

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other all ial Buster Boomer Elder Protes Cath- Chris- faith / % own a Bible (without don’t know) adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ -tant olic tian no faith one 17% 22% 20% 14% 12% 4% 13% 22% 30% two to three 35 39 31 35 35 23 45 39 31 four to five 22 20 24 19 23 25 31 19 18 six or more 27 20 25 32 31 47 12 20 21 mean 4.7 4.4 4.4 5.0 5.0 6.8 4.0 3.9 3.6 median 3.4 3.0 3.4 3.6 3.8 5.3 3.1 2.9 2.8 n= 898 179 293 274 134 259 92 389 131

% own a Bible (without don’t know) 2011 2012 2013 2014 mean 4.5 4.3 4.4 4.7 median 3.4 3.3 3.5 3.4 n= 901 875 892 898

Table 2.4 | Bible Purchases Question: Did you purchase a Bible in 2013?

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other all ial Buster Boomer Elder Protes- Cath- Chris- faith / adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ tant olic tian no faith yes 13% 13% 15% 12% 10% 22% 17% 9% 7% no 87 87 86 88 90 78 83 91 93 n= 1,012 214 334 302 142 265 93 416 197

2012 2013 2014 yes 14% 15% 13% no 86 85 87 n= 1,020 1,005 1,012

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3. BIBLE ENGAGEMENT

Table 3.1 | Bible Readers Question: How often, if ever, do you actually read the Bible, not including times when you are at a church service or church event?

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other all ial Buster Boomer Elder Prot- Cath- Chris- faith / adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ estant olic tian no faith never 26% 39% 25% 23% 18% 2% 12% 25% 58% less than once a year 9 9 9 9 7 2 6 12 11 once or twice a year 11 13 12 8 7 3 14 15 9 three or four times a year 8 5 10 8 7 4 14 10 5 once a month 8 11 9 8 7 9 13 9 3 once a week 9 9 10 7 10 16 15 8 3 several times/4+ times a week 13 9 13 15 18 28 16 9 6 every day 15 7 12 19 24 35 7 11 6 not sure 2 0 1 3 3 1 4 2 * online + telephone sample size n= 2,027 425 665 623 281 491 177 827 459 * indicates less than one-half of one percent

2011 2012 2013 2014 never 25% 26% 26% 26% less than once a year 13 10 12 9 once or twice a year 11 10 10 11 three or four times a year 8 9 9 8 once a month 8 8 7 8 once a week 8 7 8 9 several times/4+ times a week 15 13 13 13 every day 11 13 13 15 not sure 3 5 1 2 online + telephone sample size= 2,014 2,011 2,068 2,027

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Table 3.2 | Bible Readers: Segmentation

Segmentation Analysis: Bible Readers* (average 53%) Above average readership …

 evangelicals (100%)  practicing Protestants (92%)  born again Christians (83%)  non-evangelical born agains (79%)  Protestant, non-mainline attenders (79%)  weekly church attenders (78%)  Protestants (74%)  marginally church (72%)  African-Americans (66%)  Elders, ages 68 or older (66%)  practicing Catholics (65%)  Protestant, mainline attenders (64%)  Bible-engagement: friendly (63%)  self-identified Christians (63%)  residents of the South (63%)  women (60%)  married adults (58%)  adults who have experienced a divorce (58%)  Boomers, ages 49-67 (57%)

Above average readership …

 atheists and agnostics (4%)  Bible skeptic (11%)  adults who do not identify as Christian (17%)  adults aligned with non-Christian faith groups (22%)  unchurched adults (26%) non-born agains (35%)  Bible engagement: neutral (39%)  Millennials, ages 18-29 (40%)  never marrieds (42%)  Catholics (45%)  non-practicing Christians (46%)  residents of the Northeast (46%)  men (46%)  households earning $75K or more annually (47%)  single adults (48%)  residents of the West (48%)  notional Christians (48%)

All differences listed are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level or higher. * Bible readers are defined as those who report reading the Bible at least 3-4 times annually.

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Table 3.3 | Time Spent Reading the Bible Question: What is the average amount of time you spend reading the Bible at each sitting?

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other all ial Buster Boomer Elder Protes- Cath- Chris- faith / % among Bible readers adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ tant olic tian no faith less than 15 minutes 15% 15% 19% 14% 9% 14% 8% 18% 13% 15-29 minutes 26 22 28 30 23 34 23 18 32 30-44 minutes 30 36 28 27 35 27 38 33 31 45-59 minutes 7 4 5 9 9 8 8 5 6 1 hour or more 21 23 20 21 25 18 23 27 18 mean 35.3 37.6 32.0 34.1 41.8 31.1 35.9 38.4 41.9 median 29.8 29.9 29.6 29.8 30.1 29.6 30.0 29.9 29.7 n= 569 93 190 183 96 238 60 204 53 * Don’t know has been removed from the base of responses.

2013 2014 less than 15 minutes 15% 15% 15-29 minutes 27 26 30-44 minutes 26 30 45-59 minutes 8 7 1 hour or more 24 21 mean 36.0 35.3 median 29.8 29.8 n= 568 569

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Table 3.4 | Preferred Bible Version Question: There are many versions or translations of the Bible available these days. As far as you know, what is the version or translation of the Bible you read most often?

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other all ial Buster Boomer Elder Protes- Cath- Chris- faith / % Bible reader adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ tant olic tian no faith King James Version 34% 24% 29% 40% 38% 38% 18% 35% 31% New International Version 13 8 20 12 10 21 1 11 3 New King James Version 10 7 12 11 10 14 8 9 2 English Standard Version 6 16 6 3 3 5 2 6 11 New Living Translation 4 9 3 2 1 4 0 4 6 New Revised Standard Version 3 0 4 2 7 4 5 3 0 New American Bible 2 4 0 2 3 1 8 1 0 New American Standard Bible 2 3 2 2 3 2 4 3 0 Contemporary English Version 1 2 1 1 0 0 0 2 4 Today’s New International Version 1 1 0 2 1 1 0 1 2 New International Reader’s Version 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 Good News Translation * 2 0 * 0 0 1 1 0 Amplified Bible * 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 The Message * 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 Holman Christian Standard Bible 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 New Century Version 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 other 11 14 12 9 12 4 29 10 27 don’t know, unsure 11 11 10 12 11 5 23 11 13 none 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 n= 590 93 192 190 104 247 63 212 53 * indicates less than one-half of one percent

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Table 3.4 | Preferred Bible Version (cont’d)

% Bible reader 2011 2012 2013 2014 King James Version 45% 39% 38% 34% New International Version 10 11 11 13 New King James Version 10 12 14 10 New American Standard Bible 2 2 1 2 New Revised Standard Version 1 2 2 3 English Standard Version 3 6 3 6 New Living Translation 2 2 2 4 Amplified Bible 2 1 * * Contemporary English Version 1 1 * 1 New American Bible 1 2 2 2 New International Reader’s Version 1 1 1 1 The Message 1 0 * * Good News Translation * 0 * * New Century Version * 1 0 0 Holman Christian Standard Bible 0 1 * 0 Today’s New International Version 0 2 2 1 other 8 6 10 11 don’t know, unsure 12 9 13 11 n= 633 597 603 590 * indicates less than one-half of one percent

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Table 3.5 | Motivations for Reading the Bible Question: I’d like to read a few reasons that people may read the Bible. Please tell me which statement is most true for you?

I have a problem I need to solve or 17 25 19 16 11 12 21 19 28 I need direction

I need comfort 15 11 18 11 19 13 13 19 7

I know I’m supposed to 4 7 2 4 5 4 1 4 2

it is part of my studies at school 3 6 3 3 3 3 4 4 5

not sure 4 4 3 6 4 4 2 4 3 n= 590 93 192 190 104 247 63 212 53

% Bible reader 2011 2012 2013 2014 it brings me closer to God 64% 55% 53% 56%

I need comfort 14 10 14 15

I have a problem I need to solve or 12 17 18 17 I need direction

I know I’m supposed to 3 5 6 4

it is part of my studies at school 3 3 4 3

not sure / none 4 9 12 4 n= 633 597 603 590

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Table 3.6 | Level of Bible Use Question: Would you say that your own personal use of the Bible has increased, decreased, or is about the same as one year ago?

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other all ial Buster Boomer Elder Protes- Cath- Chris- faith / adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ tant olic tian no faith stayed the same 71% 64% 74% 74% 71% 55% 72% 75% 81% increased 18 19 17 20 20 36 22 14 9 decreased 9 15 8 7 8 8 3 11 9 not sure 1 3 1 1 1 1 2 * 2 online + telephone sample size n= 2,027 425 666 523 280 491 178 827 457 * indicates less than one-half of on percent

2014 2014 com- 2012 2013 phone bined stayed the same 58% 63% 70% 71% increased 27 26 20 18 decreased 12 9 9 9 not sure 3 2 2 1 n= 1,020 1,005 1,012 2,027

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Table 3.7 | Desire for Bible Reading Question: Do you wish that you read the Bible more or not?

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other all ial Buster Boomer Elder Protes- Cath- Chris- faith / adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ tant olic tian no faith yes 62% 52% 66% 61% 68% 85% 81% 62% 24% no 36 45 33 36 30 14 17 35 75 don’t know 2 3 1 3 2 1 1 4 2 n= 1,012 214 334 302 142 265 93 416 197

2011 2012 2013 2014 yes 67% 60% 61% 62% no 31 38 37 36 don’t know 2 2 2 2 n= 1,011 1,020 1,005 1,012

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Table 3.8 | Reasons for Bible Engagement Question: What do you think caused the increase in your Bible engagement (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)

% who experienced an increase in engagement came to understand it as an important 53% part of my faith journey

difficult experience in my life caused me to search the Bible for direction / 41 answers

downloaded the Bible onto my 26 smartphone or tablet

significant change in my life (marriage, 17 birth of child, etc.)

saw how the Bible changed someone 15 I know for the better

someone I know asked me to read the 14 Bible with them

media conversations around religion 14 and spirituality

joined a group that used the Bible when 13 they met

went to a church where the Bible 13 became more accessible to me

listened to a church podcast / streaming 12

watched the Bible mini-series on 11 television

conversation with a Christian friend 11

other 17 n= 119

Note: due to the limited sample size, segmentation is not shown.

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Table 3.9 | Reasons for Bible Disengagement Question: What do you think caused the decrease in your Bible engagement (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)

% who experienced a decrease in engagement too busy with life’s responsibilities (job, 40% family, etc.)

had a significant change in my life (loss 17 of job, death of a loved one, etc.)

became atheist or agnostic 15

difficult experience in my life caused me 13 to doubt my faith (or God / Bible)

saw how reading the Bible made very little difference in the life of someone I 8 know

decided to leave the church altogether 4

converted to another faith 4

media discussions around religion and 1 spirituality 0 conversation with a non-Christian friend

other 16 n= 93

Note: due to the limited sample size, segmentation is not shown.

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Tables 3.10 | Frustrations with Bible Reading Question: Which of the following would you say is your most significant frustration when it comes to reading the Bible?

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other all ial Buster Boomer Elder Protes- Cath- Chris- faith / adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ tant olic tian no faith never have enough time to read it 35% 26% 43% 34% 30% 50% 44% 35% 15%

none / no frustrations 17 7 12 23 33 25 15 15 13

language is difficult to relate to 11 12 12 11 9 7 17 15 7

don’t feel excited about reading it 10 17 10 7 8 2 5 11 20 can never find the stories or verses 7 12 6 5 5 3 3 6 11 you are looking for don’t understand background or 7 10 8 5 4 9 7 8 2 history of the Bible do not read the Bible 6 10 6 5 4 0 2 3 24 other 5 5 3 6 6 3 7 4 5 don’t know 2 3 1 4 1 1 0 3 4 n= 1,012 214 334 302 142 265 93 416 197 *indicates less than one-half of one percent

Bible readers all adults 2011 2012 2013 2014 2012 2013 2014 never have enough time to read it 48% 43% 40% 47% 32% 30% 35% none / no frustrations 23 25 31 25 18 22 17 language is difficult to relate to 10 10 10 8 12 14 11 don’t understand background or history of 8 8 7 8 7 7 7 the Bible can never find the stories or verses you are 4 6 4 6 6 5 7 looking for don’t feel excited about reading it 4 2 3 1 11 12 10 other 2 4 3 4 3 3 5 don’t know 4 2 2 1 3 3 2 n= 449 411 429 414 1,020 1,005 1,012 *In this table, Bible readers are defined as having read the Bible at least weekly.

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Table 3.11 | Favorable Emotions When Reading the Bible Question: The last time you read the Bible, what was the primary favorable emotion you experienced, if any? Did you feel… (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other all ial Buster Boomer Elder Protes- Cath- Chris- faith / % that have ever read the Bible adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ tant olic tian no faith peaceful 42% 34% 41% 44% 49% 54% 55% 36% 23% encouraged / inspired 33 24 30 36 42 40 33 32 18 hopeful 29 25 25 34 34 36 28 27 22 a sense of direction 25 27 19 28 31 34 24 21 17 happy 25 19 22 26 31 28 21 27 17 other 6 8 5 5 7 5 5 5 6 none 11 15 15 7 5 3 3 12 31 not sure 3 2 3 2 3 * 1 4 4 n= 770 139 261 234 117 258 79 312 98

% that have ever read the Bible 2012 2013 2014 peaceful 34% 37% 42% encouraged / inspired 33 29 33 hopeful 27 30 29 a sense of direction 25 26 25 happy 18 19 25 other 1 2 6 none 9 3 11 not sure 4 3 3 n= 786 775 770

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Table 3.12 | Unfavorable Emotions When Reading the Bible Question: The last time you read the Bible, what was the primary unfavorable emotion you experienced, if any? Did you feel… (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other all ial Buster Boomer Elder Protes- Cath- Chris- faith / % that have ever read the Bible adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ tant olic tian no faith none 60% 43% 57% 67% 73% 71% 64% 53% 54% confused 15 21 17 10 9 11 18 18 12 overwhelmed 9 7 11 10 8 9 8 11 4 doubtful 6 11 7 3 3 3 4 7 9 bored 5 16 4 1 1 3 3 5 11 discouraged 5 9 4 4 3 2 6 7 6 convicted, guilty, sinful 1 1 1 * * 2 0 0 0 other 3 4 2 5 2 2 3 4 8 not sure 3 3 3 2 3 1 1 5 4 n= 770 139 261 234 117 258 79 312 98 * indicates less than one-half of one percent

% that have ever read the Bible 2012 2013 2014 none 59% 59% 60% confused 12 12 15 overwhelmed 11 11 9 doubtful 8 6 6 bored 3 3 5 discouraged 3 5 5 convicted, guilty, sinful 2 1 1 other 1 2 4 not sure 3 4 3 n= 786 775 770

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Table 3.13 | Applying the Bible to Life Question: You mentioned that you read from the Bible in the past week. After reading the Bible, would you say that you: (READ RESPONSES)?

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other all ial Buster Boomer Elder Protes- Cath- Chris- faith / % read Bible in the past seven days adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ tant olic tian no faith gave a lot of thought to how it might 57% 51% 54% 59% 62% 64% 42% 49% 66% apply to your life gave some thought to how it might 37 41 41 35 30 32 51 42 29 apply to your life did not give any thought to how it 5 6 5 5 3 2 7 8 2 might apply to your life not sure 2 2 0 1 5 3 0 1 2 n= 427 60 128 149 85 210 43 130 38

% read Bible in the past seven days 2011 2012 2013 2014 gave a lot of thought to how it might 61% 59% 65% 57% apply to your life gave some thought to how it might 34 35 28 37 apply to your life did not give any thought to how it 4 5 4 5 might apply to your life not sure 1 1 2 2 n= 449 446 434 427

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Table 3.14 | Use of Bible Formats Question: These days, the Bible is available and used in different formats. For each format I read, please tell me whether or not you have used that format in the past year?

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other all ial Buster Boomer Elder Protes- Cath- Chris- faith / % among Bible readers adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ tant olic tian no faith read from a print version of the 89% 90% 86% 93% 89% 94% 96% 82% 97% Bible on your own used the Internet on a computer to 44 62 52 44 19 50 39 40 39 read Bible content attended a small group or Bible study, where you studies the Bible 44 51 39 42 50 57 39 33 43 in a group, not including weekend worship services searched for Bible verses or Bible content on a smart phone or cell 35 64 55 18 5 36 20 37 37 phone listened to a teaching about the 29 33 33 29 22 34 16 31 24 Bible via podcast listened to an audio version of the 25 22 27 24 27 30 23 20 26 Bible read an electronic version of the Bible on an e-reader such as Kindle 24 37 33 18 9 27 14 22 33 or iPad n= 590 93 192 190 104 247 63 212 53

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Table 3.14 | Use of Bible Formats (cont’d)

% among Bible readers 2011 2012 2013 2014 read from a print version of the 89% 89% 90% 89% Bible on your own attended a small group or Bible study, where you studies the Bible 53 47 44 44 in a group, not including weekend worship services used the Internet on a computer to 37 38 41 44 read Bible content listened to an audio version of the 28 30 26 25 Bible listened to a teaching about the 24 26 26 29 Bible via podcast searched for Bible verses or Bible content on a smart phone or cell 18 23 29 35 phone read an electronic version of the Bible on an e-reader such as Kindle 12 15 17 24 or iPad n= 633 597 603 590

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Table 3.15 | Smartphone or Mobile Phone Ownership Question: Do you have a smartphone or mobile phone?

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other all ial Buster Boomer Elder Protes- Cath- Chris- faith / no adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ tant olic tian faith

yes 75% 89% 85% 69% 48% 72% 80% 73% 86% no 25 11 15 31 52 28 21 27 14 n= 1,012 214 334 302 142 265 93 416 197

Table 3.16 | Use of Bible Apps Question: Do you have a Bible app downloaded on your phone?

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other % among mobile phone or smart all ial Buster Boomer Elder Protes- Cath- Chris- faith / no phone users adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ tant olic tian faith no 73% 73% 70% 76% 76% 56% 70% 78% 81% yes 21 26 28 14 2 36 22 16 14 don’t own a smartphone 6 2 2 10 21 8 7 6 5 not sure * 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 n= 761 190 283 210 67 191 74 302 169 * indicates less than one-half of one percent

% among smart phone or mobile phone users 2011 2012 2013 2014 no 86% 85% 80% 73% yes 13 15 15 21 not sure / no smartphone 1 1 4 6 n= 673 736 773 761

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Table 3.17 | Preferred Bible Format Question: All things considered, in what format do you prefer to use the Bible – print, digital, or audio?

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other all ial Buster Boomer Elder Protes- Cath- Chris- faith / % Bible readers adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ tant olic tian no faith print 84% 81% 75% 89% 94% 89% 87% 79% 74% digital 10 15 17 4 1 7 9 12 16 audio 5 4 6 5 3 3 4 7 8 video * 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 other 1 0 0 * 2 1 0 0 3 not sure 1 0 1 2 0 1 0 1 0 n= 590 93 192 190 104 247 63 212 53 * indicates less than one-half of one percent

% Bible readers 2012 2013 2014 print 83% 85% 84% digital 8 8 10 audio 7 6 5 video * * * other * 1 1 not sure 2 1 1 n= 597 603 590 * indicates less than one-half of one percent

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4. BIBLE LITERACY

Table 4.1 | Self-Assessment of Biblical Knowledge Question: How knowledgeable do you feel about the Bible?

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other all ial Buster Boomer Elder Protes- Cath- Chris- faith / adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ tant olic tian no faith

highly knowledgeable 13% 11% 12% 15% 16% 19% 12% 11% 12% moderately knowledgeable 32 30 33 32 36 47 23 26 30 somewhat knowledgeable 37 42 37 37 31 29 55 39 36 not too knowledgeable 12 14 11 10 11 4 9 17 11 not at all knowledgeable 6 3 8 6 5 1 2 6 11 not sure 1 0 0 2 1 * 0 * 0 n= 1,012 214 334 302 142 265 93 416 197 * indicates less than one-half of one percent

2012 2013 2014 highly knowledgeable 12% 12% 13% moderately knowledgeable 32 31 32 somewhat knowledgeable 35 38 37 not too knowledgeable 16 13 12 not at all knowledgeable 5 6 6 not sure 1 1 1 n= 1,020 1,005 1,012

2011 completely knowledgeable 5% highly knowledgeable 18 about average 56 not too knowledgeable 18 not at all knowledgeable 3 not sure 1 n= 1,011

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Table 4.2 | Highly Knowledgeable about the Bible: Segmentation

Segmentation Analysis: Highly Knowledgeable about the Bible (average 13%) Above average… Below average …

 evangelical Christians (31%)  non-practicing Christians (11%)  Bible engaged (24%)  notional Christians (10%)  African-Americans (22%)  non-born again (10%)  adults with an active faith1 (21%)  adults lacking an active faith1 (10%)  non-mainline Protestants (19%)  residents of the Northeast (9%)  residents of the South (19%)  unchurched adults2 (9%)  practicing Protestants (19%)  non-Bible readers (8%)  born again Christians (18%)  Bible-engagement: neutral (6%)  weekly church attenders (17%)  Bible readers (17%)  Protestants (16%)

All differences listed are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level or higher.

1 Adults with an active faith have attended church, read from the Bible and prayed to God all within the past week. 2 Unchurched adults have not attended church in the past six months. ______American Bible Society | The State of the Bible Report 2014 52

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Table 4.3 | Bible as Literal or Inspired Word of God Question: Which of the following statements comes closest to describing what you believe about the Bible?

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other all ial Buster Boomer Elder Prot- Cath- Chris- faith / adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ estant olic tian no faith actual word of God and should 23% 16% 24% 26% 27% 41% 18% 22% 9% be taken literally, word for word

inspired word of God, no errors, 30 31 29 29 33 40 50 31 13 some verses symbolic

inspired word of God, has 15 13 16 15 14 10 17 18 12 factual or historical errors

not inspired, tells how writers understood the ways and 10 13 7 10 8 4 3 14 10 principles of God just another book of teachings written by men that contain 18 24 19 16 11 2 5 10 51 stories and advice

other 2 1 2 2 3 2 2 2 3

not sure 3 2 3 2 4 1 4 3 2

online + telephone sample size= 2,014 420 663 622 277 491 178 822 451

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Table 4.3 | Bible as Literal or Inspired Word of God (cont’d)

2007* 2011 2012 2013 2014 actual word of God and should be 26% 24% 24% 22% 23% taken literally, word for word

inspired word of God, has no errors, some verses are meant to 30 31 28 27 30 be symbolic

inspired word of God, has factual or 18 14 14 15 15 historical errors

not inspired by God, tells how writers understood the ways and 11 8 8 10 10 principles of God

just another book of teachings written by men that contain stories 11 12 16 16 18 and advice

other NA 2 2 2 2

not sure 5 9 9 9 3

online + telephone sample size= 1,004 2,012 2,008 2,060 2,014 * Research was conducted by Barna in 2007 in the OmniPollSM.., Note: Historical data collected by telephone interviews; 2011-2014 data collected by telephone and online surveys.

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Table 4.4 | Knowledge of the First Five Books of the Bible Question: What are the first five books of the Bible?

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other all ial Buster Boomer Elder Protes- Cath- Chris- faith / adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ tant olic tian no faith Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, 43% 37% 48% 42% 43% 69% 39% 30% 42% Numbers, Deuteronomy Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, 13 16 13 12 12 11 18 12 17 Deuteronomy, Joshua Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and 6 7 8 5 3 1 6 11 4 Revelation

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts 4 4 2 5 7 4 4 5 1 other 1 1 1 1 1 2 0 * 2 not sure 33 36 28 35 36 13 34 42 34 n= 1,012 214 334 302 142 265 93 416 197

2012 2013 2014 Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, 46% 42% 43% Numbers, Deuteronomy Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, 12 14 13 Deuteronomy, Joshua Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and 8 6 6 Revelation Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts 6 8 4 other 1 1 1 not sure 28 30 33 n= 1,020 1,005 1,012

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Table 4.5 | Knowledge of the Bible’s Teaching Question: There are some attitudes and behaviors that are specifically addressed in the Bible, while others are not addressed. For each one of the following, please tell me whether or not you feel the Bible encourages or discourages each action – or if you feel the Bible is silent on this issue.

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other all ial Buster Boomer Elder Prot- Cath- Chris- faith / adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ estant olic tian no faith forgiveness strongly encourages 80% 66% 81% 87% 79% 97% 93% 85% 65% somewhat encourages 11 15 10 8 12 0 6 9 18 somewhat discourages 2 6 1 * 1 0 1 2 3 strongly discourages 1 2 1 1 2 2 0 * 2 silent 6 12 6 4 5 2 1 5 12 generosity strongly encourages 70 60 74 73 67 86 82 72 57 somewhat encourages 18 22 14 18 23 7 14 21 22 somewhat discourages 3 6 2 2 1 0 1 2 5 strongly discourages 2 3 2 1 3 4 2 1 3 silent 7 11 7 6 5 3 2 5 13 patience strongly encourages 69 58 73 73 66 89 82 76 50 somewhat encourages 20 23 17 19 24 8 12 17 30 somewhat discourages 2 5 2 1 1 * 1 1 4 strongly discourages 1 2 1 1 2 1 4 * 2 silent 18 14 7 6 6 2 2 5 15 repression of women strongly encourages 8 14 8 7 1 4 5 5 14 somewhat encourages 21 19 24 20 21 8 7 24 27 somewhat discourages 22 22 22 22 21 28 31 22 17 strongly discourages 25 23 25 25 30 43 46 23 15 silent 24 22 22 26 27 17 11 26 28 war strongly encourages 4 4 4 5 2 2 3 3 7 somewhat encourages 16 13 19 15 18 19 4 15 19 somewhat discourages 34 28 35 35 38 37 43 37 26 strongly discourages 28 32 24 29 27 29 38 26 27 silent 18 23 18 17 15 13 11 19 21 n= 946 194 301 331 120 161 67 370 334

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Table 4.5 | Knowledge of the Bible’s Teaching (cont’d)

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other all ial Buster Boomer Elder Prot- Cath- Chris- faith / adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ estant olic tian no faith slavery strongly encourages 3 6 2 2 2 * 6 1 6 somewhat encourages 12 13 14 11 7 4 1 13 16 somewhat discourages 26 20 27 25 35 31 17 25 25 strongly discourages 34 35 30 37 30 43 57 34 25 silent 26 26 27 26 25 22 20 27 28 homosexual or same-sex

relationships strongly encourages 2 1 3 1 1 2 2 2 1 somewhat encourages 2 1 2 2 1 0 0 2 1 somewhat discourages 19 24 16 22 14 7 20 22 22 strongly discourages 57 52 59 55 64 84 65 54 46 silent 21 22 21 21 21 7 13 20 30 prostitution strongly encourages 1 2 1 * 0 1 2 * 2 somewhat encourages 2 3 3 2 2 * 1 2 3 somewhat discourages 24 25 20 27 24 11 13 28 29 strongly discourages 58 56 61 57 58 81 77 56 47 silent 15 14 16 14 17 7 7 14 19 gambling strongly encourages 1 2 1 * 0 1 2 * 2 somewhat encourages 2 2 2 2 1 0 0 2 2 somewhat discourages 25 21 25 25 32 26 18 25 27 strongly discourages 49 52 48 51 43 63 51 52 39 silent 23 22 25 22 24 10 29 21 30 pornography strongly encourages 1 2 1 1 0 1 4 0 2 somewhat encourages * * 0 1 0 1 0 * * somewhat discourages 13 17 12 13 11 12 11 13 15 strongly discourages 52 54 55 49 50 75 58 54 38 silent 34 27 33 37 39 11 28 33 46 Differences are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level or higher.

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5. MORAL DECLINE AND SOCIAL IMPACT

Table 5.1 | Belief that Morality Is on the Decline in America Question: Do you believe the values and morals of America are declining or not?

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other all ial Buster Boomer Elder Protes- Cath- Chris- faith / adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ tant olic tian no faith yes 81% 74% 81% 82% 89% 91% 87% 83% 62% no 16 22 17 14 8 7 9 13 34 not sure 3 4 2 4 3 2 5 4 4 n= 1,012 214 334 302 142 265 93 416 197

2013 2014 yes 77% 81% no 19 16 not sure 4 3 n= 1,005 1,012

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Table 5.2 | Cause of Moral Decline Question: Which of the following do you think is most responsible for the moral decline of America?

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other all ial Buster Boomer Elder Protes- Cath- Chris- faith / % believe values and morals are declining adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ tant olic tian no faith negative influences of movies, 33% 25% 37% 29% 41% 34% 42% 33% 30% television and music

corruption from corporate greed 29 47 28 27 13 13 25 32 47

lack of Bible reading 26 17 23 32 32 45 19 21 9

something else 9 8 9 9 8 6 9 10 8 don’t think there is a moral 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 decline in America

not sure 4 2 3 4 7 2 5 4 6

n= 817 104 270 247 126 242 80 346 123 * indicates less than one-half of one percent

% believe values and morals are declining 2013 2014 lack of Bible reading 32% 26%

negative influences of movies, 29 33 television and music

corruption from corporate greed 25 29

something else 8 9

don’t think there is a moral * 0 decline in America

not sure 5 4 n= 777 817 * indicates less than one-half of one percent

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6. GIVING TO NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Table 6.1 | Donations to Non-Profit Organizations Question: For the year that just ended – 2013 – what was the total amount of money that you donated to all charities and non-profit organizations, including churches and religious organizations, if any?

Generation practicing faith non-practicing faith Millenn- other ial Buster Boomer Elder Protes- Cath- Chris- faith / all adults 18-29 30-48 49-67 68+ tant olic tian no faith none 25% 37% 26% 22% 9% 9% 7% 27% 39% less than $100 12 22 9 11 8 6 7 17 12 $100 to $199 9 11 8 9 11 7 2 12 10 $200 to $399 10 11 9 11 10 8 15 11 11 $400 to $999 10 6 11 10 13 9 14 11 8 $1,000 to $1,999 11 4 13 12 13 13 20 10 7 $2,000 to $4,999 12 14 14 14 17 23 23 7 8 $5,000 or more 11 11 11 12 18 26 13 5 6 mean $1,693 $601 $1,842 $1,964 $2,435 $3,109 $3,096 $989 $1,260 median $200 $30 $300 $300 $800 $1,500 $1,000 $100 $50 online + telephone sample size*= 1,645 364 576 486 203 365 140 664 423 * not sure has been removed from the base of the sample

2013 2014 none 29% 25% less than $100 14 12 $100 to $199 10 9 $200 to $399 10 10 $400 to $999 11 10 $1,000 to $1,999 10 11 $2,000 to $4,999 10 12 $5,000 or more 7 11 mean $989 $1,693 median $100 $200 online + telephone sample size*= 1,842 1,645 * not sure has been removed from the base of the sample

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APPENDIX II

DEFINITIONS

Generations: Millennials: those currently ages 18 to 29 Busters: those currently ages 30 to 48 Boomers: those currently ages 49 to 67 Elders: those currently ages 68 or older

Born-again Christians say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important in their life today, and indicate they believe that when they die they will go to Heaven because they have confessed their sins and have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. Respondents are not asked to describe themselves as “born again.”

Evangelicals meet the born-again criteria (described above) plus seven other conditions. These include saying their faith is very important in their life today; believing they have a personal responsibility to share their religious beliefs about Christ with non-Christians; believing that Satan exists; believing that eternal salvation is possible only through grace, not works; believing that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth; asserting that the Bible is accurate in all it teaches; and describing God as the all-knowing, all-powerful, perfect deity who created the universe and still rules it today. Being classified as an evangelical is not dependent on church attendance or the denominational affiliation of the church attended. Respondents were not asked to describe themselves as “evangelical.”

Non-evangelical born-again Christians meet the born-again criteria described above, but not the evangelical criteria.

Notional Christians are individuals who identify as Christian, but who do not meet the definition of a born-again Christian.

Mainline Attenders include Protestants who say they attend one of the following denominations: United Church of Christ, American Baptist, Episcopal, the Presbyterian Church USA, Lutheran and United Methodist.

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Non-Mainline Attenders include any Protestant denominations 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.

Active Faith: A person is labeled as having an active faith if they read the Bible, pray and attend church in a typical week.

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

Mid-West: 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

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METHODOLOGY

Two methods of data collection, telephone interviews and online surveys, were used for this study.

Telephone The telephone survey included 1,012 interviews conducted among a representative sample of adults 18 years of age and older from within the 48 continental states. The survey was conducted from January 8, 2014, through January 20, 2014. The sampling error for this study is +/-3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. The research included 300 interviews by contacting respondents on their cell phone.

The survey calls were made at various times during the day and evening so that every individual selected for inclusion was contacted up to five separate days, at different times of the day, to maximize the possibility of contact. This is a quality-control procedure that ensures those in the sampling frame have an equivalent probability of inclusion within the survey, thereby increasing the survey reliability. All of the interviews were conducted by experienced, trained interviewers; interviewers were supervised at all times; and every interviewer was monitored during the course of their work on this project. The telephone survey was conducted through the use of a CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) system. This process ensures that question skip patterns are properly administered by interviewers and that survey data are recorded accurately.

The cooperation rate for the telephone survey was 81%. A high cooperation rate significantly raises the confidence we may place in the resulting statistics. In every survey there are a variety of ways in which the accuracy of the data may be affected. The cooperation rate is one such potential cause of error in measurement; the lower the cooperation rate, the less representative the respondents interviewed may be of the population from which they were drawn, thereby reducing the accuracy of the results. Other sources of error include question-design bias, question-order bias, interviewer mistakes, sampling error and respondent deception. Many of these types of errors cannot be accurately estimated. However, having a high cooperation rate does enhance the reliability of the information procured.

Based upon US Census data sources, regional and ethnic quotas were designed to ensure that the final group of adults interviewed reflected the distribution of adults nationwide and adequately represented the three primary ethnic groups within the US (those groups which comprise at least 10% of the population: white, black and Hispanic).

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Online The online portion of the study covered a subset of core questions used in the telephone questionnaire. This study included 1,024 surveys conducted among a representative random sample of adults 18 and older within all 50 states and was conducted January 28, 2014, through February 5, 2014. The sampling error for a sample of this size is +/-3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. The response rate for the online study was 51%.

The online survey was conducted using the web-enabled KnowledgePanel® based on probability sampling that covers both the online and offline populations in the US. The panel members are randomly recruited by telephone and by self-administered mail and web surveys. Households are provided with access to the Internet and hardware if needed. Unlike other Internet research that covers only individuals with Internet access who volunteer for research, this process uses a dual sampling frame that includes both listed and unlisted phone numbers, telephone and non- telephone households, and cell-phone-only households. The panel is not limited to current Web users or computer owners. All potential panelists are randomly selected to join the KnowledgePanel; unselected volunteers are not able to join.

Aggregated Data 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 +/-2 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

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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 on two factors: 1) the sample size and 2) the degree to which the result you are examining is close to 50 percent or to 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 in order 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.

SAMPLE SIZE Result 100 200 300 400 500 600 800 1000 1200 1500 2000 2500 05% or 95% 4.4 3.1 2.5 2.2 2.0 1.8 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.1 .96 .87 10% or 90% 6.0 4.3 3.5 3.0 2.7 2.5 2.1 1.0 1.7 1.6 1.3 1.2 15% or 85% 7.1 5.1 4.1 3.6 3.2 2.9 2.5 2.3 2.1 1.9 1.6 1.4 20% or 80% 8.0 5.7 4.6 4.0 3.6 3.3 2.6 2.5 2.3 2.1 1.8 1.6 25% or 75% 8.7 6.1 5.0 4.3 3.9 3.6 3.0 2.8 2.5 2.3 1.9 1.7 30% or 70% 9.2 6.5 5.3 4.6 4.1 3.8 3.2 2.8 2.7 2.4 2.0 1.8 35% or 65% 9.5 6.8 5.5 4.8 4.3 3.9 3.3 3.1 2.8 2.5 2.1 1.9 40% or 60% 9.8 7.0 5.7 4.9 4.4 4.0 3.4 3.1 2.8 2.5 2.2 2.0 45% or 55% 9.9 7.0 5.8 5.0 4.5 4.1 3.5 3.2 2.9 2.6 2.2 2.0 50% 10.0 7.1 5.8 5.0 4.5 4.1 3.5 3.2 2.9 2.6 2.2 2.0

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.

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