US Has the Highest Personal Relevance of Scripture Compared to Its Secular Peers
A recent study reveals that the United States holds a notably positive view toward the Bible and Christianity in contrast to other countries within the increasingly secular Western cluster. The findings are part of the American Bible Society’s State of the Bible: USA 2025 report, which includes insights from a global survey conducted with 91,000 respondents spanning 85 countries. This survey, performed in partnership with an international Bible society, categorizes the world into several clusters, with the “Secular West” grouping the United States, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
Within this group, the United States emerges as an outlier with a higher frequency of Bible engagement. Sixty-three percent of American respondents reported using the Bible at least occasionally outside the context of regular church services, a figure that eclipses participation in other countries from this region. For example, nearly half of Italians engage with the Bible on a regular basis, yet a significantly larger proportion of Americans remain more engaged. In contrast, nations like the Netherlands, France, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand have a majority of respondents who say they never consult the Bible.
The survey also examined attitudes regarding the Bible’s relationship with modern science. A considerable share of Americans disagreed with the idea that the Bible conflicts with a scientific worldview, a sentiment less strongly held in several European countries. While about one-third of respondents in both the United States and Italy acknowledged a perceived clash between the Bible and modern scientific thought, countries including Canada, Sweden, and Ireland reported even greater acceptance of this notion.
Perhaps most strikingly, a majority of Americans—51%—believe the Bible holds personal relevance in their daily lives, a perception that lags well behind only Italy among the surveyed nations. In many other countries, particularly within Europe, a significant percentage of the population feels that the Bible does not resonate with them on a personal level.
When attitudes toward the Bible as a whole were considered, Italy sometimes surpassed the United States, particularly in its rejection of the view that the Bible is a source of harm in the world. While a strong majority of Italians dissociated the Bible from negative influences, American respondents showed a moderately lower rate of rejection on this point. Additionally, church attendance patterns within the “Secular West” varied, with Ireland and Italy leading in regular participation. The United States followed closely, demonstrating a respectable level of engagement, whereas several other nations reported that most people rarely, if ever, attend church services.
According to the study’s chief innovation officer at the American Bible Society, these findings provide an unprecedented global perspective on contemporary religious practices and attitudes. The insights shed light on how biblical influence is maintained and even growing in certain regions, while also highlighting substantial opportunities for further engagement on a worldwide scale.
Rockin’ the faith, one verse at a time!
Growing up, the Bible’s stories deeply impacted me. Now, with over 15 years of preaching experience, I blend timeless teachings with modern technology, making them relevant for today’s world.
Bible Hub Verse is my platform to share historical insights and thought-provoking articles, exploring both familiar and uncommon Christian topics. My passion is building a welcoming online space for everyone to learn, grow in their faith, and discover the Bible’s enduring message.
Join the journey!
God bless you.
By