Study Verifies Power of Bible to Transform Relationships with God, Self and Others

Billy Hallowellt : Apr 14, 2023
Faithwire.com

A past Barna Group survey exposed a stunning relational disparity between practicing Christians and U.S. adults more generally. While 61% of practicing Christians said they are flourishing in friendships and relationships, just 28% of U.S. adults said the same, according to The Christian Post.

[Faithwire] – The American Bible Society's 13th annual "State of the Bible" report reveals "Scripture-engaged individuals were shown to have the highest levels of persevering hope." (Image: Pixabay)

These results are important to distill and understand in a beleaguered and chaotic culture — one in which hope is often lost or fleeting. 

Scholars involved in the study created a Persevering Hope metric, including four questions measuring people's hope levels. 

Responses helped researchers discern how increased Bible engagement impacts this measure.

"Overall, there was very little variation among demographics, an American Bible Society statement read. "However, Scripture-engaged people averaged a score of 4.1, which significantly exceeds the overall average."

For context, Scripture Engagement is defined by the American Bible Society as "consistent interaction with the Bible that shapes a person's choices and transforms their relationships with God, self, and others." Plainly stated: a Scripture-engaged person allows the Bible to permeate his or her life.

A majority of those who read Scripture said they turn to the Bible because it helps bring them "closer to God." Dr. John Farquhar Plake, American Bible Society's Chief Ministry Insights and Innovation Officer, said engagement in the Bible yields undeniably positive results in these arenas...Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

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