Understanding Bible Engagement & Perceptions Among Young Adults
- mariannedavis0
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
The transition to adulthood is often marked by significant growth, exploration, and the navigation of complex challenges. Recent research, a collaborative study with Reclaim Today, Dr. Todd Hall of Spiritual Metrics, and the Center for Bible Engagement (CBE), sheds light on the whole-life experiences of young adults aged 18 to 36, including their spiritual wellbeing, perceptions of the Bible, and engagement with God’s Word.
The overarching purpose of the study was to better understand the needs and struggles of this demographic, recognizing that they're at a heightened risk of loneliness, a challenge magnified by the recent pandemic (Malcom, 2020). We found that young adults are indeed feeling the enduring impact of the pandemic on their mental health, social connections, and overall wellbeing. Encouragingly, our study shows that those who frequently read the Bible, participate in study groups, and meditate on Christian content report higher Overall Wellbeing, Life Satisfaction, and Meaning in Life scores. Even when facing difficulties, believers showed 7% to 17% higher rates of life satisfaction and optimism than nonbelievers, and a significant 80% reported feeling God's presence. Faith brings hope (Hebrews 11:1; Romans 15:13).
However, the journey of faith for young adults, including Christians, is not without challenges. Many are struggling both emotionally and spiritually. Even among Christians, "spending time with God" and understanding the Bible's daily relevance are areas of struggle. For a significant portion of young adults, a tension also exists between traditional understandings of the Bible and the complexities of modern life. Christians generally hold a much more positive view of the Bible, seeing it as "worth reading, life-giving, trustworthy, ultimate truth, and accurate.” In contrast, non-Christians are more inclined to view the Bible as "outdated," "confusing," "boring," and even "dangerous.” Interestingly, even among believers, a notable percentage of respondents did not select terms like "trustworthy" and "accurate” to describe their views of the Bible.
Age also plays a role. Individuals in the older group (25-36) reported a 5% higher average Spiritual Wellbeing score than the younger group (18-24). Digging deeper, we found that younger adults (18-23) are more likely to select negative statements about the Bible (“outdated,” “boring,” and “confusing”) compared to their older counterparts (24-36). In addition, younger respondents are more likely to battle doubt about the relevance and accuracy of the Bible today.
Motivations for engaging with Scripture also differ. Younger adults tend to read the Bible because someone told them to or for work/school, while older adults are more motivated by a desire to learn, find answers, and hear from God.
These insights underscore the importance of helping young adults develop meaningful connections with God's Word. As they navigate the complexities of life, providing opportunities to see the practical relevance of Scripture can offer them the solid ground they're seeking in an ever-changing world.
For non-Christians, addressing negative perceptions and highlighting the "interesting" aspects of the Bible could be an initial step. Showing how Scripture addresses universal human questions and experiences might pique their curiosity.
For younger Christians, emphasizing the practical relevance of the Bible to their current challenges and creating engaging, discussion-oriented environments is key.
For older Christians, providing opportunities for deeper study and exploration of Scripture, along with avenues to discuss their questions and doubts, can help them develop a stronger connection to the Bible.
Ultimately, creating communities where Scripture engagement is modeled, encouraged, and connected to real life is vital for the spiritual wellbeing of young adults. By addressing their varied perceptions, emphasizing relevance, understanding their motivations, and building supportive communities, we can help this generation discover the life-transforming power of the Bible.
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