The use of technology to read the Bible is steadily growing, according to the annual State of the Bible 2018 research—commissioned by American Bible Society (@americanbible) and conducted by Barna Group (@barnagroup).

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While reading print versions of the Bible remains high at almost nine in 10 (89%), reading the Bible in digital formats has steadily climbed since 2011. More than half of users now search for Bible content on the internet (57%) or a smartphone (55%), and 42% use a Bible app on their phones. More than one-third listens to an audio version of the Bible (36%) or a teaching by podcast (35%).

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[Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, The State of the Bible 2018: Five Types of Bible Readers]

The report also shows that slightly more than half of adults who used the Bible in the past week (53%) say they give a lot of thought to how it might apply to their lives. Although the number of those who think deeply about Scripture in this way is statistically on par with 2017, it has slipped since 2011 (61%). Those with higher levels of Bible engagement are predictably more likely to say they give a lot of thought to the Bible’s application.

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[Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, The State of the Bible 2018: Most Americans Want to Read the Bible]

More than half of monthly Bible users believe strongly that the Bible has resulted in their willingness to engage in their faith more (56%) and to show more loving behavior towards others (54%). One in three adults expresses moderate agreement with these two statements, while only one in twenty say they do not believe the Bible has influenced them in this way. Two out of five Bible users (42%) say they are more generous with their time, energy or financial resources. One in three (29%) agree moderately.

[Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, Latest Bible-Related Research]

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