Yes, that’s the claim I’m making—that most Christians do not read the Bible. At least not very much. Research supports this assumption (though the exact figures vary), and my anecdotal experience confirms it.
The Number 1 reason people give for not reading the Bible is (of course), “I don’t have time.” But that’s not really a reason. We all have the same amount of time each day. We all choose to spend it on what’s most important to us.
So why don’t people—particularly Christian people—choose to spend time reading the Bible? Here’s what I think:
1. They secretly believe it doesn’t really matter.
Honestly, I think a lot of Christians put the Bible in the same category as other literary classics—it’s something they feel like they should read, but they don’t know exactly why. After all, it’s hard to prove whether reading the Bible does any measurable good—aren’t there plenty of nice, successful people who don’t read the Bible? And aren’t there plenty of jerks, racists, and annoying people who do? I think many Christians secretly wonder if the Bible does any good.
2. They would rather rely on professionals to read it and explain it to them.
Whether it’s their own priest or pastor, or a celebrity theologian like Rick Warren or Joel Osteen, most Christians would rather be fed Biblical truths than feed themselves. And it’s true, religious professionals are probably better at gleaning, understanding, and teaching those truths than we ordinary amateurs. After all, they’ve had more practice. And if they’re better at it, why not just let them do it? As religion becomes more adept at packaging itself in entertaining, market-driven, user-friendly trappings, its adherents become more dependent and less self-sufficient.
3. They don’t have a support system.
Even if Christians do resolve to spend more time reading the Bible (as many do each January), sadly, most will fail. And I think the biggest factor in their failure is the lack of a support system. Many American Christians believe that “personal devotions” should be, well, personal. So they try to go it alone. They don’t realize that not only is Bible-reading much richer in community with other people, it’s actually more accurate! Left to interpret the Bible in the privacy of our own hearts, we are likely to get it wrong. The Bible is meant to be read and understood in community. It’s more authentic that way, more effective, and more fun, and it’s far more likely to actually happen—because of the natural accountability a support system provides.
True for you?
Are any (or all) of the above three claims true of you? Are you willing to confirm or refute them in the comments below? Come on, let’s talk!
Click on the image to open a PDF of this plan that you can print for your own use.
Then, if you want to commit to spending more time reading the Bible in 2011, you can:
- Come back next week for some practical tips
- Look at the free tool in last week’s post, A Christian Resolution: Read the Bible in 2011
- Check out the Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan, shown at left and mentioned in the comments below.
Related posts
{ 65 comments… read them below or add one }
I very much enjoy reading the Bible – however, I confess that I have a lot of work to do toward studying it “properly”, (rather than “just” reading). I do rely heavily on studies and pastoral input to help with this. (But that just makes me hungrier to read more).
That’s wonderful, Lisa. I don’t know if there’s an “improper” way to read the Bible. I think as long as you are hungry to read more, you’re doing something right. You sound like the “noble Bereans” (Acts 17:11)!
I think one reason Christians don’t read the Bible is because they have read it. I know that my kids, when in high school were “been there, done that!” I think Christian schools, in particular, should do a better job of helping kids see how much more there is in the Bible than the story about David & Goliath.
Jane
I struggle with this one myself. I grew up on the Bible and it is very familiar to me, so there are times when I have to work really hard to remind myself to dig deeper. That’s another reason I think it’s so important to do Bible-reading in community—hearing other people’s interactions with the Bible ignites my own.
I find that each time I read something in the Bible, I get new insight. The Holy Spirit guides and teaches us in the Word. We need to take time to slow down and listen to Him and meditate on the Word and not just read it.
That’s true, Mary. God’s Word doesn’t change, but we do! At different times in our lives, we’ll be more sensitive to different teachings. And as we gain different life experiences, we’ll have more of a framework in which to understand what God is saying.
I agree with Mary on this point, Prayer before reading and meditating upon the word of God is also essential.
Although we all may have “read it before” the Holy Spirit will bring forth what we need, when we need it.
II TIMOTHY, 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (KJV)
Having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace is one part of having on the full armor of God.
The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, will (by God’s Grace) give us the victory over anything that life puts before us.
Very true. It’s really easy to feel you’ve “read it” before, especially if you’ve gone to a Christian school. But you can be surprised at what’s in the Bible time and time again, even if you’ve read all of it before!
I schedule it in before bed, but I have to admit it’s not always the best time. Many people do it in the morning, but my brain doesn’t seem to function that way for some reason.
A guy I work with spends his lunch break reading the Bible, so that might be an option that works for some people too.
What I love about this, is it gives a re-focus for the day. Otherwise the workplace world can more easily influence words, thoughts & deeds.
When I left the church as a teen the Bible was just a book of stories.I read the Bible every night at the dinner table,as a child,but no one could make me”feel”what I was reading.I was born again at age 55,and the Word became alive.Reading a Bible verse can now make me emotional,or just being in the Word can calm me .
I agree with Melanie about reading in community.I recommend joining a group that follows the lectio divina type of reading, if you need help feeling what you are reading.The church I go to uses the NIV translation for most readings.I use the NLT study Bible for my personal reading as the explanatory notes are most helpful for me when I read alone.
I think I`m saying that, for me, what I get out of reading the Bible is directly related to where I am on my walk.
There are several ministries online that I enjoy getting a message on a subject or Bible verse. They are short and meaningful.
Yes, I think http://www.BibleGateway.com has a daily Bible reading program you can sign up for. I have not used that one myself, but I know other people who have. And here’s a link to an iCal calendar that will give you a verse each day: http://icalshare.com/calendars/5017
The Bible truly is a mysterious book…a living book that breathes life into the reader. If you’re not born-again the words will be dry and boring, but when you are born-again and the Divine Message has renewed your spirit, well, then the words become as though you’re reading something written directly from God to you. They become a life-giving source…the thing you run to whatever your need may be. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path,” so our personal journey is always dark if we don’t read his word!
Amen!
I would consider myself more of an agnostic person and the parts of the Bible I have read in-depth were assigned to me in a college class, but I think anyone, Christian or not, should give it a serious look, just as we should read other religions’ holy books, in order to have a better understanding of society and build a more tolerant world.
Hi Sedera, thanks for stopping by and commenting! Your comment makes we wonder, Do other religions have the same problem Christianity has—that their adherents don’t read their holy book? And is that a problem? I mean, are Muslim Imams lamenting the fact that so many Muslims don’t read the Koran? Or is that not expected of the average Muslim? Just wondering.
I honestly have no idea if Imams feel that way. However, I think it is to some extent problematic to adhere to a religion and not have made the personal research into its basis, in this case, the holy book. Of course, there is a whole system that helps curate that information for us, but expanding that research and seeing this reading as a cultural endeavour rather than and/or as much as a religious one by including other holy books can only be beneficial, in my opinion.
I think you’re right that it’s generally more helpful to have an attitude of curiosity and willingness to learn, than to reach a point where you feel you have all the answers, or you’re just not interested in learning any more. Christians can be just as guilty of this as people of other faiths (or no faith). Thanks for the reminder!
Interesting discussion, Melanie, and as usual– food for thought. Growing up in a Christian home we read the Bible daily. It has been a habit my whole life, but as I grow older it has become my Lifeline. Hope you don’t mind that I used that word. For the past 4-5 years I have been reading a Psalm each day and they have helped me so much. Whenever possible I insert my name or our family name in the Psalm. For example, yesterday, Psalm 130:7 “O Ann, put your hope in the Lord for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.” I keep this verse with me all day, and repeat it as often as I remember. Guess what today’s verse is? I just love God’s reminders for slow learners! Psalm 131: 3 “O Ann, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.”
Sharing God’s Word with others has become more important too, whether that is done walking with a friend or in a formal Bible study. My suggestion if one is a Christian or not, and not reading the Bible: find a friend and commit to reading a psalm or another chapter a day and then just tell each other what verse spoke to you. I can guarantee you will be blessed.
If anyone wants to read the whole Bible in 4 years, reading just a chapter a day, let me know, since our church just started this program.
That’s a wonderful testimony, Ann—thanks for sharing your personal experience!
Thank you for this suggestion of making it personal. I will do that.
The Bible Gateway online reading plan has been a bless for me. Before that it was the small Gideon pamphlet which was marked off to keep track of the daily readings. Reading Old and New Testament in the same day has also given great insight, challenge and comfort. The Word is powerful without others explaining it – although, as a Bible teacher I see some value in also having it explained. :)
I think you’re right—the Bible is powerful without others explaining it. But I see the most value in “explanation” when it’s interactive. That is, we read the Bible in community, and then you explain what God has been saying to you, and I explain what God has been saying to me. I gain from your experience, and you gain from mine, and neither of us falls into the trap of totally relying on the other to meet our needs.
this (what you’re saying) is exactly what excites me about lectio devina – especially because the Word “says” or means the same thing always; but how it speaks to me from day to day or in my need may be a very different
Melanie,the lectio divina way of reading the Bible,at least at an adult class at our church,is done in community as you described.
You’re right, David. I think lectio divina is a method that really combines the power of God’s Word to speak for itself and the power of learning through community.
I believe reading and studying God’s Word alone and in some kind of community setting are both important!
I have been involved in a weekly Women’s Bible Study of one kind or another at one church or another for years. I love learning from and growing with my sisters in Christ,
I also love to read through the Bible each year on my own, but most of the Read Through The Bible in One Year plans with set dated readings everyday don’t work for me. I have created my own Read in Any Order, Monday-Friday, One Year Bible Reading Plan. I choose the order in which books are read. At the beginning of the month, I write the month and day in a space provided next to my selection(s) for that month. I omit all Saturday and Sunday dates. This month I am reading the Psalms. Next month? I’ll decide come February. (If anyone would like a blank, reuseable copy of this plan, I would be happy to share it.)
Wow, that’s creative, Pat! And thanks for sharing your personalized plan.
I don’t think you should dismiss the “I don’t have time” excuse by saying that we all have the same amount of time. In a given amount of time some people can accomplish much more than others. Those of us who take longer to do things really do have less time available. Furthermore most people always have more things to do than can be done in their available time. So adding Bible reading to the list may end up putting it with all the other things that should have been done but did not (like getting the oil changed, or changing the furnace filters, or doing the monthly test on the GFI outlets). To squeeze Bible reading into overflowing schedules requires that we really believe it is a high priority. And that is the rub for many people.
One reason I would add to the list of why people do not read the Bible is that they do not read anything. Some people just do not like reading. Add to that the people who are illiterate (there are many more than we literates imagine) or those who have reading difficulties (like people with dyslexia). These are people who for fear of being found out tend not to go to church, and for fear of being called on to read avoid Bible studies and small group meetings like the plague. These people really would need a support system – of a very unique kind.
What I have found most helpful for my own devotional life is to have a Bible readiing schedule that fits me. There are many Bible reading schedules available. The one I have used for more than 25 years was published in Discipleship Journal in the January 1983 issue. It has an option of getting you through the whole Bible in one year – a pretty heavy task. But for me it’s best feature is that it has 25 Bible reading days a month; realistically assuming that some days you just will not be able to get to it. That removes both the guilt factor and the feeling of being behind if you miss a day.
For people who really want to get into the regular Bible reading habbit I say, do not start at the beginning – you will for sure get bogged down in the second half of Exodus, not to mention Leviticus and Numbers. Start with the New Testament and read the four gospels, then read them again and again. Then maybe lauch out into the rest of the New Testament. After that you may be ready for the whole Bible starting at Genesis 1.
Chris
You raise some interesting points, Chris. There may be factors like ability or speed or literacy that influence Bible-reading, and it’s good for us to be aware of them. But I still think priority is the main issue. For most Christians, Bible-reading is simply not a goal they want to work toward, audio Bibles, video Bibles, and online resources notwithstanding.
I too have used the Discipleship Journal reading plan that you speak of, and I think it’s brilliant! In fact, I have a PDF of it that I will try to make available as a download on this blog post. Thanks Chris!
wow. i think these are sorry excuses to cover up laziness.
76 hours divided by 365 days = 12.5 minutes per day – is about how long it takes to read the whole Bible. There should be “I don’t have time”. Like you said, its not an answer. And its what I hear all the time when I ask. You can sit down read a newspaper, magazine or watch television but you can’t devote at least a small amout of time to read the whole Life Manuscript? which in my opinion is far more relevant that anything in this world.
its a shame how satan really has his way with people.
Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. Keeping the Word alive in our lives is vital, so why wouldn’t he tempt us not to read it.
Might i add.. ‘lack of understanding’ should not be an excuse either.
There are numerous translation sites and study bibles…
Hi Cierra, thanks for sharing your thoughts. Do you have any suggestions for helping people overcome the laziness and lack of understanding you’ve identified as excuses? I mean, identifying the problem is only the first step. Now how do we overcome it?
Reading the bible and doing research on comparative religion made me an atheist. It’s just an ancient game of telephone, nothing more.
Anon, I agree that “religion” is enough to drive a person to atheism! Religion is really just our attempt to organize our understanding of a relationship that is often mysterious. Often, the rules and traditions replace the actual relationship, and we end up defending the religion instead of the relationship. I apologize for that. I know I’ve been guilty of it myself.
The “relationship” is just in the collective imagination of the believers. It’s basically self-inflicted schizophrenia.
I suppose you could say that about any relationship—it exists in people’s imaginations. Does that mean it’s not real? On the contrary, imagination is where things begin.
I have two books for reading the Bible everyday. Selwyn Hughes’s Every Day with Jesus and The Daily Devotional Commentary by Lawrence O. Richards. The latter helps me a lot at the start of the day and I have to get up early to read it as sometimes it takes 20 minutes. I alternate these books every year by the way not both in the same day.
Thank you for sharing these resources, Lee!
If you really don’t like reading or understand better from listening, there is a great site out there. It’s called http://www.bible.is and speaks out The Bible. They have that site and apps for iPod Touch/iPhone and Android. They have thousands of versions and languages. You can follow along with text and they even have some Bibles in dramatized form. Those really make you feel like your there! And they help me better understand and remember The Bible!
Thank you, Joshua. I’m going to check out those apps!
I do believe that reading the Bible is important, but I think another reason people don’t read it is that they don’t have many friends that are Christian. Maybe they would feel uncomfortable, because they know that their friend’s don’t read it. I don’t think it’s an excuse, but, in fact, another reason to read the Bible. Maybe you could tell your friends about God, and they could be saved. I’m just a kid, but, I don’t really feel close to God, even though I try to be. I’m striving to understand what the Bible says, but, I’m never completely sure that I get what it’s trying to say. Sometimes I feel bad, like, “Why can’t I make more time for God? Why can’t I understand what he’s doing, why can’t I feel saved?”
Thanks for your honesty, Jerrie. I think your experience just proves how important Christian community is. I mean, being able to talk about the Bible with friends is a great way to understand it more, so when you don’t have Christian friends, that does make it harder. (That’s kind of what I was saying in a blog I posted a few months ago: http://lifelinespublishing.net/2011/02/02/tip-3-the-bible-as-weight-watchers/)
I don’t know if this would work, but how would your unbelieving friends respond if you said something like this to them: “I’ve been trying to read the Bible, and it’s really confusing. Would you guys want to read it with me and see if we can get anything out of it?” I mean, would they think that’s lame, or would they give it a shot?
Sorry for the late reply
And, it honestly depends on the religion they have. For instance, if they were atheists, or they simply don’t have a religion, you might be able to try that on them. But, if they were Hindus, or Muslims, well, I’m not sure exactly what you should say to them. They may be weirded out by that idea. I mean, how would you feel if they wanted you to be a Muslim? I would defend my own religion. If the person is open minded, they may want to try something new, but a lot of people today are stubborn, and refuse to accept a religion
I think the key is, you’re not trying to get them to accept a religion. You’re just inviting them to read the Bible and see what it says. If God shows up for them while they’re reading the Bible, He’ll take care of the next steps. That’s not up to you.
The way I see it, you are just letting your friends know that (1) you think the Bible has some important things to say, (2) you want to spend some time studying it, and (3) you’d love it if they would join you. You’re not trying to convert anyone.
People have become great church goers, and are slowly evolving into a non-christian type of person…The Bible is a daily guide for Christ and God to feed my life….There are things in there I must abide by to be a true follower of Christ….Do not steal, do not boast, do not slander, do not be sexualy immoral….And to love our neighbors as ouselfs…If a person doesn’t talk about Christ on days that church isn’t going on then that is a real tell tell….Christ is my life not just part of my life…I do not understand a Christian that doesn’t read Gods word daily….We are supposed to be Holy but instead, tv, video games, fashion, and worldly things have take place…God is a loving God but even when Moses was punished by God it was for the rest of his life….And we will all be judged….! Pray hourly, and search for turning yourself into a Holy person….Church is not for entertainment, and good speakers can draw a crowd….Even an angel of Darkness can fool even the elect…So not everyone that says Lord Lord will enter into the kingdom….But please read the Bible and give your life to God on a daily basis…And don’t read the Bible just for knowledge….Read it for edification….
James, I understand what you’re saying; I’m just not sure how helpful it is to people who are already struggling to read the Bible. I mean, it sounds like you’re trying to make people feel bad (or worse) for not reading the Bible, and I’m not sure that feeling worse really helps people change. Know what I mean?
I have read the bible and even though a part of me wishes I hadn’t I am glad I found the glaring contradictons.
Like Jesus said he didn’t come to abolish the laws of Moses yet another passage he says that unlike the laws of Moses you should love your enemy and even bless him/her for if you bless your enemy God will bless your heart.
Now what I want to know is why did Jesus change the law of the old testmeans?
Not that I have any complaints about blessing the enemy as I have had a curse placed on me myself and realize it won’t do me any good to harbor hate towards my victims.
I know of other contradictions to like one about being slow to anger but it’s too late at night for me to post it.
Good night.
I admire you for at least doing some investigation before you make up your mind about the Bible. A lot of people make assumptions about what it says, but it doesn’t always fit our assumptions!
I’m not sure what you’re referring to when you say that Jesus changed the law of the Old Testament. He was usually pretty careful about keeping all the laws, which is what made it so hard for the Pharisees to figure out something to accuse Him of so they could have Him crucified.
The Old Testament laws sort of served the same purpose that rules serve when you’re in grade school. “No talking in line.” “No bullying.” “Keep your uniform clean.” Those rules are pretty clear-cut because kids need clear boundaries. The rules are about behaviors, and the hope is that by influencing the behavior, you’ll mold the child’s spirit. As you get older, you’re able to understand the “spirit” of the law, even if you don’t keep the “letter” of the law.
So, for example, one of the laws of Moses was, “No idols.” Jesus understood that what God really wanted was for His people to love Him more than anything else. Technically, you could own an idol and still love God more than the idol. But the Israelites needed the learn the right behaviors first, so God just banned idols altogether. When Jesus said, “You can sum up all the laws of Moses into two: Love God above all, and love your neighbor as yourself,” He was trying to help the Jews understand the spirit of the law. The Pharisees especially had become very good at technically obeying the laws, but they weren’t doing it because they loved God or people.
Know what I mean?
I love reading the Bible and learning it. I have been trying to encourage kids and adults alike in Sunday school to read and memorize verses each week and yesterday I was chastised by the pastor for what I said last week. I told everyong that I wanted to challenge them to read the Bible and learn the memory verse each week. I then said that we make lame excuses of why we can’t do it. I can’t believe that I was called on the carpet for this, but that is what happened. I was even told that I would have to apologize for offending the adults and berating the kids. I did not even know what that meant when it was said.
It is sad isn’t is how we have no problem with our children playing video games or watching tv for hours on end but we don’t encourage them to read God’s word. I believe that if we want to make a difference with our children we have to start with ourselves. We need to set the example so they know what they need to do. I guess that view was not to popular last Sunday when I made it known to the adults that I was concerned that none of them had been participating in learning the memory verses.
That is a sad story, Tina. It’s probably true that American Christians are not able to appreciate how important the Bible is because we have such an abundance of spiritual resources. We take it for granted. You might enjoy a book called The Heavenly Man, by Paul Hattaway and Brother Yun. (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?client=safari&rls=en&q=The+Heavenly+Man&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=8129482308230180835&sa=X&ei=8LhtT8jIItTpgQeqvb1r&ved=0CFAQ8wIwAQ#ps-sellers) It is the story of being a Christian in China, where Bibles are hard to come by. Chinese Christians really depend on God’s Word as spiritual food.
I’ve tried reading the bible many times…I’ve downloaded apps and printed out reading plans, but I get so confused. I don’t know if I should take it literally or how to interpret the metaphorical stuff. I want to read the bible because I want to, not because I have to, but I get so discouraged at times so I stop reading it altogether.
Bonnie, I have found it helpful to think of reading the Bible as having a conversation with God. Sometimes the conversation will be deep and difficult to understand. Other times it’s pretty straightforward. When people have commented here about praying before you read the Bible, that’s because they understand that it’s a conversation. When they pray, they’re essentially saying, “Hi God, I’m here. What do you have for me today?” Whatever they read in the Bible is God’s message for them.
If you’re feeling frustrated and discouraged, I would recommend starting with the verse-of-the-day calendar I recommended in the comments above. You might be surprised at how often that verse is just what you needed to hear! Here’s a link where you can subscribe: http://icalshare.com/calendars/5017
The Holy Spirit guides and teaches us in the word, there in lies the problem, I have not seen where reading the Bible has given me any guidance. I just trust that God will do what is best for me according to his plan.
Kenyon, the Bible is what God uses to let us know what His plan is. My guess is, He would like you to be more involved in the relationship than to just passively leave everything up to Him.
yes i agree with the comments i read the bible but right now i hit a dry spell i just can’t get into it i try and try and nothing has anyone had this before?? what too do??
You might try reading a different version of the Bible—The Message, for example, is a paraphrase that’s really interesting. Or you could try listening to an audio version. You could download the audio files to your MP3 player, and then listen while you go for a walk or something. Let us know how that works for you!
I’ve been guilty of not ever making the time to read the Bible ..I’ve just downloaded the Bible 360…it is wonderful…I recommend it to all. I used to sit on my computer and just surf the web…with this downloadable Bible I am reading daily…actually for hours and feel compelled to read every last verse written unto me.God Bless and hope anyone reading these posts will take a look for yourselves <3
Thanks for that recommendation, daisy—I’m downloading Bible360 now and will give it a try!
When my relationship with God through Jesus Christ began I could barely even read, let alone understand and properly pronounce most of the names and words.
College ?….. I didn’t even come close to high school graduation.
I was often referred to as a “burn out” because of my past life.
Then, my calling came.
Excuses, I tried all of them for nearly everything that “I” fell short of.
Then I read Gods message to the Apostle Paul, “in weakness My strength is made perfect”, it fit me like a glove.
I began by reading the four Gospels, after Prayer for Gods wisdom and understanding EVERY time I read the Bible.
Gods word is Spiritual, the carnal mind cannot understand most of it’s true meaning.
Our comforter, the Holy Spirit led me (still does), helped me to understand the Bible.
By Gods Grace I read the New Testament clear to Revelation, then, someone gave me a gift.
A Thompson “chain reference” KJV Bible, by then I hungered for Gods word daily.
Anytime that something stood out to me I used the chain reference, God gave me the understanding.
The only contradiction in the Bible is within ones own carnal mind, with God ALL things are possible, excuses do not work.
Twenty eight days after I was born again I Preached my first message under the unction of the Holy Spirit, that was twenty years ago.
Want to grow stronger Spiritually ? eat of Gods word EVERY chance you have, it is high quality, low calorie and it builds useful Spiritual muscle rather than fat.
Without Him, I am nothing, without Him, I can do nothing, without Him I am both hopeless and helpless.
If or when I feel led I may post my testimony or a link to it, our God is indeed an Awesome God.
That’s a beautiful testimony Jeff!
In my humble opinion, not reading the Bible as a Christian makes you become spiritually anorexic. A lot Christians undermine the value of reading the Bible. You will be easily devoured by false doctrines and become doctrinally unsound if you do not read the Bible. The more you read the Bible, the more you will hear God’s voice. I have to read the Bible everyday. I forget stuff if I don’t read it everyday, for my flesh is forgetful.
I agree, Emily. We need spiritual food as well as spiritual exercise; we need to feed our faith as well as put it in action. A huge advantage Jehovah’s Witnesses have over Christians is that they spend time studying the Bible (http://lifelinespublishing.net/2012/03/21/three-advantages-jehovahs-witnesses-have-over-christians/).
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