Men Across Generations Turning to the Bible, New Study Finds
In a notable shift, men across all generations in the United States are increasingly engaging with the Bible, according to the American Bible Society’s 2025 State of the Bible report. This resurgence marks a significant change in spiritual engagement trends, particularly among male demographics.
The report indicates that nearly 10 million more Americans are reading Scripture compared to the previous year. Overall, 41% of Americans now qualify as Bible users—defined as individuals who engage with the Bible at least three times a year outside of church services—up from 38% in 2024.
According to Barna’s latest data, 66 percent of all U.S. adults say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus that is still important in their life today. That marks a 12-percentage-point increase since 2021, when commitment levels reached their lowest in more than three decades of Barna tracking.
Millennials are leading this revival, with Bible engagement rising from 30% to 39% in just one year. This uptick suggests a broader spiritual searching among younger adults, challenging previous notions of declining religious interest in this demographic.
Jennifer Holloran, president and CEO of the American Bible Society, commented on the findings: “In a world where many feel weary, anxious, or unsatisfied, Scripture offers an enduring message of hope. The Church has a unique opportunity in this moment to invite seekers into genuine encounters with the living Word of God.”
Further supporting this trend, a Barna study reveals that 66% of all U.S. adults have made a personal commitment to Jesus that remains important in their lives, marking a 12-percentage-point increase since 2021. This resurgence is particularly driven by younger generations, with Gen Z and Millennials showing significant increases in commitment to Jesus.
The American Bible Society’s research also highlights that 54% of Generation Z respondents—Americans born in 1997 or later—cite the Bible as a transformative influence in their lives, up from 50% in 2023. This suggests a growing openness to Scripture among the youngest adult cohort.
This renewed interest in the Bible among men and younger generations may be attributed to a search for stability and meaning in an increasingly complex world. The Bible’s teachings offer a sense of purpose and moral clarity that resonates with individuals seeking direction.
The implications of this trend are significant for faith communities and religious institutions. As more men and younger individuals turn to the Bible, there is an opportunity for churches to engage with these groups more effectively, providing resources and support to nurture their spiritual growth.
While the data indicates a positive shift, it also underscores the importance of continued outreach and engagement strategies tailored to the needs and preferences of these demographics. Faith leaders are encouraged to consider innovative approaches to ministry that resonate with the experiences and challenges faced by men and younger adults today.
In summary, the increasing Bible engagement among men across generations signifies a meaningful development in the spiritual landscape of the United States. This trend presents both opportunities and responsibilities for faith communities to support and guide individuals in their spiritual journeys.