More Bibles Sold, But Fewer People Going to Church

In a surprising turn, Bible sales in the U. S. are soaring, even as fewer Americans consider religion a big part of their lives. This year alone, over 18 million Bibles have been sold, with a big jump in September. That’s when sales spiked after the passing of conservative Christian activist Charlie Kirk. The English Standard Bible, Adventure Bible for kids, and the She Reads Truth Bible are among the top sellers. There’s even a patriotic Bible endorsed by Donald Trump, which has brought in over $1. 3 million. But why the surge? Experts think it might be because of the crazy times we’re living in. The pandemic, political fights, and other chaos might be making people look for something steady and comforting. Tim Wildsmith, a former campus minister, thinks people are searching for peace and stability. At a Christian bookstore in Illinois, the New Living Translation Bible is a big hit, especially with younger folks. The store’s manager, Kelli Malm, says people love how easy it is to read and how the app makes studying the Bible simpler. She’s also noticed more people in their 30s and 40s buying Bibles, either finding faith for the first time or returning to it. Publishers are seeing growth across all types of Bibles, from kids’ versions to ones aimed at Gen Z readers. HarperCollins alone publishes 22 translations in English and Spanish, with hundreds of editions. Despite the rise in Bible sales, a Gallup survey found that only 49% of Americans say religion is important to them, showing a decline in religiosity over the years.