You already know time in God’s Word renews the soul, but did you know it’s also linked to better physical and emotional health? Here’s what the latest research shows.



Reading the Bible regularly isn't just good for your soul -- it's perhaps good for your body, too. That's according to the latest State of the Bible report from the American Bible Society, which found that Americans who have read their Bible in the past week experience significantly less stress than those who have not opened God's Word. Further, Bible readers experience less anxiety and loneliness but greater levels of hope.

The survey also found a correlation between regular Bible reading and positive self-care. For example, Americans who regularly read their Bibles are more likely to have exercised, spent time with a friend, and volunteered in their community within the past week.

The survey of 2,656 U.S. adults was conducted in January.

"Our research confirms that all the things that people do to improve their general well-being -- exercise, seeing friends, and so on -- are statistically associated with fuller lives. So is Bible reading," said John Farquhar Plake, chief innovation officer at the American Bible Society and editor-in-chief of the State of the Bible series.

"In fact," Plake added, "the Bible's connection to lower stress, anxiety, and loneliness is stronger than that of meditation, spending time with a friend, or even exercise. Those who keep coming back to Scripture find reassurance in stressful times, hope for the future, and a growing relationship with the God who knows them intimately and loves them deeply."

The survey found that 67 percent of Americans say they have exercised within the past seven days. But among those who regularly read their Bibles -- the Scripture engaged -- 71 percent have, compared to 65 percent who rarely or never read their Bibles.

Americans who regularly read their Bibles are more likely to have spent time with a friend (73 percent vs. 66 percent national average) and volunteered in their community (27 percent vs. 17 percent) within the past week. Among those who rarely or never read their Bibles, 63 percent say they've spent time with a friend in the past week, while 13 percent say they've volunteered in their community.

The latest data is found in Chapter 4 of the State of the Bible report.

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