Bible Sales Are Skyrocketing While American Religion is in Decline

Young people across the U.S. are showing renewed interest in owning a Bible, suggesting a deeper search for meaning in uncertain times.

Key Facts:

Bible sales have risen 22% through October compared to the same period last year.
Print Bible sales hit a five-year low in 2020 but now top 13.7 million.
Some leaders, including Bishop Robert Barron, link this trend to a growing need for purpose.

The Rest of The Story:

Briana Fitzpatrick, a young New York based artist, told Fox News Digital she was inspired to buy a Bible after seeing Phil Robertson’s well-worn copy in a documentary. She now reads Scripture daily and attends study groups, sharing her journey on social media.

Fitzpatrick is not alone. Brenna Connor, an industry analyst with Circana, told Fox News Digital, “The religion book market has been a bright spot of growth within the total book market since the pandemic.”

“Bibles are leading that growth, but other subjects like Christian Life and Biblical Studies are also up, reflecting increased interest for Christian subjects in the U.S.,” she continued.

While bible reading is up, church attendance is starkly down. According to a Gallup Poll:

“Two decades ago, an average of 42% of U.S. adults attended religious services every week or nearly every week. A decade ago, the figure fell to 38%, and it is currently at 30%. This decline is largely driven by the increase in the percentage of Americans with no religious affiliation — 9% in 2000-2003 versus 21% in 2021-2023 — almost all of whom do not attend services regularly,” the report stated.

Researchers note that, even as fewer Americans identify with traditional religion, they still turn to the Bible for guidance. Some experts attribute this renewed curiosity to societal anxieties and a longing for moral grounding.

Bishop Robert Barron told Fox News Digital, “Let’s face it, the Bible has been — certainly for Western civilization, but even all over the world — the main source of meaning, purpose, value,” Barron said.

“I think people are turning back to the Bible in greater numbers because they’re looking for that, and they realize instinctively they’re going to find it,” he continued.

Commentary:

At a time when many feel lost, the hunger for truth and moral clarity stands out. Faith, for some, provides hope and direction when the world feels confusing. This signals a call for churches to address real spiritual needs rather than rely on flashy services or surface-level programs. People desire genuine brotherly love over self-centered pursuits, along with teaching that speaks to the heart.

For church communities, it’s an opportunity to step up and offer guidance. Many who open the Bible do so seeking a solid foundation—something to center them in a fast-changing culture.

The Bottom Line:

A growing interest in Bible ownership suggests a broader search for stability and virtue, even as overall church attendance declines. Whether it lasts depends on how churches respond to people’s deep desire for truth and connection.