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MORE STATISTICS TO CONSIDER, edited by Carl McMurray from Barna.com
A new research report from the Barna Group examines how different generations of American adults view and use the Bible. For the purposes of this research, the Mosaic generation refers to adults who are currently ages 18 to 25; Busters are those ages 26 to 44; Boomers are 45 to 63; and Elders are 64-plus.
A majority of each of the four generations believes that the Bible is a sacred or holy book. Another commonality is that millions within each of the generations report reading the pages of Scripture in the last week. There is also significant generational overlap regarding people’s views on the nature of the Bible. For instance, the “highest” view of the Bible – that it is “the actual word of God and should be taken literally, word for word” – is embraced by one-quarter of Mosaics (27%), Busters (27%), and Boomers (23%), and one-third of Elders (34%).
However, despite these similarities, the Barna studies show that the youngest generations are charting a new, unique course related to the Bible. Here are some of the types of changes being forged by young adults:
Skepticism of Origins – One difference is that young adults are more likely to express skepticism about the original manuscripts of the Bible than is true of older adults. Less Engagement – While many young adults are active users of the Bible, the pattern shows a clear generational drop-off – the younger the person, the less likely then are to read the Bible. Bible Appetite – One departure from the typical pattern is the fact that younger adults, especially Mosaics (19%), express a slightly above-average interest in gaining additional Bible knowledge. This compares with 12% of Boomers and 9% of Elders.
What does this mean for us? The world is beconing less and less interested in spiritual things so we should give up our outreach? No. The farmer doesn’t quit farming because the weather or soil is not like it used to be. He just has to work harder, plant more seed, cultivate more carefully, and lose as little of his crop as possible. All generations still have wise people in them that are seeking the Lord and we are the pillar and ground of the truth. Let’s heighten our resolve to invite, include, and incorporate. |
