Bible sales are seeing a resurgence in the United States, a move publishers attribute to people questioning the future and reaching for the Book of God for answers. The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association said it has seen a dramatic increase in first-time readers.
People note conflict overseas, uncertainty surrounding the election and the state of the economy as reasons for turning to spiritual guidance.
According to newly released data from Circana Bookscan, Bible sales were up 22% through the end of October in comparison to the same time last year.
More specifically, The Wall Street Journal said in 2023, more than 14 million were sold. In the first 10 months of this year, 13.7 million copies have already sold.
In contrast, overall print book sales remain almost motionless with an increase of less than 1% this past year.
The issue is also drawing more attention online with social media influencers posting their own spiritual journeys and finding religion, while using their platforms to document the comfort they’ve found when turning to scriptures or biblical passages.
Back in March, President-elect Donald Trump also endorsed the $59.99 “God Bless the USA Bible,” however, those sales were not included in Circana Bookscan’s data.
According to The Wall Street Journal, publishers are trying to appeal to every type of interest when it comes to studying the Bible. They’ve released both digital and print formats for first-time readers.
These new editions of the Bible rely on visual components like maps, charts and biographies of biblical characters to connect with readers and keep them engaged in the content.
Another focus publishers are honing in on is the diversity of interest through demographics. National publisher Tyndale Housing is targeting college students as they see a rise in engagement from Gen Z. They said younger generations are seeking a stronger sense of stability and guidance in the world around them.
The growing demand for Bibles is in stark contrast to the Pew Research Center’s data that shows America is growing more secular with 28% of adults stating they don’t affiliate with a religion. Many describe themselves as agnostic, atheist or “nothing in particular.”