The American Bible Society released Chapter 3 of its State of the Bible 2023 report last week, titled “Flourishing and Hope.”
The researchers confirmed something millions of Christians know through personal experience—that the Bible has the power to transform our lives and make us happier, healthier, and whole.
John Farquhar Plake, Chief Ministry Insights and Innovation Officer at the American Bible Society added, “While these scripture-engaged Christians go through the same hardships as everyone else, the difference is they experience life’s ups and downs through a worldview shaped by the Bible’s message of hope. No matter the circumstances, those who trust in God and connect with him through Scripture are happier than those who haven’t yet sought God in his Word.”
The research examined respondents’ scores on the Human Flourishing Index, which asks about people’s “happiness & life satisfaction,” “mental & physical health,” “meaning & purpose,” “character & virtue,” “close societal relationships” and “financial & material stability.”
On the Human Flourishing Index as a whole, practicing Christians received an average score of 7.8 compared to 6.9 for non-practicing Christians and 6.7 for non-Christians.
The researchers concluded, “We find that Christians who are committed to their faith, fully engaged in the Bible and transformed by its message, flourish in every domain of human experience.”