A new report from the American Bible Society, released on 12 June, highlights a clear link between regular engagement with the Bible and greater overall wellbeing. It shows that Christians who read Scripture often and are active in church life report higher levels of life satisfaction and personal flourishing.
The report draws on research from Harvard’s T. H. Chan School of Public Health, which defines "human flourishing" as thriving across several areas—including happiness, health, purpose, character, relationships, and financial stability. The findings show that those who feel connected to God and engage regularly with the Bible score significantly higher in these areas.
Key findings include:
Daily readers score higher: People who read the Bible every day scored about 7.9 out of 10 on the flourishing scale, compared to 6.8 for those who never read it.
Church attendance helps: Christians who attend church monthly and value their faith reported greater wellbeing across most areas.
Young people particularly affected: Although Gen Z (aged 13–28) had the lowest overall average flourishing score (6.8), those in this group who actively read Scripture scored as high as 8.1—higher than some older generations.
Older generations also benefit: Baby Boomers (ages 61–79) had an average score of 7.5, but Scripture-engaged Gen Z and Millennials matched the highest average score of 8.1.
John Farquhar Plake, Chief Innovation Officer at the American Bible Society, said the results are encouraging, especially the positive impact on young people who regularly read the Bible.
The report highlights that regular Bible reading and involvement in church are powerful ways for Christians to experience more hope, purpose, stronger relationships, and better mental and physical wellbeing.
