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New study shows engaging with the Bible develops hope and resilience

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – A new survey from the American Bible Society (ABS) shows that those who read and apply the Bible consistently have “greater levels of hope and resilience,” CBN News reports.

The results of the survey were published in the ABS’ 2022 annual “State of the Bible” report.

Based on data gathered from 2,598 phone and Internet interviews with US adults across the country, the survey found that the Bible “makes a significant difference in well-being” on the Human Flourishing Index, CBN reports. Scripture Engaged Americans scored 19% higher on the Index than those who are not engaged, the survey found.

“Over these last three years, Scripture Engaged Americans have been at least 14 to 19 percent higher on the Hope Scale than people in the Movable Middle or Bible Disengaged categories,” ABS said in a press release. Moreover, the survey found that engaging with the Bible helps people who has suffered traum to develop “resilience.”

“When trauma sufferers are Scripture Engaged, they experience higher levels of well-being than those who have no report of trauma and are not engaging with the Bible,” the ABS press release says. “Trauma still has a serious impact, but Scripture Engagement brings a resilience that promotes Human Flourishing more than trauma hurts it.”

Commenting on the results of the survey to CBN, Dr. John Farquhar Plake, director of ministry intelligence for the American Bible Society said: “Christians know that Jesus offers us full life; there’s no surprise here,” Plake said.

“But for those who are questioning their faith or even who need reassurance after a hard season, the data validates that applying the truths of Scripture leads to better health, better relationships, and a higher sense of purpose and meaning — all while bringing us closer to God.”