Barna 2025: Christians committed to the Bible stand out for their generosity and social impact
Washington, November 11, 2025 – A large study, conducted by the Barna Group in partnership with the American Bible Society, reveals a clear difference in social engagement and generosity between American Christians with a regular Bible practice and others. The “State of the Bible 2025” report, published in November, is based on a representative panel of several thousand adults interviewed during the first half of 2025.
The survey was conducted via online and telephone questionnaires among a national sample. Respondents were asked to specify their frequency of reading the Bible, their religious involvement, their charitable donations and their actions in the service of the most vulnerable.
Surprising numerical results
Among the results pinned by Barna:
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55% of practicing Christians say that reading the Bible helps them be more empathetic and supportive of those around them.
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The median charitable donation Christians very engaged in biblical reading is four times higher to that of less committed believers.
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Regular reading of the Bibleeven among non-Christians, is associated with a significant improvement in social behavior and reported generosity.
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Regular practitioners are significantly more active in volunteering, food donations and direct aid initiatives.
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The report emphasizes the significant difference between “scripturally committed” and “lukewarm” Christians who, according to the figures, give and commit much less.
Reactions and consequences
The authors of the report emphasize that “the Bible acts as a positive engine for social action and collective cohesion, breaking down stereotypes about religious withdrawal.” This trend, more marked in the United States, raises questions about developments in other Western societies. The results, validated with several sources, fuel the debate on the social contribution of Churches, while regular practitioners appear as pillars of solidarity initiatives.
