Young adults in the United States who regularly read the Bible report a significantly higher sense of overall well-being than their generational peers who do not, according to the American Bible Society’s latest findings.

According to the Christian Post, the organization’s 2025 State of the Bible report highlights national improvements in Bible engagement and overall flourishing, with notable gains among Gen Zers and millennials.

The new report draws from a nationally representative survey conducted in January 2025, where 2,656 American adults across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., responded through the AmeriSpeak panel operated by NORC at the University of Chicago. The research found a direct association between Scripture engagement and higher scores on the Human Flourishing Index, a tool created by Harvard University to measure well-being across six dimensions of life, including happiness, health, purpose, and social relationships.

Engagement with Scripture improves life satisfaction

Participants who regularly engaged with the Bible scored an average of 8.1 on the flourishing index, significantly higher than the 6.8 score recorded among those who never engaged with Scripture. Among daily Bible readers, the average flourishing score came in at 7.9, demonstrating a persistent pattern across multiple engagement levels.

These findings were even more striking among Gen Z adults. In general, Gen Zers averaged the lowest flourishing score of all generations at 6.8. However, when members of that generation read the Bible consistently, their flourishing scores rose considerably above those of their peers.

The report emphasizes the positive role spiritual connection plays in well-being. Americans who strongly felt God's presence in their lives were far more likely to report high flourishing, with 43% falling into that category. On the other hand, 41% of those who reported disbelief in God’s activity said they experienced low flourishing.

Social relationships improving for younger adults

In a shift from previous years, Gen Z adults also improved in social connection, an area in which they’ve often lagged behind other groups. They scored 7.0 in close social relationships, up from 6.6 in 2024, outpacing both millennials and members of Gen X in that life domain.

This reversal is especially meaningful, given the generation’s frequent association with feelings of social isolation. The report suggests that spiritual engagement may be contributing to improvements in relational well-being for younger Americans.

Across the board, Baby Boomers reported the highest overall flourishing score at 7.5. Within this group, 45% noted feeling high levels of well-being. However, the jump in flourishing scores among younger Bible readers indicates that engagement with Scripture serves as a leveling factor across generations.

Scripture reading reverses post-pandemic decline

Nationally, the report recorded an increase in Bible use for the first time in four years. Approximately 11 million more Americans reported reading Scripture in 2025 than did in the previous year, reversing a sustained drop in engagement since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The increase was not limited to a single region or demographic. The greatest rise in Bible reading occurred among millennials, Gen Xers, and men. Regionally, the Northeast and West saw Scripture use rise by 18%, while the Midwest experienced a 15% increase. The South, however, observed no significant change.

Interestingly, younger residents of the San Francisco Bay Area surpassed the national average in Bible use. Among millennials in the area, 40% identified as Bible users, compared to the 39% U.S. average. Similarly, 37% of Bay Area Gen Zers engaged with Scripture, versus 36% nationally.

Large group remains open to spiritual growth

The American Bible Society defines “Bible users” as individuals who read Scripture outside of religious services at least three to four times each year. More involved participants, labeled “Bible engaged,” are those whose consistent Scripture habits influence their relationships and life decisions. This group includes 52 million Americans.

Still, there remains a sizable population in what researchers call the “movable middle"—an estimated 71 million Americans. These individuals are not yet deeply involved with Scripture but show interest, particularly when the Bible is explained in a broader, contextual narrative.

Many within this movable demographic are non-practicing Christians open to a guided understanding of faith. This openness presents an opportunity for faith groups and churches to encourage deeper engagement that could foster improvements in personal and social well-being.

U.S. ranks modestly in global well-being index

The report’s national findings were mirrored by global results. A separate Global Flourishing Study ranked the United States 15th out of 22 countries in terms of overall human flourishing. The U.S. placed 12th when measuring secure flourishing, a term that considers both satisfaction and longevity of personal well-being.

Countries including Indonesia, Mexico, the Philippines, Israel, and Nigeria ranked highest in human flourishing. These nations outperformed wealthier Western countries despite economic disparities, suggesting that spiritual and social factors may play a significant role in public contentment.

While the U.S. continued to fall short in international comparisons, the rise in Scripture engagement and flourishing within young adult populations may offer potential for improvement in the coming years.