There are various factors that can knock a Christian's confidence in the Bible as a book that has something to say today. Not only are we surrounded by a dominant culture that has quietly abandoned biblical standards, but we are also being put through the mill persistently by a vociferous minority of militant secularists.
When ComRes asked people whether they felt that smart atheists like Richard Dawkins were undermining their trust in the Bible, 40 per cent of churchgoers and 25 per cent of leaders admitted that this was the case.
The question is: who will engage with the secularist challenge on a level that does not go over the heads of the average church member but encourages them to get involved in the debate and stand up for their beliefs?
Unsurprisingly perhaps, the researchers found both church leaders and churchgoers to be keenly aware of the fact that making the Bible heard in the public square should be high on the church's agenda - should, not is.
The survey highlights the challenge for Christians to move from loving to living; to read, know, and engage with the Word in a way that will make the culture listen.
About Bible Society
Bible Society exists to make the Bible heard. We aim to show how the Bible connects with life. We make Scripture available where there are none. We work with the Church to help it live out God's story. We do this because Bible poverty is real. And fighting it matters
Taking the Pulse: Is the Bible alive and well in the Church today? Is a new report reflecting the views of Christians in pews and pulpits across England and Wales.
The comprehensive and authoritative survey reflects the comments of well over 3,000 church leaders and members. The summary report can be downloaded and read at www.biblesociety.org.uk
(1) The survey project was co-sponsored by the Scottish Bible Society, the Evangelical Alliance, Scripture Union and United Christian Broadcasters
