By Jonah McKeown
CNA Staff, Dec 5, 2024 / 08:00 am
Is the Bible — already the most widely printed book of all time — having a moment?
As recently reported by the Wall Street Journal, Bible sales — across a variety of editions — rose 22% in the U.S. through the end of October 2024 compared with the same period last year, according to book tracker Circana BookScan. This is despite nearly a third of U.S.
In a world where digital media dominates our attention, it’s surprising to see that the Bible, a centuries-old text, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. According to a recent report by the Wall Street Journal, Bible sales in the U.S. have increased by a staggering 22% compared to the previous year, as noted by Circana BookScan.
This trend is particularly interesting given that a significant portion of the population consumes content online. The fact that physical copies of the Bible are flying off the shelves suggests that there is still a strong demand for this timeless text.
Perhaps people are turning to the Bible for comfort, guidance, or simply as a way to disconnect from the digital world and engage with something tangible. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that the Bible is not just a religious text but a cultural phenomenon that continues to resonate with people from all walks of life.
The Rise of Bible Sales Among the Religiously Unaffiliated
In a surprising turn of events, Bible sales have been on the rise, particularly among adults who identify as religiously unaffiliated. While print book sales overall only saw a 1% increase during the same period, the demand for Bibles has been skyrocketing.
Experts, as cited by the Wall Street Journal, attribute this surge in Bible sales to a variety of factors, including readers seeking solace and meaning in uncertain times, the availability of new Bible versions and formats to cater to diverse preferences, and strategic marketing campaigns to reach new audiences, such as young people looking to deepen their faith by owning their own Bible.
Even prominent Catholic publishers have noticed a significant increase in Bible sales, with many attributing it to a spiritual hunger among Catholics to engage with God’s word on a personal level.
The Impact of the ‘Bible Boom’ in Today’s Culture
For Word on Fire, the Catholic media and publishing apostolate founded by Bishop Robert Barron, the surge in Bible sales has been palpable. Brandon Vogt, senior publishing director at Word on Fire, shared that the apostolate has sold over half a million copies of the Word on Fire Bible since its launch in 2020, far exceeding their expectations.
When the apostolate initially ordered 50,000 copies, they believed it would last for a year or two. However, they were stunned to sell out of the leather copies within 24 hours and most of the hardcover and paperback editions within a few weeks.
Paul Center for Biblical Theology.
Revolutionizing the Way Catholics Engage with the Bible
Word on Fire’s recent success with their beautifully crafted Bible is just one example of a larger trend in society. People are seeking truth and authenticity, and they are finding it in the ancient text of the Bible. This cultural moment has led to a revolution in the way Catholics engage with the Bible.
Jon Bator, Word on Fire’s senior director of sales and marketing, expressed their surprise at the overwhelming demand for their Bible, which has been consistent month after month. The apostolate’s approach to creating the Bible was to prioritize beauty, from the design to the content, with the goal of appealing to those who are unknowingly seeking the Lord.
The Word on Fire Bible, with its stunning artwork, typography, and commentary from various voices including the renowned preacher Barron himself, has captured the attention of many. The book is not just a collection of words, but a work of art that draws readers in and invites them to explore the depths of faith.
This renewed interest in the Bible is reflected in various cultural phenomena, from popular YouTube lectures to podcasts, all centered around the ancient text. People are hungry for truth in a world filled with relativism, and the Bible offers them a solid foundation to stand on.
Ignatius Press, a prominent Catholic publisher, has also joined the revolution by releasing a new study Bible in collaboration with Scott Hahn’s St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. This partnership signifies a growing interest in engaging with the Bible in a deeper, more meaningful way.
As the Word on Fire Bible continues to inspire readers and the Ignatius Press study Bible becomes a valuable resource for Catholics, it is clear that a revolution is taking place in how people approach and engage with the sacred text. The ancient words of the Bible are speaking to a new generation, inviting them to discover the timeless truths contained within.
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