Are Young People Reading the Bible?

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

For years, the narrative has been the same: churches are emptying, the younger generation is secular, and religion is a thing of the past.

But if you have walked into a bookshop recently, or scrolled through the "Christian" side of TikTok, you might have noticed that the narrative is shifting.

This week, The Guardian published a fascinating piece titled 'It’s younger people seeking some sort of spirituality': The rise of UK Bible sales. The statistics are, frankly, staggering.

According to the report, Bible sales in the UK have hit a record high, rising by 134% since 2019. And the driving force behind this surge isn't the older generation replacing their worn-out copies. It is young people

Are young people in the UK reading the Bible more?
Yes, recent data from 2026 indicates a significant rise in Bible engagement among young adults. Reports show that Bible sales have increased by 134% since 2019, largely driven by the 18-24 demographic. This trend correlates with a rise in church attendance among this age group, which has jumped from 4% in 2018 to over 16% today. Experts attribute this "quiet revival" to a search for stability amidst global uncertainty, the influence of Christian content on social media (TikTok), and a shift away from atheism as the cultural default.

So, why is Gen Z suddenly turning to the "Good Book"? And what does this mean for the year ahead? Here are some possible reasons that the Bible is experiencing a revival today:

1. Seeking Anchors in a Storm

The Guardian article hits the nail on the head: young people are looking for stability.

If you are 22 years old in 2026, your formative years have been defined by a global pandemic, wars, the rise of AI, and a mental health crisis. In a world that feels increasingly fluid and unstable, the Bible offers something rare: unchanging truth.

As one bookseller noted in the article, young customers are coming in "from scratch." They have no church background, no Sunday School memories. They are simply asking, "Does this book have the answers that the internet doesn't?"

2. Faith as "Counter-Culture"

For a long time, being young and "rebellious" meant walking away from the church. Today, it seems the opposite is true.

In a hyper-secular society, exploring Christianity has become the new counterculture. The article highlights that atheism, once the "intellectual default," is losing its grip on the younger generation. Reading the Bible is no longer seen as old-fashioned; it is seen as a radical act of curiosity. Nobody responds positively to being told what they can't do. Loud voices declare the Bible isn't worth reading, but in doing so, they have created a wave of spiritual dissent from the norm. The Bible is

3. The "Aesthetic" Factor

We cannot ignore the visual element. The rise of Journaling Bibles and beautiful, design-led editions (like those from Hosanna Revival) has played a huge role.

Social media platforms have made Scripture accessible and, dare we say it, "shareable." Young people aren't just reading the text; they are annotating it, highlighting it, and sharing their journey online. It has created a digital community where reading the Bible feels communal rather than isolating.

4. A Surge Among Young Men

One of the most surprising stats from the wider reports mentioned is the specific rise among young men. While the church has historically struggled to retain this demographic, the search for meaning and responsibility seems to be drawing them back to the pews and to the text itself.

Where to Start?

If you are reading this and feeling that same curiosity, if you want to know what this "quiet revival" is all about, you don't need to be intimidated. You don't need to be religious to open the book and see what it says.

Whether you want a Journaling Bible to document your thoughts or a Study Bible to explain the history, we can help you find the right edition to start your search.

Try the Eden Bible Finder Here

The world is noisy in 2026. Perhaps it is time to listen to a different voice.

Not sure which Bible is right for you? You can learn more in our free ebook, 'How to Choose Your Bible'.