Biblical literacy matters—not only for individual spiritual growth, but for the health of the church and the mission God has given us. Conversations about literacy often focus on basic reading skills, but the broader reality is sobering. Globally, women make up nearly two-thirds of the world’s illiterate population, and studies show female literacy rates can even predict child mortality.1
In 2024, 21% of U.S. adults are considered illiterate, and 54% read below a sixth-grade level. When it comes to Scripture engagement, research from Barna reveals that 10% of Americans have read none of the Bible, 53% have read very little of it, and only 16% read the Bible most days. While Bible reading has slightly increased in recent years, the overall trend points to limited engagement with God’s Word.2
Biblical Literacy in America
Scott McConnell of Lifeway Research summarizes the challenge clearly: “Most Americans don’t know first-hand the overall story of the Bible—because they rarely pick it up. Even among worship attendees, less than half read the Bible daily. The only time they hear Scripture is when someone else is reading it.”
This lack of direct interaction with the Bible affects how believers understand God, interpret truth, and live out their faith.
What Is Biblical Literacy?
Biblical literacy is more than familiarity with verses or stories. Karen Engle describes it as:
“Biblical literacy involves a deeper awareness of the meaning of what’s in the Bible—how God’s grand narrative unfolds from the first words in Genesis 1, “In the beginning . . . ,” to the very last words of Revelation. How there’s one common thread that knits the whole thing together. That there is meaning behind every word and every story God chose to include in his book of instruction. It’s the ability to rightly read and understand the Bible by using the proper tools of study to become better acquainted with its essential nature and content and then apply discerned meaning to life. It requires personal interaction—and approaching the Bible for what it is: alive and active, God’s living Word (Heb 4:12).”
The Aim of Biblical Literacy
The aim of biblical literacy is knowing God, believing in His Son, finding life in His name, to become fully mature in Christ—obeying all that Jesus taught, being equipped to participate in God’s mission in the world, and anticipating our future hope.
Biblical literacy is an integral aspect of healthy discipleship—the two go hand in hand. We are conformed to the character of Christ as His Word dwells richly in us.
7 Steps Toward Biblical Literacy
- Learn the storyline that makes the Bible one coherent story.
- Go deep in individual books of the Bible, balancing Old Testament and New Testament.
- Read chronologically through the whole Bible.
- Recognize themes that are carried through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation (Biblical Theology).
- Learn to identify literary genres and appreciate the historical, geographical, and cultural context.
- Make sure your theological foundation is solid.
- Hone your skills in responsible biblical interpretation.
Promoting Biblical Literacy in Women’s Bible Study
- Embrace the corporate reading of God’s Word. Read the Bible aloud together, and often, and during every group meeting.
- Select studies with your group in mind and tailor the study approach to your group. Meet women where they are. Asses their needs, commitment level, and experience.
- Expose the women in your church to the whole counsel of Scripture. Balance Old Testament and New Testament studies, ideally after women have learned the storyline of the Bible.
- Hold one another accountable: Bible engagement should be a part of biblical community. Model the way the Bible speaks to you in daily life. Encourage one another not to give up if you get behind.
- Incorporate Scripture memory: The only Bible we truly have is the one that we’ve memorized. Repetitive reading in context is one way to memorize.
- Affirm that biblical literacy is an integral aspect of healthy discipleship and spiritual formation. We are conformed to the character of Christ as His Word dwells richly in us.
- Keep the mission in mind: We cannot faithfully fulfill the Great Commission without knowing God’s Word (Matt. 28).
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About Tina Boesch
Tina Boesch has lived in seven countries on three continents. She earned a MA in theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. These days she serves as Manager of the Lifeway Women Bible Study Publishing Team. She’s the author of Given: The Forgotten Meaning and Practice of Blessing and has designed stained glass windows for Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and North Greenville University. You can find more of her writing and design at tinaboesch.com.
Works Cited
- National Literacy Institute, thenationalliteracyinstitute.com.
- “State of the Bible 2021: Five Key Findings,” Barna, May 19, 2021, https://www.barna.com/research/sotb-2021/.
