According to a story in the Monday issue of the Washington Times, reporting on a recent survey:
"Whether Americans are truly Bible-literate in an era of slipshod literacy standards, more than eight in 10 United States adults told the survey that the Bible's ancient stories speak to today – and can solve 'most or all' of life's problems."
There is nothing really new in that finding, said Jeff Sheler, author of "Is the Bible True?" who said that "for years, Gallup polls have found that huge majorities believe the Bible to be God's word, but a far smaller segment read it regularly."
Gallup polls report among their respondents those who believe the Bible is "literally true" has dropped from 65 percent to 33 percent over the past 40 years.
But those who say they believe in its divine "inspiration and authority" remain at more than 80 percent.
A recent market survey of 1,000 representative U.S. adults by Zondervan, the world's largest publisher of Bibles, found that most of those say they believe:
• The Bible got "its facts straight" – more than newspapers or even history books.
• It's easier to read a supermarket tabloid.
• The creation account in Genesis is the most difficult part of the Bible to read and understand.
• The Bible's greatest value is teaching children right from wrong.
• The story of young David slaying the giant Goliath with a sling is the Bible's most memorable story.
• The example of the Good Samaritan helping a stranger is the best for moral instruction.
• Bible language can be confusing, so modern translations are welcome.
• Different parts of the Bible speak to different people and needs, and specialty Bible materials are helpful.
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