The new year often brings us plans to enrich our lives, and recent trends could spark a national revival.
America experienced a Bible boom last year, bringing the hope and good news of the Bible to millions of new eyes. bible sales
22% increase in 2024 Through 2023, shoppers who buy as first-time readers will lead the way. According to the Bible sales increased from 9.7 million copies in 2019 to 14.2 million copies in 2023. Data reported by Jeffrey A. Trachtenberg in the Wall Street Journalreached 13.7 million people in the first 10 months of 2024.
What's interesting is that sales for all books, including secular books, increased by less than 1%. That means the demand for Good Book is definitely skyrocketing.
What does this mean? Christians like me rejoice at this opportunity for more people to know God's love. As a recovered agnostic who was baptized as an adult seven years ago on December 3, my hope is to encourage new believers and curious seekers exploring the faith.
For those reading the Bible for the first time, embarking on this journey may seem foreign and uncomfortable, especially for those who have experienced or witnessed religious trauma or abuse. I certainly thought so. That's part of why it was difficult to get back to reading the Bible at first.
I grew up with seven biological siblings and a violent and mentally ill street musician father. My father believed that he was a prophet, that he would one day become President of the United States, and that Satan had “reassigned” lesser demons to personally torment our family. We lived a temporary life, evading the authorities by constantly moving. In addition to various homes, we also lived in campers, tents, mobile homes, and cabins.
I learned a wealth of scientific evidence for a divine Creator that blows away any vestiges of agnosticism.
One of my five siblings was born in a tent when our family lived in the woods at a public campground in Greenbelt Park, Maryland. In addition to the time I spent homeschooling, I attended 17 different public schools. When I took the ACT exam, we were living in a cabin in the Ozarks with no running water.
Because the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ultimately excommunicated my father, I am careful to distinguish between my father's actions and the official Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has 17 million members. As a child, my father was sexually assaulted by a female Mormon babysitter and witnessed the sudden death of his best friend. Sadly, his children inherited the effects of his trauma.
Three brothers attempted suicide. I have two brothers with schizophrenia. One of them accused me of trying to rape me and the other of trying to seduce me. I have been hospitalized nine times for depression, fibromyalgia, suicidal thoughts, and PTSD.
For years, I thought I would never return to belief in God or organized religion. My heart remained closed for over 10 years because of the evil deeds done in the name of God. To fill the void, I threw myself into work, school, dating, friends, and travel as ultimate sources of meaning. I received a full tuition scholarship to Harvard University to study business policy, worked as an analyst for a major Wall Street firm, and earned an incredible amount of money for a girl living in a camper. I began my career in political journalism at outlets such as Politico, The Hill, and The Washington Times.
But it offered no meaning or purpose that only God could provide.
After an unexpected turn of events, I turned to the study of the Bible and Christian theology. Also, I started studying science and metaphysics,
science + god It was created by Michael Gillen, a former Harvard University physics professor. Michael Gillen is a nondenominational Christian and former atheist. Gielen received his Ph.D. After earning his doctorate in mathematics, astronomy, and physics from Cornell University, he taught physics at Harvard University and served as chief science correspondent for ABC News.
I learned a wealth of scientific evidence for a divine Creator that blows away any vestiges of agnosticism. I eventually accepted Christianity and never looked back.
There are many supplementary books that supplement the Bible, but none come close to the Old Testament, which tells of Jesus' own life and about him.
Former French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte witnessed the collapse of his political fortunes. He is said to have said this while in exile. After the defeat at the Battle of Waterloo:
I know men. And let me tell you that Jesus Christ is not just a human being. There is no comparison between God and all the people in the world. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I founded empires. But on what basis did we base the creations of genius? By force. Jesus Christ founded his empire on love. And at this time millions of people will die for him.
In today's world of cheap social media tricks that buy followers and “influencers” who buy engagement, Jesus' powerful influence has lasted for over 2,000 years and is now reaching billions of people around the world, and centuries. affecting millions of Christians.
Just as Christians recently celebrated the birth of the Savior during the Christmas season, there is also reason for our brothers and sisters to rejoice in learning more about the life and teachings of Jesus.
Congratulations to the millions of Americans who have purchased their first Bible. You are on a powerful journey, and it is not always easy. Jordan Peterson would saywelcome to your first wrestling match with God.
