Online biblical resources

Teleios Research Explores Online Resources for the Bible

Today’s Christians are blessed with resources in studying the Bible that are unmatched in history. We possess easy accessibility to searches of the Bible text, the languages, commentaries, Bible dictionaries and lexicons. All these convenient tools, within a website or a downloadable program, can greatly and enhance and speed our Bible learning and make us better servants of God. Accordingly, with these advantageous resources how we study the Bible is changing rapidly.

Teleios recently surveyed adolescents and millennials regarding online/digital resources for the Bible. The survey was promoted on the Christian Instagram accounts, InstaPray and GodsHolyScriptures. Of the 105 participants the majority were: female (66%), <35 years old (71%), from the United States (56%), and evangelical (77%).

When asked what online/electronic resources are used for Bible study, the most popular responses were: an online devotional (32%), stream a Christian pastor/speaker (32%), and Bible reading plan (31%).

When asked what online resources are used to answer your questions about the Bible, the most popular responses were: search engine (46%), Bible study sites or software (44%), and email/text a mentor (25%).

For biblical inspiration respondents chose: Instagram (63%), a Bible app (60%), and YouTube (30%). Instagram was also among the top choices for source of fellowship and praise.

Despite all of the online sources available to us, 63% still use a paper Bible. Further, most indicate they attend church in a physical building where a pasture is physically present (80%) or video of a pasture at the primary church (4%)! In the church service twenty one percent noted that either email or text or use to communicate with the congregation 50% each while 60% stated specifically the church did not use these electronic mediums.

The study suggests that adolescents and young adult Christians generally depend on, at some level, online/digital resources for Bible study and inspiration.

All the findings of the survey can be found here.

WC Stewart, JA Stewart, LA Nelson

About Teleios – Teleios is a non-profit foundation that seeks to demonstrate the truth of scripture and the Christian faith through scientific methods by providing evidence for the positive results of a biblically-based lifestyle. Prior studies conducted by Teleios have shown that the practice of the Christian faith (praise, prayer, fellowship, service and Bible study) and security of salvation increases well-being while reducing guilt.