Lifeway Research Examined Protestant Bible Perspectives

A study found that many American churchgoers struggle with individual biblical interpretation and truth acceptance.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Religion — General

Gouache-painted illustration of an open, blank antique book on a wooden surface, representing the theme of personal scripture study. — A Lifeway Research study released this week reveals that many American Protestant churchgoers are increasingly struggling to engage with biblical scripture independently. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should modern cultural shifts change how you interpret the meaning of traditional religious texts?

Lifeway Research published a study conducted between September 2 and September 7, 2025, detailing the evolving attitudes of American Protestant churchgoers toward the Bible. The data highlights a growing trend among congregants to view certain biblical truths as obsolete or open to personal interpretation.

Why it matters

These findings reflect shifting engagement with scripture, as a significant portion of attendees report difficulty with independent study and varying levels of adherence to biblical tenets. Understanding these trends helps church leaders identify gaps in theological education and congregational support.

A survey of 1,200 American Protestant churchgoers revealed that 56% find personal Bible study challenging, with 61% of women reporting this difficulty compared to 51% of men. Additionally, 82% of respondents believe biblical truth can have different meanings for different people.

The players

Lifeway Research

This is a Brentwood, Tennessee-based organization that provides research and analysis regarding the attitudes and behaviors of religious groups in the United States.

The details

Researchers utilized an online survey of a national prerecruited panel, applying quotas to ensure the sample balanced gender, age, ethnicity, and regional factors. The findings suggest a complex relationship between churchgoers and scripture, particularly regarding the ability to interpret passages without guidance.

September 2019: Lifeway Research conducted a previous version of this study.
September 2-7, 2025: The current Lifeway Research study was conducted.

Christianity
Sept. 19
Southern Baptist Convention Baptisms Rose in 2025
Christianity
Sept. 23
SBC President Proposed New Gender Amendment
Religious
Sept. 22
Southern Baptist Convention Released Worship Study

Culture Shift

This study highlights a long-term transition in how congregants interact with religious texts, moving away from uniform acceptance toward individualized interpretation. This shift mirrors broader societal movements that emphasize personal experience over institutional or canonical authority.

For the average churchgoer, these results may signal a need for more robust small-group Bible study programs to address the challenges of independent interpretation. Individuals who find personal study difficult may look for new community resources or guided curriculum to improve their theological engagement.

The takeaway

Churchgoers reporting difficulty with independent Bible study might consider joining local study groups to gain perspective from others. Engaging with formal educational resources can help reconcile personal interpretations with traditional biblical teachings.