Bible Sales Surge 11% in 2025 Amid Declining Religious Faith

Many Americans are increasingly turning to the Bible, with sales rising significantly despite a noted decline in organized religion. Recent data indicates a remarkable 11% increase in Bible sales in 2025, compared to the previous year. A total of 18 million Bibles have been sold this year, with 2.4 million sold in September alone, coinciding with the death of prominent conservative Christian activist Charlie Kirk, according to data from Circana, a leading book sales tracking company.

This surge in Bible sales marks a continuation of a trend that began in 2021, with annual sales reaching unprecedented levels since 2022. Brenna Connor, an industry analyst at Circana BookScan, noted that 2024 recorded a 20-year high for Bible sales, and 2025 is poised to exceed those figures. Connor explained that there is a growing interest in religious content among U.S. consumers.

Among the best-selling editions are the economy version of the English Standard Bible, the Adventure Bible for children, and the She Reads Truth Bible, which caters to a community of women. A pink, giant-print King James Version gift Bible has remained popular for years, while former President Donald Trump earned over $1.3 million endorsing a patriotic Bible inspired by country singer Lee Greenwood‘s song “God Bless the USA.”

While publishers can measure the volume of Bibles sold, demographic insights on buyers are less clear. Tim Wildsmith, a former college campus minister and current Bible YouTuber, speculates that recent global upheavals, including the COVID-19 pandemic and political divisions, may drive individuals to seek comfort in spiritual texts. “With the world going crazy, folks may be looking for something they can rely on,” he stated.

At the Christian Connection bookstore in Sycamore, Illinois, the New Living Translation has emerged as the most popular choice, particularly in editions that integrate with the Filament app from Tyndale, the translation’s publisher. Kelli Malm, who operates the store, explained that this version’s accessibility appeals to new Christians and younger readers. “It’s a no-brainer situation for people—they have a Bible they can carry around without the bulk of a study Bible,” she said.

The store has reported an uptick in sales since September, with some customers mentioning Kirk’s passing as a catalyst for returning to church. Malm noted that many buyers are older, but there has been a noticeable increase in customers in their 30s and 40s who are reconnecting with their faith.

Colton Burkhart, a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, is on his third Bible, having purchased a MacArthur Study Bible last year after wearing out a previous edition. He prefers physical copies over digital formats, stating that he enjoys highlighting verses and taking notes in his Bible.

Amy Simpson, Bible publisher for Tyndale House Publishers, confirmed that the company offers a wide variety of editions, with no single version driving sales. This diversification allows publishers to meet rising demand across different demographics. Melinda Bouma, vice president and Bible publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishing, noted growth in all types of Bibles, including children’s editions. The NIV Study Bible, which has been available for 40 years, recently surpassed 10 million copies sold.

The American Bible Society’s annual State of the Bible report reveals that approximately 41% of Americans qualify as “Bible users,” meaning they read the Bible at least three times a year outside of church services. This figure represents a slight increase from 38% last year but remains down from 50% in 2021. Among younger generations, 36% of Gen Z and 39% of millennials are classified as Bible users, with the latter showing a rise from 30% in 2024.

Jennifer Holloran, president of the American Bible Society, emphasizes that the increase in Bible sales presents an opportunity for churches to guide congregants in their reading journeys. “Churches have a real responsibility to steward this moment, not just to educate but to accompany new Bible readers along a journey of discovery,” she remarked.

Despite the rising sales, a recent Gallup survey indicates that less than half of Americans (49%) consider religion important in their lives, reflecting an ongoing decline in religious affiliation. Wildsmith noted that he began noticing an increase in Bible purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. He turned to YouTube to share reviews of various Bibles, which has since transformed into a successful career with over a quarter-million followers.

Reflecting on the changes in his life, Wildsmith stated, “If you had told me five years ago that this would actually be a job, I would have thought you were crazy. But here we are.”