Bible Sales Surge Among Gen Z: SPCK's Role In The Growing Demand

Something remarkable is happening among young people in the UK.

At SPCK Publishing, we've witnessed numerous cultural shifts throughout our rich 327-year history, but none quite as striking as the recent surge in Bible sales. According to Nielsen BookScan data, UK Bible sales grew from £2.69 million in 2019 to £5.02 million in 2024—an increase of £2.33 million over just four years. In contrast, between 2008 and 2019, total yearly Bible sales increased by just £277,188, making the past four years one of the most significant periods of growth in recent history. This dramatic rise highlights a renewed interest in Scripture, driven largely by Generation Z—a group once considered distant from traditional religion.

If you're interested in learning more about the rise in Bible sales check out the recent media articles from The Times, Premier, Christianity Today, Breitbart News, GB News, MSN and Daily Mail.

A growing number of young adults are engaging with faith in a way that previous generations did not. Research shows that 62% of 18-24-year-olds describe themselves as “very” or “fairly” spiritual, a notable contrast to only 35% of those over 65. Additionally, only 13% of Generation Z identify as atheists - far lower than the 20% of millennials and 25% of Generation X who do. This suggests that Gen Z is approaching faith differently—not necessarily through traditional institutions but by exploring spirituality on their own terms.

A Search for Meaning

In an era of rapid change and uncertainty, many young people are looking for deeper meaning in life. The Bible offers a sense of grounding, providing wisdom and stability in a world that often feels unpredictable.

Our CEO Sam Richardson believes these trends reflect a major cultural shift.

He explains:

“The marked growth in Bible sales between 2019 and 2024, as well as the fact that Religion was the fastest-growing area of Trade Non-Fiction in 2024, shows that we are at the centre of a significant cultural shift regarding matters of faith and religion. Atheism, once considered by modern society to be the view of most rational adults, no longer seems to carry the same weight or appeal. Young people (Gen Z, in particular) are statistically far less likely to identify as atheists than their parents.

We are seeing an increased curiosity about Christianity. Events like the Covid-19 pandemic and the mental health crisis have caused many individuals to think deeply about their spirituality. Rather than relying on atheist thought leaders (or, for that matter, church leaders), we are seeing people want to draw their own conclusions by reading Christian books in general and the Bible in particular.”

Faith as a Response to Mental Health Struggles

With rising levels of anxiety and depression, especially in the wake of the pandemic, many are turning to faith as a source of hope and reassurance. The Bible’s messages of love, peace, and purpose resonate with those seeking comfort in difficult times. 

The Role of Social Media

Social media has made faith more visible and accessible than ever. Online platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have created spaces where Christian creators share Bible-based content, making Scripture feel relevant and engaging for younger audiences. The hashtag #Bible has amassed billions of views on TikTok, highlighting the platform’s role in increasing engagement with Scripture.

A New Generation of Bibles

Another factor driving this renewed interest is the availability of Bibles designed for modern readers. Journaling Bibles, aesthetically designed editions — take a look at our new ESV-CE Catholic Bibles available in pocket size and in pink, blue and green, and study Bibles with interactive elements make Scripture feel more approachable and personal, helping young people connect with their faith in a meaningful way. 

A Global Movement

This surge in Bible engagement isn’t unique to the UK. In the U.S., Bible sales have also seen a 22% increase.

A Legacy of Bible Publishing

This renewed interest in the Bible is something we are uniquely positioned to support. Bible publishing has been at the heart of SPCK since 1698, making us the third-oldest publisher in the UK.

While we spent a few decades without a Bible licence, that changed in 2014, when our CEO Sam Richardson joined the SPCK Group. We re-entered Bible publishing with the NRSV Bible, followed by:

• The Bible for Everyone 

• New Living Translation 

• ESV Catholic Edition - now updated and in pocket size!

• The NRSVue Anglicized

We offer an expanded range of English Standard Version Catholic Edition (ESV-CE) Bibles – ready for its usage in the Catholic Lectionary from Advent 2024. The brand new NRSVue translation – an updated version of the New Revised Standard Version. We’ve also launched award-winning study Bibles like the BST (Bible Speaks Today) NIV Study Bible and partnered with Premier Christian Communications to publish a NLT edition coming out this October!

Supporting the Next Generation of Bible Readers

At SPCK, we are honoured to support this revival by offering a wide range of Bibles tailored to modern readers. Our editions stand out for:

• Readability & Accessibility – Clear, modern language translations

• Thoughtful Introductions & Study Notes – Have a look at NIV BST Bible Speaks Today.

• Diverse Formats – From beautifully crafted gift editions to in-depth study Bibles

Our Children’s Bibles have also played a vital role in making Scripture accessible, especially our bestselling and much loved Lion Children's Bibles, including:

• The Lion Children’s Bible by Pat Alexander - now available is a super-readable, dyslexic-friendly font.

• The Lion First Bible

• The Children’s Bible in 365 Stories

• My Big Story Bible by Tom Wright

• NLT Baby Blessings Bible: A Keepsake for Special Memories

These beautiful editions continue to be trusted resources for introducing young readers to the Bible in an engaging and faithful way.

Looking to the Future

This surge in Bible engagement isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a sign of a deeper spiritual awakening. To meet this growing demand, we are continually expanding our offerings, including:

• eBooks & Digital Editions – Making Scripture more accessible

• New Pew Bible Packs – Affordable options for churches and schools

With SPCK now in its third century of Bible publishing, we remain committed to inspiring and transforming lives through the power of Scripture.

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