Bible a lifeline during Covid

Research has revealed how vital the Bible has been for Christians during the Covid pandemic.

A new survey has found that the Bible has been a vital lifeline for Christians in the U.K. and Ireland during the lockdown. The report highlighted the importance of the Bible in the everyday lives of church-goers. Most church attenders said that the Bible has been vital in helping them cope in challenging situations during the pandemic. The study also concluded that around 74 per cent churchgoers believe the Bible is vital to have a personal relationship with God.

The research which was conducted by Savanta ComRes and commissioned by WordGo, a new digital offering by Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), explored the value placed on Scripture by practicing Christians across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The report surveyed 1,095 Christian adults across the countries.

Simon Lennox, Director of WordGo, said, “It is so encouraging to hear of people being comforted by God through the Bible in these challenging times. This shows us the genuine impact of Bible engagement on our lives. In times of great uncertainty, we need the timeless wisdom and genuine peace that only the words of God can bring. The most radical thing we can do for our mental and spiritual health during this season is to be in conversation with God, in prayer and in Scripture. Ultimately, if we are going to face the uncertainties of life – death, disease or famine – we need to start the day with our certainties in Christ.”

England started a second national Covid-19 lockdown last Thursday. According to the BBC, under the new restrictions for the second UK lockdown, people are being ordered to stay at home unless they have a specific reason to leave, such as work that cannot be done from home. Meeting indoors or in private gardens is not permitted, but individuals can meet one other person from another household outside in a public place.

Lennox  added that with the pandemic removing most of the ways we experience church or community together, it is so easy to feel isolated, disconnected and far removed from God and one another.

“We launched the WordGo app at the start of lockdown to provide a new and accessible way for churches to help their communities stay connected through Bible Study. We hope that it will continue to help people look to the Bible for God’s wisdom and comfort during these difficult days,” he said.

Last November a Bible Society survey had found that only 18 per cent of people in England and Wales believed the Bible is relevant to them personally. But the Faith in England and Wales report also found 61 per cent thought it was good for children to know Bible stories, while over half of adults believed the Bible shapes our culture.