Young People Lead Unexpected Bible Sales Boom

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Bible sales in the UK have experienced a remarkable surge, with publishing data revealing Generation Z’s growing interest in religious texts as a key factor behind this unexpected trend.

Recent figures from Nielsen Book Data, analyzed by Christian publisher SPCK Group, show an impressive 87 percent growth in Bible sales from £2.69 million in 2019 to £5.02 million in 2024. The broader category of “Bibles and liturgy” has also seen substantial growth, rising from £5 million in 2008 to £8.1 million in 2024, marking a significant increase from £7 million in 2019.

This religious text revival stands in contrast to the general decline in non-fiction book sales, which saw a six percent decrease between 2023 and 2024, even as fiction sales continue to climb.

Bible sales up 22 percent. Young men more religious than young women for the first time since pollsters started tracking. Good trend lines. The kind of trend lines that could restore a nation. pic.twitter.com/ZNFl7RdSjc

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— Megan Basham (@megbasham) December 2, 2024

> The Bible Society said that its 2018 volume Good News Bible — The Youth Edition, was “by far our most popular”, with sales almost doubling since 2021.

This youth-focused edition features enhanced explanatory notes, informative graphics, and dedicated space for personal reflection, making it more accessible to modern readers.

SPCK’s chief executive, Sam Richardson, sees these trends as evidence of a fundamental shift in religious attitudes. According to Richardson, atheism’s influence has diminished significantly, particularly among younger generations, with Generation Z showing notably lower rates of atheist identification compared to their parents’ generation.

An increase of 87% in Bible sales in the UK between 2019 and 2024 suggests revival there.

The increase is being driven by Gen Z who have abandoned the premise of atheism.

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Psalm 14:1 pic.twitter.com/81jTOJcd1a

— David Joe May (@TheGrayRider) March 16, 2025

Modern translations like the New International Version and Good News Bible have overtaken traditional versions such as the King James Bible in popularity, indicating changing preferences among readers.

This resurgence comes despite public criticism from notable figures. Actor Brian Cox, known for his role in HBO’s Succession, publicly denounced the Bible in May last year, dismissing it as “one of the worst books ever.” Cox argued that religious beliefs represent a form of control and criticized what he perceived as the text’s patriarchal nature, suggesting that humanity needs to evolve beyond religious solutions to personal problems.

Despite such criticisms, the sustained growth in Bible sales suggests a continued and growing interest in religious texts among British readers, particularly young adults.