How does Birmingham rank when it comes to cities that are Bible-friendly? No. 2 overall, according a study that analyzed the “Bible mindedness” of the top 100 cities by population in the U.S.
In the newly released ranking from American Bible Society, Birmingham climbed two spots from its previous No. 4 ranking.
Chattanooga, Tenn., took this year’s top spot as the most Bible-minded city, also climbing two spots from its previous ranking.
The study, conducted by Barna Group, calculated a city’s Bible-mindedness based on combined levels of regular Bible reading and residents’ belief in the accuracy of the Bible.
“An analysis of interaction with and views of the Bible continues to help us evaluate the Bible landscape in America,” said Geoffrey Morin, chief communications officer at American Bible Society.
“To help people engage with the best-selling book of all time’s life-changing message, we need to understand where people are starting from. But ultimately we want people to know whether you live in one of the most or least Bible-minded cities, the Bible can speak to your needs, challenges and concerns and help you make sense of life.”
Also ranking in the top 10 “America’s Most Bible-Minded Cities” were: No. 3, Roanoke/Lynchburg, Va.; No. 4, Springfield, Mo.; No. 5, Shreveport, La.; No. 6, Charlotte, N.C.; No. 7, Greenville/Spartanburg, S.C./Asheville N.C.; No. 8, Little Rock, Ark.; No. 9, Jackson, Miss.; and No. 10, Knoxville, Tenn.
On the other end of the spectrum, the study found that the least Bible-minded cities are Providence, R.I./ New Bedford, Mass.
For a full list of rankings, visit www.americanbible.org/features/americas-most-bible-minded-cities.
The data reported is based on telephone and online interviews with nationwide random samples of 46,274 adults conducted during a seven-year period, ending in August 2013. Respondents who report reading the Bible within the past seven days and who agree strongly in the accuracy of the Bible are classified as “Bible Minded.”
(TAB)
Share with others: