People of the Book Must Be Able to Read It
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
It is no surprise that our society is getting dumber-er. I recently read that 54% of Americans read at a 6th-grade level or below. You may shake your head in disappointment, but wonder why our lack of reading skills is a spiritual issue, worthy of a daily devotion? As Christians, we are people of the Book. If people are no longer capable of reading and retaining information, our Christian faith will be negatively affected.
I would argue that many forms of Christianity are already losing their integrity and spiritual wisdom. When people cannot read and study the Bible intelligently, they replace divine truth with emotional entertainment, Christian Nationalism, or false judgmentalism. Each of these false forms of Christianity cannot be held accountable when the followers are not able to interpret the sacred scriptures wisely. Without the Bible, Christianity will continue to devolve into human self-interest and further away from God’s call to justice and love.
According to “The Atlantic,” July 8, 2026, article “The End of Reading Is Here,” by Rose Horowitch, “fewer than half of all adults reported having read a book of any kind in 2022.” Horowitch continues, “Gambling has become a more common leisure activity than reading a book: Last year, 57 percent of Americans placed a bet.” The inability for most Americans to read a book has negatively influenced the quality of books presently on the market. Publishers are attempting to address the declining audience, according to Horowitch, who states that “New York Times best sellers today have sentences that are about one-third shorter than they were a century ago.” Surveys confirm that the next generation’s ability to read will decline at a much faster pace.
Instead of falling into despair, our task is to pray for a societal shift and a renewed desire for educational growth. Prayer is the first step in the spiritual process, but more is required. A lasting commitment to the Book requires a commitment to our world’s education. Supporting quality public education is a spiritual requirement. Sharing the loving truth of our Triune God can only grow when society can read and properly interpret what they read. Until reading is valued, the Christian faith will continue to warp, and God’s true intention for the Church will be diminished. Speak out and step up. Add your voice and vote so education for all will be valued anew.
