Scripture engagement leads to knowing God—and lives changed forever. Now more than ever, Americans need to know God’s Word and the hope we have in its transformative message. The State of the Bible is a yearly, in-depth study, asking Americans their opinions and practices relating to the Bible, all made possible by generous supporters like you.
These Bible insights can provide critical information and give you direction for your Biblical ministry to help better serve the needs of people in your community.
Cremation and the Bible?
What does Scripture say about cremation?—Ms. P. L. WidnerNo preferred method of burial is mentioned in Scripture. One traditional view of burial was influenced by a popular interpretation of statements about the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3.16, 6.19).Since the early 1960s, there has been growing interest in cremation in the United States due to…
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A Child's Faith
Photo by David SingerThe party for Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is coming to a close in the Nasugbu municipality of the Philippines. The brightly colored packages from America have been distributed and gleefully opened. Joy lights up each young face. And each pair of little hands now holds a new and precious possession: a Bible to own and cherish from…
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More Than One Mary?
There seem to be a lot of Marys in the accounts of the Resurrection. Who are they?—Christina Galanes, via e-mailThere were many witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection, but women were the first. Mary Magdalene is the only person who appears in all four gospel accounts. She returned to the tomb on the day after the Sabbath to find it empty. In…
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Unstoppable Love
Across the region where Christ proclaimed his message and was resurrected, the Word is taking hold and transforming lives. In this traditional world, children from across the Middle East have new opportunities to hear and experience his message of hope.Swirling minor notes from a flute evoked the atmosphere of a souk, or marketplace, from Bible times — the kind of…
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The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved
The words “the disciple whom Jesus loved” in John's Gospel, referring to John himself, trouble me. Isn't this the epitome of conceit?— Ms. Caryl A. Reid, Leesburg, Fla.Congratulations on raising a question that has sparked many lively discussions through the years. The traditional view is that the author of John's Gospel is John, son of Zebedee. Another hypothesis is that…
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The Book of Jashar: A Missing Book?
There is mention of the Book of Jashar in the Old Testament. Is this a missing book of the Bible?—Joe O., via e-mailThe Book of Jashar is one of the lost source books of early Israelite poetry from the Amarna Age (15th and 14th centuries B.C.). It is excerpted twice or possibly three times in the Old Testament. Jashar is…
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