17 October 2016
A third of Brits still want a Bible on their desert island
New research shows about a third of Brits would still want to take a Bible to a desert island.
However, the ComRes survey shows 56 per cent would rather not have the holy book.
The Church and Media Network (CMN) poll of 2,042 people found that while more than half wouldn't want to be given a Bible, a further 13 per cent where unsure.
Steve Cox, chair of the CMN, said: "Despite the claims we live in a secular country, it's encouraging to see that a third of Brits still value the Bible as an important work.
"We realise that over the past 40 years, the landscape of faith and belief in this country has changed.
We know it is no longer expected for people to profess a Christian faith, but our hope is that people would at the very least value the Bible for what it is and consider reading it for themselves rather than mistakenly believing it no longer has any relevance.
"As a network interested in both faith and the media, we would encourage mainstream media outlets and broadcasters to see the importance of communicating the richness of the Bible as a key work in our nation's past, present and future.
"We would love to see more people acknowledge the wonderful truths the Bible contains."
The Bible consistently comes out as the most widely read book of all time, with estimates at between four and five billion.
The poll also showed the Bible was significantly more popular among the over-65s than young people, with 39 per cent wanting to be given a Bible compared to just 18 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds, although 28 per cent of those aged 25-34 would want a Bible.
The survey was commissioned ahead of the CMN 40th conference on Thursday, 20 October.
Steve Cox continued: "Whether you are a Christian or not, the Bible is an amazing book that gives accounts of life, love and hope.
"It is wonderfully rich in texture, containing histories, letters, poetry and much more describing the human condition, family, and the wrestling with all that life has thrown at humankind throughout the centuries: triumph, despair, courage, grief, redemption and hope.
"As Christians we also happen to believe that it is not just a piece of literature, but God's Word.
"I cannot think of a better book to take with me if I were to be stranded on a desert island."
