A global study reveals seven patterns of attitudes toward the Bible in the world

Bible Society has unveiled a major analytical report, the Patmos Typology Report, which details how cultural, religious, political, and economic factors shape attitudes toward Scripture in different parts of the world. The study, which covered 85 countries, highlighted seven unique «clusters» that help to understand barriers and opportunities for missionary work.

According to Christian Today, the report was developed in conjunction with the United Bible Societies and is based on Gallup research data. It follows up on the largest study of its kind, the Patmos World Bible Attitudes Survey, which surveyed more than 91,000 people. The previous survey found that the vast majority of the world’s people believe in God or a higher power, and one in ten non-Christians expressed an interest in Bible study.

The new report offers a categorization that goes beyond geography and language and identifies seven common environments, or «clusters,» with their own strategic features:

Cluster 1: Includes countries where Christianity is a small but persistent minority in predominantly Muslim societies with economic hardship (Chad, Mali, Pakistan). Only 3% of the population own a Bible, but 94% consider faith important. Oral and audio formats of Scripture are recommended.

Cluster 2: Covers countries where Christianity remains the majority religion but its influence is declining, especially among young people (Central and Eastern Europe, Portugal, Greece). 50% own a Bible, but only 9% read it weekly. Here it is important to restore the relevance of Scripture through personal relationships rather than formal structures.

Cluster 3: Economically developed Muslim-majority countries (90%) where Christian minorities face pressure (Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt, Israel). Only 2% of the population owns a Bible. The report recommends low-key, digital and relationship-oriented strategies.

Cluster 4: Most of South and Central America and the Philippines. Christianity shapes culture but is giving way to secularism. Enthusiasm for the Bible is high, with 74% owning it and 37% reading it weekly. It is important to connect Scripture to everyday realities such as economic inequality.

Cluster 5: Highly developed, secular societies where many consider themselves non-religious (Western Europe, North America, Australia). Bible ownership is widespread (57%) but regular use is low (24%) as it is often perceived as outdated. However, rates are notably higher in the US (71% and 35% respectively) than, for example, in the UK (45% and 16%).

Cluster 6: Asian countries with huge religious diversity (Cambodia, India, Japan, South Korea). Christianity is a small minority here and awareness of the Bible is extremely low, with 74% of the population knowing nothing about it. Long-term educational and digital strategies are needed.

Cluster 7: Sub-Saharan Africa where Christianity is actively and deeply integrated (Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa). 62% of the population own a Bible and 51% read it weekly. Here the focus must shift from simple access to deepening understanding and discipleship.

The report’s authors caution against one-size-fits-all approaches, comparing their work to the parable of the sower: «The better we understand different contexts, the better prepared we are to cultivate the soil so that the seed can grow and flourish.» The main goal of the study is to move from providing access to the Bible to real engagement that can transform the lives of people in every corner of the world.