Brad Alles

Gallup’s new poll revealed “a declining proportion of the overall American population — now 20% — believes the Bible is literally true, word for word. About half believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, but not everything in it should be taken literally, while almost three in 10 say the Bible is an ancient book of fables and history. Belief in a literal Bible is declining, part of a general pattern of declining religiosity among the adult American population.”

If you read the poll question, it says, “Which of the following statements comes closest to describing your views about the Bible?”

• Actual word of God, to be taken literally;
• Inspired by God, not all to be taken literally;
• Fables, history, moral precepts recorded by man.

This question is poorly worded. The Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God, but not all of it should be taken literally. Some passages are written in poetic form (Psalms for example). Because the question is poorly worded, the results can be skewed.

In the end, the number of those believing the Bible is the actual word of God, to be taken literally, is down from about 40% of Americans in 1980 to 20% today. Conversely, those who believe the Bible is full of fables, history, and moral precepts recorded by man is now at an all-time high of 29%. It was 10% in 1980. Apologetics and a clear explanation of the Bible is needed now more than ever.

Read the article at Gallup: https://news.gallup.com/poll/394262/fewer-bible-literal-word-god.aspx