c. 2004 Religion News Service

(UNDATED) Nearly one-third of U.S. Protestant teens say they read the Bible by themselves once a week or more, according to the National Study of Youth and Religion.

The survey by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found 32 percent of Protestant teens reported reading the Bible at least once a week. Breakdowns by denomination reflect the differing emphasis Protestant denominations place on Bible reading.

“What we really want traditions to do is compare the results, not necessarily against other traditions, but against their own expectations,” said Melinda Denton, project manager for the NSYR study.

Only 8 percent of Episcopalian teens say they read the Bible at least once a week. African-American Baptists (38 percent), Southern Baptists (39 percent) and adherents of the Assemblies of God (44 percent) were among groups of teens reporting the highest level of Bible reading.

“That’s pretty consistent in a lot of research, that you’ll see the higher levels of religious practice and commitment among the conservative Protestant traditions or black Protestant traditions,” Denton said.

Protestant tradition generally emphasizes Bible reading as a crucial part of spiritual growth, but some denominations make additional efforts to encourage memorization and intense Bible study.

About 10,000 children in the Assemblies of God entering first through sixth grade compete in Junior Bible Quiz, the younger version of Bible Quiz, which has crowned a national winner since 1963. The stated purpose of the Bible quiz programs is to “help children develop a love for the Bible and an understanding that its truth can guide their lives daily.”

Tom Greene, national director of the Assemblies of God Youth Ministries, said the denomination has historically encouraged Bible study from a young age.

“Those that are raised in Assemblies of God know every sermon is on the Bible. We strongly encourage our families to read the Bible together at family devotions, and I think it’s been a good investment,” he said.

Southern Baptist leaders said their teens are taught to actively engage in the Bible to get closer to God.

Southern Baptist youth pastor Steve Keels works with teens at Good Shepherd Community Church in Portland, Ore., and edits Bibles for Holman Bible Publishers that are aimed at teens.

Keels said teens who question the Bible have a more active relationship with God. Helping to answer questions is a key part of his job, he said.

“A student is very much into questions, and I say, `Ask them,”’ Keels said. “Because there are answers, and you will actually like the Bible more as a result of it and your faith will increase because of it.”

Not all Protestant denominations have the same kind of relationship with the Bible.

“Are they likely to be in teen Bible study groups? Well, you are if you’re a Southern Baptist. You’re probably not if you’re an Episcopalian,” said the Rev. Mary June Nestler, dean of the Episcopal Theological School in Claremont, Calif.

Episcopalians hear a great deal about the Bible, but aren’t required to read it regularly, Nestler said, because that’s the nature of Episcopal worship.

“The Bible is very much present in our tradition, but it’s not the only thing we look to as authoritative,” Nestler said. “And that’s what distinguishes us from many Protestant traditions where the Bible is paramount in ethics, in everything, really.”

The survey interviewed more than 3,350 Protestant youth between the ages of 13 and 17. It was conducted between 2002 and 2003.

DEA/MO END RNS