A Spiritual Awakening? Interest in Religious Texts Increased
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In a remarkable trend that has captivated publishers, faith leaders, and cultural observers alike, the United States is experiencing a notable surge in interest in religious texts. Since September 2025, when Charlie Kirk was murdered on a Utah campus, Bible sales and religious book purchases have reached historic levels, signaling what many describe as a spiritual reawakening among Americans seeking reason, understanding, comfort, and purpose in uncertain times. It’s not surprising, given Mr. Kirk had a massive following from young and old alike. His views angered many, but also inspired countless people.
Record-Breaking Bible Sales
The numbers tell a compelling story of spiritual hunger. Bible sales jumped to 2.4 million copies in 
September 2025, up from 1.5 million in August, representing a 36% increase over the same month in 2024 (1). This September spike was particularly significant, as each month in 2025 through August had ranged between 1.2 and 1.6 million Bibles sold (1).
The broader trajectory is equally impressive. More than 18 million Bibles have been sold so far this year, up 11 percent from 2024 and continuing a growth pattern that has been building momentum since 2021 (2). Industry analyst Brenna Connor from Circana BookScan notes that “sales for Bibles have been steadily growing in the U.S. since 2021 and have set unprecedented annual sales records since 2022”
(2). In 2024, Bible sales reached a 20-year high, and 2025 appears poised to surpass those figures (2).
Understanding the September Surge
September 2025’s dramatic spike in religious text purchases coincided with the tragic assassination of conservative Christian activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10 (1). Kirk, who always grounded his political and cultural commentary in Christian scripture, had become an influential voice for faith-based engagement, particularly among younger Americans.
Mark Schoenwald, president and chief executive of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, attributes the sales surge to Kirk’s death, which awakened many people and prompted them to reflect on their beliefs and 
spiritual foundations (1). The publisher noted that people aged 18-34 accounted for a large share of purchases, suggesting that younger generations are driving significant demand for religious materials (1).
James Borrero, owner of Cornerstone Christian Bookstore in Vineland, New Jersey, observed that “ever since the Charlie Kirk shooting, there has been an awakening, not only with Bibles but with all Christian-related items” (1). He particularly credited Erika Kirk’s public statement forgiving her husband’s killer at the memorial service as what “really sparked something” in the American population (1).
Religious Publishing
The surge extends far beyond Bibles themselves. According to recent data from Circana, Bible sales rose another eleven percent this year compared with 2024, continuing a steady climb that has accelerated since the pandemic years (3). Publishers are responding to this demand with remarkable innovation and variety.
Melinda Bouma, a HarperCollins Christian Publishing vice president, reports that the company publishes 22 Bible translations in English and Spanish across hundreds of editions (2). This diversity allows publishers to meet varied consumer needs while maintaining supply even when particular versions
sell out. The NIV Study Bible has seen growth and recently passed 10 million copies sold, while The Jesus Bible, an edition aimed at Gen Z readers, is also doing well (2).
Bible publisher Andrew Bertrand captures the moment perfectly, stating that we’re in a golden age of Bible publishing, noting that the industry has never been stronger (4).
Beyond the Bible
The interest in religious texts extends well beyond Scripture itself. Christian living books, devotionals, and study guides are experiencing robust growth across multiple categories (4). Publishers report that sales of trade nonfiction, including books often classified as Christian living titles, and children’s titles were up single digits over the prior year, despite declining attendance at church or affiliation with a specific denomination (4).
Devotional books have emerged as particularly popular. Titles emphasizing peace, comfort, and spiritual growth resonate strongly with readers seeking daily encouragement and practical faith application.
Readers are drawn to titles about joy and wonder because these books resonate in a world that can often feel strained and divisive, according to Ginia Croker, VP and director of marketing at WaterBrook & Multnomah (5).
The success of authors like John Mark Comer, whose book “Practicing the Way: Be With Jesus” sold 400,000 copies, demonstrates the appetite for works that help believers move from knowledge to action in their spiritual lives (5). Publishers are also seeing strong performance from books addressing contemporary challenges through a biblical lens, including titles on navigating cultural division, deepening faith practices, and finding hope amid uncertainty (5).
Who’s Buying and Why
The demographic profile of religious text purchasers reveals intriguing patterns. While Christians across all age groups are purchasing Bibles and related materials, younger generations are showing robust engagement (2). HarperCollins Christian Publishing reports renewed interest in faith among younger people, and some of that interest appears to be reflected in Bible sales (2).
This trend coincides with broader cultural observations about Generation Z’s relationship with faith. Despite headlines about religious decline, data indicate that Barna Group found Gen Z churchgoers attend
services more frequently than their counterparts in older generations, with monthly church attendance rates among the two youngest groups of American adults nearly doubling from 2020 to 2025 (6).
Brenna Connor explains that “September brought a wave of troubling events—
violence, geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty—underscoring a pattern: In times of crisis, more people turn to faith for comfort and support” (1). This observation aligns with publisher reports that anxiety and stress from constant news cycles and online content drive people to seek deeper answers and spiritual grounding (3).
The Paradox of Sales Amid Decline
The surge in religious text sales presents an intriguing paradox. A recent survey from Gallup found that less than half of people in the US (49 percent) say religion is essential to their lives, part of a continued documented decline in religiosity (2). How can Bible sales be soaring while religious
affiliation appears to be declining?
Some Americans who remain religious are becoming more deeply committed to their faith, investing more heavily in spiritual resources and practices. Also, 
those studying the Biblical content may understand that commitment to organized religion is distinct from a personal relationship with Christ/God/Jesus/Yahweh. In analyst Brenna Connor’s view, Americans may not be becoming more religious, but they are increasingly interested in religious content (3).
Additionally, the wide range of editions makes it easier for people to find Bibles and religious materials that align with their specific needs and preferences (2). From premium leather-bound study Bibles to accessible everyday reading editions, from children’s Bibles to specialized devotionals, the market offers an unprecedented range of choices (4).
Looking Forward
The evidence suggests this is not a temporary spike but rather a sustained movement. “2024 marked a 20-year high for Bible sales in the U.S., and 2025 is on track to surpass these levels, underscoring the growing interest in religious content among U.S. consumers, according to industry analyst Brenna Connor (2).
Publishers are preparing for continued growth, with plans to launch new Bible versions and complementary resources throughout 2025 and beyond (4). These include daily devotional Bibles for specific audiences, color-coded study Bibles highlighting key scriptural themes, and innovative formats
that blend traditional text with modern learning tools (4).
The increase in interest in religious texts since September 2025 reflects more than publishing statistics—it signals a profound cultural moment in which Americans across generations are actively seeking spiritual anchoring, biblical wisdom, and faith-based community. Whether this signals a broader religious revival or represents a more nuanced evolution in how Americans engage with faith remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that in a time of division and uncertainty, millions are turning to ancient texts in search of timeless truth, finding comfort in Scripture’s enduring message of hope, purpose, and meaning (3).
Sources
- Billy Graham Decision Magazine. “Bible Sales Surge After Charlie Kirk Assassination.” https://billygraham.org/decision-magazine/articles/publishers-see-major-surge-in-bible-sales-after-charlie-kirk-s-assassination
- The Christian Century. “Bible sales keep growing, even as many in the US lose their religion.” https://www.christiancentury.org/news/bible-sales-keep-growing-even-many-us-lose-their-religion
- ZENIT. “The year with the highest Bible sales in history: 2025 is set to break records in the USA.” November 28, 2025. https://zenit.org/2025/11/28/the-year-with-the-highest-bible-sales-in-history-2025-is-set-to-break-records-in-the-usa/
- Christianity Today. “In a Bible Publishing Boom, All Scripture Is Profitable.” January 29, 2025. https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/01/bible-sales-boom-christian-publishers/
- Publishers Weekly. “Sales Soar on Bibles and Beyond.” January 22, 2025. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/religion/article/96894-sales-soar-on-bibles-and-beyond.html
- The Christian Post. “Church attendance rising after Charlie Kirk’s assassination.” September 28, 2025. https://www.christianpost.com/news/church-attendance-rising-after-charlie-kirks-assassination.html