Churchgoers Average Just 51 on Biblical Literacy Quiz, Lifeway Research Finds

November 6, 2026

A report published Tuesday by Lifeway Research shows nearly two-thirds of churchgoers failed a test measuring their knowledge of the Bible, highlighting widespread gaps in biblical literacy.

Christianity Daily reports the findings are based on an online survey of 2,012 Americans conducted Aug. 12-29 among Protestant, nondenominational, Catholic and Orthodox Christians who attend church during a typical month.

Participants completed dozens of questions covering eight areas, including biblical figures, the chronology of events in Scripture and the identification of books included in the Bible.

Using a traditional grading system ranging from A (90 and above) to F (below 60), the results revealed gaps in basic biblical knowledge with an average score of 51, with 65% of respondents receiving an F, 9% a D, 9% a C, 8% a B and 9% an A.

Although 94% correctly identified Moses as the recipient of the Ten Commandments, only 45% knew Saul was Israel’s first king, while two-thirds mistakenly believed Hezekiah was a book of the Bible.

According to Christianity Daily, respondents who read Scripture more frequently generally performed better with daily Bible readers earning an average score of 66, compared with 50 among those who read weekly and 36 among those who seldom or never read it.

Lifeway Research Executive Director Scott McConnell said, “Knowing the Bible involves the heart, mind and emotions. Bible literacy is impacted by a motivation to be in relationship with God, a desire to be encouraged by the Word and thoughtful exploration of its meaning.”

McConnell added, “Bible literacy comes with both reading and studying the Bible — digging to understand each passage but also moving throughout the Bible regularly to aid in remembering it.”

Photo: top, Credit: Unsplash/Priscilla Du Preez