As America’s Addiction Crisis Intensifies, Bible Co-Edited by Stephen Arterburn Remains on Bestseller Lists, with More Than Four Million Copies Sold to Date
CAROL STREAM, Ill., Sept. 19, 2022 — Widely used in recovery groups and prisons across the country, Tyndale’s #1–selling Life Recovery Bible in the New Living Translation (NLT) marks 30 years as an important resource in providing hope for people battling addiction.
When Tyndale House Publishers introduced The Life Recovery Bible in 1992, it expected to produce 100,000 copies of the Bible resource, which is designed specifically for those battling addiction. Never did the publishing house imagine that the demand for a Bible tailored for those in Twelve Step recovery programs would grow exponentially, selling four million copies over three decades and remaining on bestseller lists to become the #1–selling recovery Bible.
Now marking 30 years of providing hope for those battling addiction, The Life Recovery Bible is needed more than ever as America’s addiction crisis intensifies. The Bible is widely used across the country not only by individuals but also in Twelve Step groups and in prisons through a partnership with Prison Fellowship.
Co-edited by Stephen Arterburn, founder of New Life Ministries, The Life Recovery Bible is a unique tool that brings Twelve Step recovery back to its original source—God’s Word. Scripture was foundational in the original development of the Twelve Steps, but over time the connection between the Bible and the Twelve Steps diminished, with the Twelve Steps becoming a more secular practice. Returning the focus of recovery to Scripture played a critical role in the formation of the Bible.
“The Life Recovery Bible was developed 30 years ago to help people break free from the grip of addiction by moving toward God. We were not trying to put the Bible into recovery, we were trying to bring recovery back to the Bible, where it all began,” said Arterburn. “Today, The Life Recovery Bible remains a crucial resource for those battling addiction, pointing people to God’s Word.”
The Life Recovery Bible has become essential for those leading recovery groups at churches or within communities, and its unique features include a facilitator’s guide, a step-by-step Life Recovery Meeting Guide, articles on addiction recovery, The 12 Christian Foundations of Life Recovery, The 12 Self-Evident Truths of Life Recovery, and other resources.
Making a Difference in the Lives of Inmates
The Life Recovery Bible has also made a significant impact on the lives of inmates in correctional facilities across the U.S., many of whom have struggled with drug and alcohol dependency and abuse. Since 2019, Tyndale has partnered with Prison Fellowship, supporting its efforts to provide Bibles to inmates requesting them. In just a few short years, Prison Fellowship has provided 237,612 English and 47,600 Spanish Life Recovery Bibles to people in prison to help them in their recovery process.
One prisoner wrote, “I’m just writing to thank Prison Fellowship and the Inside Journal for The Life Recovery Bible that I received from you. It helps me grow spiritually and also helps me keep my recovery on track.”
“I’m amazed at how God created an incredible thirst for his Word after we made The Life Recovery Bible available in prison—especially during the unprecedented pandemic,” said James Ackerman, president and CEO of Prison Fellowship. “We’re beyond excited to partner with Tyndale and celebrate the 30-year anniversary of these life-transforming Bibles. We see, firsthand, how God has used The Life Recovery Bible to impact the lives of thousands of incarcerated men and women, many of whom are struggling with the power of addiction, costing them their freedom, their health, their relationships, and their hope. But the healing power of the gospel is priceless and can bring freedom from the bondage of addiction!”
Media Opportunities:
Images of inmates who have received The Life Recovery Bible through Prison Fellowship are available to media as well as interview opportunities with:
- Stephen Arterburn, co-editor of The Life Recovery Bible
- Prison Fellowship representatives
- Tyndale House representatives
For more information, or to arrange an interview about The Life Recovery Bible, please contact Katie Dodillet at katiedodillet@tyndale.com.
About Tyndale House Publishers
Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT), and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a majority of annual revenue—more than $110 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.
