Survey of 90,000 people in 85 countries and territories offers most comprehensive and rigorous picture of attitudes to Christianity, the Bible and religion in a generation. 

1 April 2025 — BFBS, in partnership with UBS, announces the upcoming launch of the Patmos World Bible Attitudes Survey, an unprecedented research initiative that has captured the views of over 90,000 people across 85 countries, primarily through in-depth, face-to-face interviews. The Survey, conducted by Gallup for the Bible Society in England and Wales, and presented in partnership with United Bible Societies, represents the most comprehensive analysis of attitudes to the Bible and faith ever undertaken at this scale.

“Throughout history, religion has always played a significant role in shaping the global landscape and today is no different. That is why we need to see beyond simple census demographics or assumed narratives,” says Richard Powney, project lead on The Patmos Initiative at BFBS. “This study provides the first truly global picture of how people view and interact with the Christian Bible, arguably the most stable marker for understanding global Christianity, and paints a fascinating picture of attitudes to God and faith more generally.”

Key findings from the research reveal:  

• Surprising patterns of Bible engagement across secular and religious societies
• Unprecedented insights into generational similarities and differences in attitudes to religion
• Evidence of significant interest in the Bible among non-Christian populations
• The clearest research-based picture ever offered of audience groups based on their religious attitudes across national contexts
• A sense of what Christian faith looks like around the world – and where the differences lie

The Patmos Survey took three years and used a rigorous research framework. The questionnaires were tested to ensure clear language and cultural understanding before being translated into 89 languages and used in the field.. Most interviews were conducted face-to-face, asking questions about attitudes to the Bible and to religion, church attendance, Bible use, the influence of the Bible and people’s confidence around the Bible.

The results are based on nationally representative surveys of approximately 1,000 respondents per country. Gallup, as the source research agency, has worked closely with BFBS, as well as United Bible Societies representatives with key local knowledge, to ensure the survey’s results are representative, accurate and trustworthy.

Powney says: “We were clear from the start that we were not interested in a survey that told us what we wanted to hear, which is why we partnered with Gallup, to ensure the survey was undertaken without agenda, and the results could be trusted. Getting a better understanding of global attitudes to the Bible, Christianity and faith is going to be of immense value to the Church, as well as the global understanding of religion in society. All of us benefit from robust, trustworthy data about religion.”

The Patmos Initiative will launch on April 30, 2025, with a global online event presenting the initial findings of the research and its potential implications, particularly for Christian communities and organisations.

“The research focuses on the Bible, but it tells us so much more than that,” adds Powney. “The insights we have begun to draw out are offering paradigm-shifting understandings of cultural and generational differences, as well as cross-border similarities in terms of how societies engage with religion in a changing and divided world.”

The Patmos Initiative is brought to you by:

The British and Foreign Bible Society is referred to in England and Wales as ‘Bible Society’, or ‘Bible Society in England and Wales’. Bible Society was the initiator and primary funder of The Patmos Survey, and led the Patmos research. https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/

United Bible Societies (UBS) is a global fellowship of 155 Bible Societies operating in over 240 countries and territories, dedicated to ensuring everyone can access and engage with the Bible. UBS is interconfessional, serving and collaborating with all church traditions – Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and emerging. As a Fellowship, it unites independent national Bible Societies in an interdependent global organisation. UBS provides integrated Bible ministry, supporting translation, publication, and distribution efforts to make Scripture accessible and meaningful worldwide. https://unitedbiblesocieties.org/

Media requests, additional information, etc.

• The launch event is aimed at Christian leaders, and journalists are also welcome. Register for admittance at https://patmos.bfbs.org/launch
• For media inquiries, contact project lead, Richard Powney: richard.powney@biblesociety.org.uk 
• Articles about The Patmos Initiative and The Patmos Survey will be published at https://patmos.bfbs.org/

Methodology 
Gallup is the source research agency for this project. The results are based on computer-assisted telephone (CATI), in-person (CAPI) and opt-in panel web interviews (CAWI) with adults aged 15 and older in 85 countries and areas in 2023 and 2024. The results in 62 countries are based on nationally representative telephone or face-to‑face surveys of approximately 1,000 respondents. In 23 countries, data were collected from approximately 1,000 respondents in each country via web using an online non-probability panel. The data were weighted to ensure each sample is nationally representative. For results based on the total sample of national adults in 2023, the margin of sampling error for the surveys ranges between ±2.1 and ±5.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

 

Carol Stream, IL (March 31, 2025) — Tyndale Elevate is pleased to announce that their book Imagine the God of Heaven by John Burke received the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association’s (ECPA’s) Bronze Milestone Sales Award for surpassing 150,000 books sold.

Imagine the God of Heaven invites readers to explore nearly 70 thrilling near-death experience (NDE) accounts that illustrate the characteristics of the God of the Bible. Never in history, until now, have we been able to hear from so many people across the globe who have been brought back from clinical death. Modern medical resuscitation and digital communication have revealed a gold mine of intriguing NDEs. John Burke has spent the last three decades studying the commonalities of more than 1,000 NDEs of people from different nations, religions, and cultures, exploring the question, Do these accounts prove the existence of a loving God?

“John Burke masterfully weaves together compelling near-death experiences with thoughtful analysis, offering a profound and thought-provoking glimpse into the character of God while uncovering compelling evidence of a God who is closer and more loving than we ever imagined,” says Jon Farrar, associate publisher. “This book is a powerful read that answers questions we all want to know about God.”

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Andrea Martin, senior director of public relations and author relations, andreamartin@tyndale.com.

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a trusted voice for generations of readers. Today, it is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale has proved a faithful guide, helping readers discover the life-giving truths of the Bible. Its mission is to open God’s Word to as many people as possible in language they can relate to and understand. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a substantial portion of annual revenue—millions of dollars per year—through corporate donations and the work of Tyndale House Foundation. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

Tyndale and Tyndale’s quill logo are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Ministries. Tyndale Elevate is a trademark of Tyndale House Ministries. Tyndale Elevate is a nonfiction imprint of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois.

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international non-profit trade organization comprised of member companies that are involved in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by building networking, information, and advocacy opportunities within the industry and throughout multiple channels so that our members can more effectively produce and deliver transformational Christian content. For more information, visit ECPA.org.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 2025 – Zondervan Books, a leading publisher of Christian literature, celebrates Lee Strobel’s newest book, Seeing the Supernatural: Investigating Angels, Demons, Mystical Dreams, Near-Death Encounters, and Other Mysteries of the Unseen World, hitting the New York Times bestsellers list in the No. 8 spot on Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous. This is the book’s debut on the list following its March 18, 2025, release.

Strobel is a renowned investigative journalist and apologist whose books, including The Case for Christ, have sold millions of copies. In Seeing the Supernatural, he dives into the compelling evidence of spiritual phenomena, including visions of the afterlife, miraculous healings, psychic mediums, and the existence of heavenly and demonic beings.

“It is no surprise that Lee Strobel’s Seeing the Supernatural has resonated with readers in a time when questions about faith, meaning, and purpose have taken on a new urgency,” said Daniel Marrs, Vice President and Publisher for Zondervan Books. “Lee has solidified his place as one of the pre-eminent voices speaking to issues of faith, reason, and apologetics; we are honored to partner with him to celebrate this momentous milestone for Seeing the Supernatural.”

Recently seen on The Shawn Ryan Show, Focus on the Family, and TBN’s Takeaways with Kirk Cameron and featured in Christianity Today, Charisma and The Daily Mail, Strobel provides a balanced perspective that bridges faith and science as public fascination with paranormal phenomena has surged, fueled by popular media. Seeing the Supernatural taps into the widespread intrigue of the unseen world, offering a thoughtful examination that separates sensationalism from authentic spiritual truths.

“At a time when an increasing number of people are open to the idea that reality consists of both the seen and unseen, it’s unsurprising that readers are coming to Lee’s evidence-based investigation into the supernatural,” said Webster Younce, vice president and executive editor of Zondervan Books. “He is the gold-standard for clear-eyed examinations of facts and testimony, and Seeing the Supernatural places all his gifts in service of a profoundly important and popular subject.”

A New York Times bestseller, Seeing the Supernatural is now available from Zondervan Books at major retailers and online platforms. For more information, visit LeeStrobel.com.

Lee Strobel, former award-winning legal editor of the Chicago Tribune, is a New York Times bestselling author whose books have sold millions of copies worldwide. Lee earned a journalism degree at the University of Missouri and was awarded a Ford Foundation fellowship to study at Yale Law School, where he received a Master of Studies in Law degree. He was a journalist for 14 years at the Chicago Tribune and other newspapers, winning Illinois’ top honors for investigative reporting (which he shared with a team he led) and public service journalism from United Press International. Lee also taught First Amendment Law at Roosevelt University. A former atheist, he served as a teaching pastor at three of America’s largest churches. Lee and his wife, Leslie, have been married for more than 50 years and live in Texas. Their daughter, Alison, and son, Kyle, are also authors.

Zondervan is a HarperCollins Company and part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Zondervan is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian communications. The company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Contact:  Zondervan Books, ZBooksPR@HarperCollins.com

 

Ada, Mich. (March 28, 2025)—Brazos Press, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce that Beth Allison Barr has achieved New York Times bestseller status with her new book, Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman’s Path to Ministry.

Building on her previous success as a bestselling author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood, Barr draws on her academic expertise to trace the history of the role of the pastor’s wife, showing how it both helped and hurt women in conservative Protestant traditions. While these women gained an important leadership role, she says, their role came at a deep cost: losing independent church-leadership opportunities, which existed throughout most of church history, and strengthening a gender hierarchy that prioritized male careers.

Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman’s Path to Ministry
(Brazos Press, ISBN 9781587435898, $24.99c, Ebook ISBN 9781493447848).

Katelyn Beaty, editorial director of Brazos Press says, “Brazos and our parent company, Baker Publishing Group, are thrilled that so many readers are finding and resonating with Beth’s historically rooted argument for women’s more visible leadership in the church today.”

Beth Allison Barr (PhD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is James Vardaman Professor of History at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where she specializes in medieval history, women’s history, and church history. She writes regularly on her substack Marginalia, is co-host for the podcast miniseries All the Buried Women, and has bylines with Christianity Today, The Washington Post, MSNBC, Premier Christianity, Religion News Service, The Dallas Morning News, Sojourners, and Baptist News Global. Her work has been featured by NPR and The New Yorker. She is also a Baptist pastor’s wife and the mom of two great kids.

Contact:  Shelly MacNaughton  (616) 450-5560

 

Grand Rapids, MI, March 2025 – Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is pleased to announce its partnership with Bionic Reading® for the upcoming release of five editions of the Clear Focus Bible.

This is the first time the Bionic Reading method has been applied to the text of a print Bible.

Developed from cognitive science and Swiss design, the award-winning Bionic Reading method highlights, in bold letters, the portion of each word the brain needs to recognize it without reading every letter. The eye is guided from word to word over the text allowing the brain to stay engaged, identify known words, and absorb information without losing focus—enabling readers to read more with greater comprehension. The Bionic Reading method has also been known to be helpful for readers with dyslexia and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

“Our goal at Bionic Reading is to promote reading and content comprehension in a way that cuts through the noise,” said Renato Casutt, Bionic Reading’s CEO, founder and inventor. “Our patented reading systems allows reader’s eyes to skip over words and text, like a surfboard that glides on the top of a wave, creating a smooth and more-focused reading experience.”’

“We know the Bible is not always the easiest book to read – especially in our world of reduced attention spans. We are thrilled with our partnership with Bionic Reading and the creation of these first-of-their-kind Bibles,” said Melinda Bouma, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Zondervan. “Clear Focus Bibles will help readers stay engaged with the Word, absorb its message better and make it a smoother experience for readers who struggle with focus.”

Releasing simultaneously in August, Clear Focus Bible will be available in four different translations: New International Version (NIV), New American Standard Bible (NASB), New International Reader’s Version (NIrV) in adult and children’s editions, and a special digital release of the NVI Biblia Enfoque Claro in Spanish.

Zondervan, a worldwide leading Christian publisher of books and Bibles, is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. Its publications include a variety of Bible translations for all ages; books in different genres and subject areas for the general reader; curriculum for individual and group Bible study; books for children and young adults; academic resources including textbooks and reference books; ministry resources; and books on faith and culture. Zondervan is located in Grand Rapids, MI. For more information, visit www.zondervan.com.

Contact:  Amy Morris, Director of Public Relations, amy.morris@harpercollins.com 

John Gray’s new novel “The Carpenter’s Son” offers a timely exploration of faith and skepticism in a world seeking hope

April 1, 2025 — At a time when the world is wrestling with uncertainty, loss, and an ongoing search for meaning, bestselling author and Emmy-award winning anchorman John Gray delivers a thought-provoking novel that challenges the boundaries between skepticism and belief. The Carpenter’s Son (ISBN 9781640609662) takes readers on an extraordinary journey that asks life’s hardest questions while offering the possibility of transformative faith.

Brooklyn Sterling is a hard-nosed investigative journalist with a reputation for exposing fraud. A self-proclaimed atheist hardened by personal tragedy, Brooklyn is determined to reveal the truth behind a string of so-called “miracles” occurring in Boston. But her quest takes an unexpected turn when she encounters a mysterious carpenter’s son—a man who seems to defy all logic and reason. In an astonishing twist, Brooklyn is given the chance of a lifetime: to spend a day with Jesus and ask him the questions that have haunted humanity for centuries.

“In a world where people are grappling with faith, doubt, and what it means to believe, The Carpenter’s Son invites readers into a deeply personal exploration of those very struggles,” says Gray. “Whether you come to this book as a believer or a skeptic, it offers a journey of discovery that speaks to the heart of our times.”

A Novel that confronts questions about faith, science, and the unexplainable
The Carpenter’s Son is more than a work of fiction—it’s a mirror reflecting the very questions millions are asking. In an era where AI-generated content and deepfake technology blur the lines between truth and deception, Brooklyn’s journey to uncover what is real resonates deeply. Her story is a reminder that, no matter how advanced our world becomes, the search for truth remains timeless.

Praise for The Carpenter’s Son
“If you’ve ever wished you could travel back in time to the days of Jesus and ask all of the most difficult questions, this is the novel for you. The Carpenter’s Son brings Christ into our modern world and will fill the reader with love, hope, and faith in, not just God, but a better world.” — #1 New York Times bestselling author Richard Paul Evans

A Book for Seekers and Believers Alike
Drawing comparisons to The Shack and The Case for Christ, The Carpenter’s Son is perfect for readers seeking a gripping narrative that wrestles with faith, doubt, and the power of redemption. Whether you are a believer, a skeptic, or someone caught in between, Gray’s novel offers an invitation to explore the possibility of something greater than ourselves.

Available April 1, 2025
The Carpenter’s Son (Trade Paperback | 5.5 x 8 inches | 256 pages | $22.00) will be available at major bookstores, online retailers, and in e-book format.

John Gray is an Emmy Award-winning television journalist and columnist in upstate New York. He is the author of three popular children’s books, God Needed a Puppy, Keller’s Heart, and Sweet Polly Petals, and the Chase Harrington novels: Manchester Christmas, Chasing Manhattan, and Chasing Rome and now his first faith-based journey in The Carpenter’s Son.  John’s books have captured the hearts of readers around the world. He always donates a generous portion of book sales to help others. John is a father of three and lives near Albany with his wife, Courtney, and their several rescue dogs with special needs.

Interview Questions:

• What made you want to write a faith-based novel after years of television journalism?
• How did your own religious upbringing play a role in crafting this story?
• Did anything surprise you in telling this story?
• You place Jesus in several confrontational situations. For example, having him meet up with a famous atheist author or having a character in the book bring him to the cancer wing of the children’s hospital to face questions about suffering. Talk about that a bit. 
• How did prayer play a role in your writing ritual?
• Your full-time job for three decades has been as a journalist. Given how many of your fellow journalist are liberal and/or agnostic, was there any reservation on “outing” yourself as a Christian with this novel?

Contact:  For media inquiries, interview requests, or review copies, please contact Danielle Bushnell at danielleb@paracletepress.com.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — On March 7, 2025, the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference announced the finalists for their annual Selah Awards. Three Kregel titles were named finalists.

Love Overboard by Shannon Sue Dunlap is a finalist in Contemporary Romance. This rom-com follows a group of four quirky retirees, dubbed the “Shippers,” on a never-ending round of cruises. Their mission? To matchmake young singles onboard. This laugh-out-loud story features lovable characters, over-the-top situations, and a dash of mystery.

The Tangled Tale of the Woolgathering Castoffs by Sharon Mondragón is a finalist in Women’s Contemporary. Full of humor and heart, this book wrestles with the loneliness of being the forgotten spouse of a dementia patient, moving past fear and into the love and compassion that can make all the difference.

Coal Black Lies by Cindy K. Sproles is a finalist in Historical/Biblical Fiction. When coal miner Joshua Morgan loses his young daughter to the iron-fisted Barton family and the Company Store, he wrestles with forgiveness and justice. When a sweet but slow-witted girl appears on his doorstep, Joshua is overwhelmed with a desire to protect her, and an unbidden need for vengeance.

The full list of finalists can be found here.

The mission of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference is to inspire writers to connect with God, other writers, and industry professionals as they embrace their calling with excellence. The Selah Awards open each year and accept books that were published within the last calendar year, from January to December, and include books published traditionally and nontraditionally.

Kregel Publications is an evangelical Christian publisher that aims to develop and distribute—with integrity and excellence—trusted, biblically based resources that lead individuals to know and serve Jesus Christ.  www.kregel.com

Contact:  Publicity Department, 616-451-4775, publicity@kregel.com

 

MARCH 23, 2025 — Bunmi Ishola, Senior Editor with the Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, has acquired two new children’s picture books for WaterBrook written by Tasha Jun, author of TELL ME THE DREAM AGAIN, with illustrations by paper cut collage artist Shelley Hanmo.

The first, YOU ARE A POEM, slated for publication in Spring 2027, offers an ode to every child’s ancestry, culture, ethnicity, and all the things that make them God’s masterpieces—or unique poems—based on a verse in Paul’s letter to Ephesians.

SOUP IS A LOVE LETTER is scheduled for Spring 2029, and centers on a Korean American girl who thinks about all the different ways we give and receive love after seeing a love note in a classmate’s lunch box.

The deal for world rights was brokered by Jevon Bolden at Embolden Media Group on behalf of the author and Marietta B. Zacker at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency on behalf of the illustrator.

WaterBrook is an imprint of the Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC.

Rights queries: Denise Cronin, decronin@penguinrandomhouse.com

 

We are delighted to announce that the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK) has been shortlisted for Independent Publisher of the Year at the British Book Awards 2025. The winners will be announced at a ceremony taking place at Grosvenor House, London, on Monday 12th May.

SPCK is the UK’s third-oldest publishing house, and has been active since 1698. Under CEO Sam Richardson, the company merged with Inter-Varsity Press (IVP) in 2015, and acquired Lion Hudson in 2021, becoming the largest Christian publisher in the country.

The British Book Awards said of SPCK:

“SPCK has been in books for well over three centuries now, and it bounced back from a tough few years with record sales in 2024. It was the result of putting more effort behind fewer titles, excellent author brand-building and sharp increases in exports, rights and co-editions. SPCK is showing itself to be a modern as well as venerable publisher, with smart use of digital content and progress on DEI and sustainability”

Sam Richardson, CEO of SPCK, said:

“We are thrilled to have been nominated for Independent Publisher of the Year 2025. This decision is testament to an excellent 2024 that saw us deliver a 20% increase in sales. SPCK is so proud to have been included among such a brilliant list of fellow independent publishers at the British Book Awards in 2025, all of whom embody the remarkable diversity and strength of independent publishing”.

Wendy Grisham, Deputy CEO of SPCK, said:

“This nomination is testament to our fantastic books and authors, as well as the teams at SPCK, whose hard work and expertise have brought these titles into the world. 2024 was a year of standout bestsellers for us, including Practicing The Way by John Mark Comer and Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black spirituality for people of faith by Dr Selena Stone, which reflects a renewed interest in shaping our lives around liturgical rhythms”

SPCK CEO Sam Richardson is available for interview.

Press contact:  Emily Beater; ebeater@spck.org.uk; 07494430503 

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 2025 – Zondervan Books, a leading publisher of Christian literature, announced the addition of Rachel Shaver as Vice President of Marketing. Zondervan Books is the home to multiple award-winning books and bestselling authors including Rick Warren, Lee Strobel, Dr. Anita Phillips, Shauna Niequist, Craig Groeschel, Gabe and Rebekah Lyons, Lecrae, Andy and Sandra Stanley, Chrystal Evans Hurst, and Justin Whitmel Earley.

Shaver joins the company with expertise across entertainment and publishing including record labels, agencies, large corporations, non-profits and publishers. Most recently, she worked at City On A Hill Productions and Lifeway Christian Resources.

She has spent the last several years building vision and strategy for the development, management and marketing of both B2C and B2B products and services.

“Not only does Rachel bring a high level of skill and expertise to our team but her enthusiasm and commitment to Christian book publishing is sure to advance our mission,” said Daniel Marrs, Vice President and Publisher for Zondervan Books. “I’m confident her leadership of our marketing team and efforts will enable Zondervan to continue delivering excellent service to our current and future award-winning, bestselling authors.”

As Vice President, Marketing for Zondervan, Shaver will use her vast experience in client management, social strategy and building new brands and companies from the ground up to lead creative strategies to expand awareness and engagement for Zondervan’s roster of authors and titles.

“I love working with people to create lasting impact, which is why I am excited to join Zondervan,” said Shaver. “I look forward to using my passion and creativity to serve our team and authors well as we together publish books that persuade and transform the wider world.”

Shaver has three kids she lovingly refers to as “the mafia.” Though a Memphis, Tennessee native, she has lived all over the U.S., and is proud to now call Nashville, Tennessee home.

Zondervan is a HarperCollins Company and part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Zondervan is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian communications. The company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Contact:  Zondervan Books, ZBooksPR@HarperCollins.com