Top 10 Ranking of Bible-Minded Cities for 2017

Headlines that decry the decline of American morality or proclaim cultural shifts or revivals most often ignore the great diversity that exists among states and cities. 

While some cities are turning away from the Lord, others hold firm. 

Albany, NY drifts farther away from God while cities such as Chattanooga, TN and Birmingham, AL reaffirm their Christian faith.

Thanks to the annual Bible-Minded Cities report, produced by Barna in partnership with the American Bible Society, we can gain an idea of which cities rank near the top with regards to their faith in and adherence to the Bible. 

The Barna researchers conducted interviews with 76,505 adults during a 10-year period. 

The questions aimed to determine the level of "Bible-mindedness" through questions centered around both the frequency of Bible reading and their views of its accuracy.

According to these criteria of Bible engagement, Bible-minded persons have read their Bible in the past week and they strongly believe that it is accurate in its teachings. 

This dual focus is intended to include both action, with the frequency of Bible reading and attitude, with the opinion that the respondents hold of the scripture. 

Nationally, only 25 percent of the population fits the study's definition of Bible-minded, despite the fact that Christians account for more than 70 percent of the total population. 

Thus, it is the diversity among cities that becomes a key factor with the most Bible-minded cities counting as many as 50% of their population as regular Bible-readers who believe firmly in the truth of the scriptures.

The following ranking represents the top ten places for Bible-minded cities. 

In several cases, cities have tied for the same score and thus hold the same place. 

Chattanooga, Tennessee is notable for having won every year since the start of the survey, with the exception of 2015 when it fell briefly into second place.

1. Chattanooga, TN (50%)

2. Birmingham, Anniston and Tuscaloosa, AL (49%)

3. Roanoke and Lynchburg, VA (48%)

4. Tennessee's Tri-Cities Area (48%)

5. Shreveport, LA (47%)

6. Charlotte, NC: (46%)

7. Springfield, MO (46%)

8. Little Rock and Pine Bluff, AR (44%)

9. Knoxville, TN (44%)

10. Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, SC and Asheville, NC (44%)

At the opposite end of the spectrum, the least Bible-minded cities were all located in New York with Albany, Schenectady and Troy showing Bible-minded ratings of only around 10 percent of their total citizenry, all three for the second consecutive year. 

Not surprisingly, New England holds the second and third places from the bottom for Bible-mindedness with Boston, MA and Manchester, NH both showing 11 percent Bible-mindedness in their populations.

The region that demographers have dubbed the Bible Belt has lived up to its name, it would seem. The Bible still holds a place on the bookshelves and nightstands of a great many believers across the South. 

For every story about wavering values, anti-Christian protests, moral relativism or gender radicalization that makes headlines, it is important to keep the geography in mind. 

Despite flying the same flag and being members of the same union, this study is just more evidence as to the incredible diversity in the United States of America where in Tuscaloosa nearly half the population regularly read their Bibles and strive to live those values whereas in Schenectady or Boston, that is a reality for a mere 1 in 10.