An important new study by the Barna Group reveals significant differences in the way various generations view the Bible.

Based on five surveys conducted between 2006 and 2009 with more than 1,000 adults, the researchers found "mosaics" (aged 18-25) "charting a new, unique course related to the Bible" when compared to "busters" (26-44), "boomers" (45-64) and "elders" (64-plus).

Less Sacred: Nine out of 10 boomers and elders described the Bible as sacred, which compared to eight out of 10 busters (81%) and just two out of three mosaics (67%).

Less Accurate: Just 30% of mosaics and 39% of busters firmly embraced the view that the Bible is totally accurate in all the principles it teaches, compared with 46% of boomers and 58% of elders.

More Universalism: Among mosaics, a majority (56%) believed the Bible teaches the same spiritual truths as other sacred texts, which compared with four out of 10 busters and boomers, and one-third of elders.

Less Engagement: Busters and mosaics are less likely than average to have spent time alone praying and reading the Bible for at least 15 minutes in the last week.

Bible Appetite: Despite the generational decline in many Bible metrics, one departure from the typical pattern was the fact that younger adults, especially mosaics (19%), expressed a slightly above-average interest in gaining additional Bible knowledge. This compared with 12% of boomers and 9% of elders.

Source: Barna Group

To read the full report, go to http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/12-faithspirituality/317-new-research-explores-how-different-generations-view-and-use-the-bible.