For Christian booksellers, positive sales trends have been scarce in recent years. However, new retail figures indicate a significant shift: Bible sales in the UK have experienced a remarkable revival.
Record-Breaking Sales in the UK
According to industry research, Bible sales in the UK reached a record high in 2025, increasing by 134% since 2019. Total sales last year reached £6.3 million, a £3.61 million increase from 2019 figures. This surge has prompted booksellers and scholars to consider the factors driving this renewed interest in scripture.
Aude Pasquier, retail sales director at Church House bookshop in Westminster Abbey, notes a change in clientele. “We’ve seen an increase in people coming to the Bible from scratch,” she says. “They have no Christian background whatsoever… Whereas most people in prior generations would have.”
The Role of Spirituality and Social Media
The increase in Bible sales appears to be driven, in part, by a search for meaning among younger people. Pasquier explains, “It’s definitely younger people who are seeking some sort of spirituality – they want to understand the world and themselves better.”
Steve Barnet, owner of St Andrews bookshop in Buckinghamshire, suggests that figures like Jordan Peterson, the conservative Canadian influencer, may be playing a role. “[Peterson] is not a Christian, but through him, a lot of people are going on a spiritual journey. Some are ending up in church… I would think ending up as a Christian in church is a good place.” Barnet has observed a “surprising” increase in young men visiting his shop, indicating a broader trend of individuals “turning to faith.”
Broader Trends and Potential Future Developments
This surge in interest is not limited to the UK. Bible sales in the US also reached a 21-year-high in 2025. The increase in UK Bible sales correlates with a 50% rise in church attendance in England and Wales since 2018, according to a report by the Bible Society.
Sam Richardson, CEO of SPCK Group, believes Christianity is emerging as a “counter-cultural” force. “The rebellious thing to do was to be an atheist… Now, I think things are reversed. For the next generation it’s more interesting to be a Christian.” He also points to the impact of social media in making spiritual exploration more accessible.
While a connection to Christian nationalism has been noted, Richardson suggests this is a recent development and may not be the primary driver of the sustained increase in Bible sales observed over the past six or seven years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is driving the increase in Bible sales?
According to those in the bookselling industry, the increase is driven by a search for spirituality, particularly among younger people, and may be influenced by figures like Jordan Peterson who spark spiritual journeys.
Is this trend limited to the UK?
No, Bible sales in the US also reached a 21-year-high in 2025, suggesting a broader global trend.
Is Christian nationalism a significant factor in this increase?
While Christian nationalism has gained attention recently, Sam Richardson of SPCK Group believes it is likely not the primary driver of the sustained increase in Bible sales, which began several years prior.
As global events continue to unfold, and individuals grapple with questions of meaning and purpose, it is possible that this trend of renewed interest in spirituality and religious texts will continue. However, whether this translates into sustained long-term engagement with faith communities remains to be seen.
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