The Consequences of Declining Literacy

Well-read? Well, that’s dead. But is it true? Are Americans really reading far less today than in the past? According to recent polls, the answer is yes. Research shows that the current median for American adults is reading five books per year, with half of adults reading less than that. But why are we reading less? And why does it matter? On today’s episode, fellow bookworms Keith and Patrick give a quick cultural analysis of the ways that lower literacy rates are impacting both the culture and the church. They describe oral cultures of the past, citing that America is neither an oral nor a literary culture, but that the digital era has forever changed the way that we take in information. And how should the church respond, particularly Christian leaders? The two end with some practical tips, giving suggestions for why, what, when, and how to read more. Listen now! 

Note: This episode is from our previous podcast, Truth Over Tribe. We’ve kept a few of these conversations on our feed because they're worth revisiting, but the tone and focus have shifted from what we’re doing now on Not Just Sunday. For new episodes focused on how Christians can live out a full-time faith, check out Not Just Sunday, right here on the same feed.