CCC 27-4_LR 1

NEWS & NOTES

SCRIPTURE IS HEALING MINDS According to the American Bible Society’s 2025 State of the Bible report, “… younger Americans who consistently engage with Scripture are measurably flourishing—a word not often associated with Gen Z.” Based on Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Index, the study discovered, “Gen Zers and millennials who read the Bible scored an average of 8.1, far above their peers who ignore it. For context, Gen Z as a whole scored just 6.8—the lowest of any generation.” These results are extremely revealing, as the generation mainly troubled by mental health issues like loneliness and identity concerns is discovering genuine, discernible happiness in read ing the Bible. However, information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals an incredible upswing in depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation among teenage girls and young women. Conflicting messages around beauty, gender, belonging, and truth seem constant, as they are advised to examine themselves to find the answers. However, this only creates addi tional confusion for most. What seems to be missing for many is a solid foundation, precisely what the Bible offers. All measured areas, including mental and physical health, happiness, purpose, character, and social relationships, found that participating in Scripture was associated with higher scores. The study also estab lished that “those who sense God’s activity in their lives report the highest flourishing of all. Nearly half of these individuals say they are thriving.” Meanwhile, individuals who reject God’s presence are much more probable to experience low flourishing. This confirms that beliefs about God shape everyday life as well as eternity. 1 AMERICANS AND MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS Currently, one in five Americans takes a prescription medication for a psychiatric condition, and almost 25% are diagnosed with a mental health issue. According to a survey by Rasmussen Reports and the Great America Show, 23% of U.S. adults state that they have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, versus 72% with no such diagnosis. 2

THESE TRENDS, FACTS, AND EMERGING REALITIES ARE INFLUENCING YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS’ WORLD TODAY!

32 Christian Counseling Connection