American Belief in Virgin Birth Drops Below 50 Percent in New Study

A recent report from the American Bible Society (ABS) indicates that fewer than half of Americans now believe in the virgin birth of Jesus. According to the 16th annual State of the Bible report, 49% of respondents consider the virgin birth to be at least probably true, marking the first time a major national survey has recorded this figure falling below the 50% threshold. This follows a downward trend observed in previous years, including data from the Pew Research Center that showed 66% belief in 2017.

Despite the decline regarding the virgin birth, the ABS study found that 53% of Americans still believe in the resurrection of Jesus. Furthermore, 62% of U.S. adults express a general belief in the supernatural. Among practicing Christians, belief in these biblical events remains high, with 97% affirming the virgin birth, 99% the resurrection, and 92% the parting of the Red Sea. John Farquhar Plake of the ABS noted that while beliefs are shifting, a majority of Americans continue to sense that life extends beyond a purely material existence.