Survey: 69 Percent Learned Something New From 'The Bible' Miniseries
The History Channel's highly-successful miniseries "The Bible" has not only received record-breaking ratings, but it has also managed to teach the majority of viewers something they didn't already know about the Bible, according to a new Barna survey.
The survey, which was recently conducted by the Barna Group and commission by the American Bible Society, found that 69 percent of the viewers questioned claim that by watching the series, they discovered something new about the Bible that they didn't know before. The survey also found that of this 69 percent majority, less than 60 percent of those who answered described themselves as "active Christians," while more than 78 percent described themselves as "less-active Christians."
High school educated adults, non-whites, viewers ages 18-28, singles, and less-active Christians were among those more likely to answer that they had learned something new from "The Bible" miniseries.
The study, which questioned 615 adults throughout the U.S. via telephone interview, also asked questions relating to their awareness of "The Bible" miniseries, as well as viewership.
Nearly four out of five adults said they were aware of "The Bible" miniseries, while more than two out of five adults said they had watched an episode of "The Bible."
"The Bible" miniseries, which was produced by Mark Burnett of "Survivor" and Roma Downey of "Touched By An Angel," has received record-breaking ratings since its premiere on March 3.
In its first week, the miniseries raked in a viewership of over 14 million, making it the most watched television show in all of television on Sunday night.
The miniseries' continuous high ratings have allowed it to hold the top spot for television shows on Sunday night for the past three weeks.
Burnett and Downey have maintained a humble attitude in spite of their hugely successful hit, expressing their joy that the message conveyed in "The Bible" has reached so many.
"People of all denominations showed the power that can be unleashed in our culture when we band together, individual believers with a shared purpose and vision. The world is won when the church is one," Downey said in a statement following the premiere of "The Bible" on March 3.
The miniseries will wrap up Sunday, March 31, on the History Channel at 8 p.m. EST with the episode featuring the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus, played by Portuguese actor Diogo Morgado.