The question of whether atheists know more about the Bible than Christians is one that cannot be answered definitively through Scripture itself, as the Bible does not directly address contemporary survey findings or comparisons of knowledge between different groups of people. However, the Bible does emphasize the importance of knowing God’s Word, understanding it, and living according to its teachings.

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus illustrates the importance of not only hearing the Word but also understanding and accepting it. In Matthew 13:23, He explains, “But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” This emphasizes the value of deep engagement with Scripture, resulting in a fruitful life that reflects its teachings.

The Bible also encourages continuous study and meditation on God’s Word. Psalm 1:1-2 says, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” This meditation leads to deep understanding and a life that is firmly rooted in God’s truth.

Furthermore, the Bereans were commended in Acts 17:11 for their diligent examination of the Scriptures: “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Their example highlights the importance of studying the Bible to discern truth and to confirm the teachings one hears.

Knowledge of the Bible, therefore, is not just about accumulating facts; it is about transformation. James 1:22 urges believers to be doers of the Word, not hearers only, deceiving themselves. True understanding of the Bible leads to a life changed by its truths, reflecting the character of God and His will.

While surveys and studies might suggest varying levels of biblical literacy among different groups, including atheists and Christians, the Bible’s concern is with the heart’s response to God’s Word and the transformation it brings. Whether one knows more facts about the Bible may be less significant than how one lives out the truths found in Scripture.