Does the dearth of Bible reading limit the general population's understanding of the English language?

I think that a lack of reading in general is limiting the population's understanding of the English language. Years ago people would read books and play music in the hours before bedtime, play games with their family and friends and talk. Now more and more people are sitting in front of their TV and tuning out. It sets the stage for a decline not only in literacy but other communication skills as well.

by Sarah Bell

Well said, Sarah, and what is that doing for the general standard of teaching?

I'd say it would be more difficult to be a teacher now than it was even thirty years ago, with phones in the classroom and computers and so many more distractions from actually learning how to read, write and add.

Watching "useful" TV like documentaries, etc. is a good source of learning and improving literacy.

Yep, a lack of knowledge of the Bible definitely means people don't understand various phrases and references in literature, movies and tv shows. It's not just the Bible though. They also miss references to Greek and Norse myths, Aesop's Fables and other stories which used to be staples and as Sarah mentioned there is a lack of reading in general.

When I was studying a foreign language at uni we had a lesson where we were supposed to look at idioms in that language and match them up with phrases in English that meant the same thing, demonstrating the difference between a literal translation and translating the actual meaning. The lesson didn't go well because for this class full of twenty-somethings in a university most of the English idioms were totally unfamiliar and most of those they had heard before they didn't understand. We're talking stuff like "oil on troubled waters" and "sour grapes."

It's a pity to see these ways of speaking and writing disappear, but I suppose new things will take their place. For my part I will try and expose my kids to a wide range of literature to pick up as much vocabulary and general knowledge as they can.

by Jennifer Muirhead

I am glad you are doing your bit with your chilren. It's a difficult battle - I'm even finding my own spelling deteriorating as I read more and more that hasn't been spelled properly and rely more heavily on spell check than I ever would have imagined I would need to.

I would say lack of reading in general, not just the bible. I would think most people would get the meaning of prodigal son, as it comes up in other things. I write a series called Stranger in a Strange Land and I didn't know it was from the originally bible, but I knew what it meant, and knew I didn't think of it originally.
Where the lack of comprehension will come in, is in old poetry references. They use imagery and allude to bible references (often as a criticism) and it will all be just words of an odd description nowadays...

by Lydia C. Lee

Of course the joke is, that the bible wasn't originally written in English...

There is a lack of reading among the younger generation, and bible studies is less prevalent at school these days also. Phrases such as "O come ye" will disappear.

by Justine Crowley

I smiled at your question because it sounds as if by reading the Bible, we could all become geniuses of English literature! :)

by Happy Mom

Not geniuses as much as well rounded exponents of the language. See Jennifer's reply.

Care factor? Zilch!

Would prefer to read Shakespeare anyday! His 'language' much more relevant.

by donjo