Countries in Cluster 1

Opportunities for Bible engagement

People see religion as an important part of their daily life in this majority-Muslim context, which has lower levels of economic development and a higher proportion of those aged 15–24, compared with our other majority-Muslim context, Patmos Cluster 3. 

The Christian respondents showed a warmth towards the Bible, with strong agreement on the personal relevance of the Bible and its influence on decisions they make in daily life. 

55% of Christians use the Bible on a weekly basis

86% of Christians say the Bible has a lot of influence on the decisions they make at home, work or school

Eight in ten Muslims are receptive to learning from people who think differently from them 

A line with 3 icons coming off it. At the bottom, a crescent moon and star - 8/10. In the middle, an open book with a cross on it and an arrow pointing diagonally up - 86%. At the top, a person reading a book with a cross on it - 55%.

Challenges for Bible engagement

Christians, making up just 10% of the population, live in a context where nearly nine in ten identify as Muslim. This cluster has the highest poverty levels, with 85% describing themselves as ‘struggling’ or ‘suffering’ on the Life Evaluation Index.

A common thread among all respondents is the perception that Christianity is a Western religion, with little difference between Christians and Muslims. This highlights a particular challenge regarding views of Christianity and the Bible in this cluster.

45% are living in poverty, compared to 28% globally

61% agree that Christianity is essentially a Western religion

The literacy rate across the cluster is 45%, almost half the global average (86%)

A line with 3 icons coming off it, accompanied by percentages. At bottom, an open book - 45%. In the middle, a globe and a compass - 61%. At the top, 3 people - 45%.

How will this affect Bible engagement in this cluster?

Patmos data reveals a deeply religious population, with both Christians and Muslims actively engaged in their faith. Notably, many Muslims are curious about exploring new ideas.

In this challenging socio-economic context, where daily life is a struggle, how can the promises of Scripture offer comfort and hope to the Christian community and beyond?

Icon of 2 people side by side. One has a crescent moon and star in a circle on them, and a thought bubble with 3 dots. The other has a cross in a circle on them.

Key question

What is needed to address the perception of Christianity and the Bible being, essentially, a Western export?

Understanding our audience groups

We have identified audience groups within each Patmos Cluster. In Cluster 1, we found seven distinct audience groups. The chart below shows the distribution of these groups across Patmos Cluster 1.

Pie chart showing the percentage of the population in the 7 different audience segments found in cluster 1

Key question

As you look across these different audience groups, who might God be calling you to?

Learn more

Read about each audience group by downloading The Patmos World Bible Attitudes Report.

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