Is Reading the Entire Bible in One Year Really Worth It?
This article has been taken from content of the same information at Whiskey and the Writings. For that video, click here.
Every year, thousands of Christians take on the challenge of reading the entire Bible in one year. Whether through a structured reading plan, an app, or a study group, the idea of completing the Bible in 365 days is widely promoted. But is this really the best way to engage with Scripture?
Why Do People Attempt to Read the Bible in a Year?
Throughout my Christian journey, I’ve encountered many believers who have taken up this challenge for different reasons. Some have never read the Bible in its entirety and feel it’s a task they need to complete. Others experience pressure from their faith communities, feeling as though reading through the whole Bible in a year will make them more spiritual. And then there are those who simply enjoy structured goals and want to engage with Scripture in a disciplined way.
Regardless of the motivation, I’ve come to believe that reading the entire Bible in a year is not necessarily a good idea—and here’s why.
Three Reasons Why Reading the Bible in a Year Isn’t Helpful
1. The Bible Is Not A Task To Be Completed
One of my biggest concerns with Bible-in-a-year plans is that they turn Scripture into a task to be completed rather than a text to be meditated upon. Too often, people treat it like a checklist item—just another accomplishment to mark off their spiritual to-do list. But the Bible is not something to be rushed through; it’s meant to be absorbed, pondered, and lived out.
When I talk to people engaged in these reading plans, many express frustration rather than encouragement. They feel overwhelmed trying to keep up and often end up reading just to finish, rather than to understand. But the goal of reading the Bible should be transformation, not completion.
2. It Creates Unrealistic Expectations
Reading the Bible daily is a great discipline, but trying to keep up with a rigid plan can lead to unnecessary stress. Many people fall behind, and when they do, they feel guilty or defeated. They start seeing Bible reading as a burden rather than a joy, which defeats the whole purpose.
Let’s be honest—certain parts of the Bible are harder to read than others. When people hit books like Leviticus or Numbers, they often struggle to stay engaged. Some skim through genealogies or dense law passages just to stay on track. But is skimming really engaging with God’s Word? If the goal is simply to get through it, then we miss the opportunity for Scripture to truly shape us.
3. It Discourages Wrestling with the Text
The Bible is filled with complex ideas, difficult passages, and profound truths that require time to process. A strict reading plan doesn’t leave space for deep reflection. If you come across a passage that raises questions or challenges your understanding, but you have to move on to the next section the next day, what happens? Too often, those questions get ignored or forgotten.
I believe we should sit with Scripture, wrestle with it, ask hard questions, and allow the Holy Spirit to work through our doubts and discoveries. Rushing through the text doesn’t foster this kind of deep engagement.
One Reason Why You Might Want to Read the Bible in a Year
Despite my skepticism, I will acknowledge one compelling reason why reading the Bible in a year could be valuable. This insight actually comes from my wife, who successfully completed a Bible-in-a-year plan and found it incredibly meaningful.
She pointed out that reading the entire Bible in a structured timeframe helped her see the grand narrative of Scripture. By moving through it quickly, she was able to grasp the overarching story of God’s work in history—from Genesis to Revelation—and how everything ultimately points to Jesus. If your goal is to gain a broad understanding of the biblical storyline, then reading the Bible in a year might be beneficial.
A Better Approach to Reading the Bible
For me, reading the Bible slowly and intentionally has been far more transformative. I would rather spend months in a single book, meditating on its themes, studying its context, and allowing it to shape my life. Instead of trying to rush through, I prefer to savor Scripture—much like a fine glass of whiskey, taking small sips, letting it settle, and truly enjoying its depth.
If you’ve been struggling to keep up with a Bible-in-a-year plan and feel discouraged, let me give you permission to stop. Put the plan aside. Open your Bible at your own pace. Read what speaks to you. Sit with difficult passages. Reflect, pray, and wrestle with God’s Word in a way that brings true growth and transformation.
Your Thoughts?
I know this topic stirs strong opinions. If you’ve read the Bible in a year and found it beneficial, I’d love to hear your story! Jump into the comments and share your experience—especially if you’ve done it in the past five years. Maybe I’m too skeptical, and your insight could challenge my perspective.
