Impact of Mandatory Bible Classes in Adventist Schools on Student Faith Trajectories

Executive summary

Mandatory Bible classes are a defining feature of Adventist education at every level — from primary school through university. Every Adventist school student, regardless of personal belief, takes Bible or Religion classes as a graduation requirement. A 2022 European study found that exposure to compulsory religious education increases adult religiosity by approximately 3 percentage points, suggesting a measurable positive effect. However, the forced nature of these classes creates a complex dyna...