Although consumers continue to pull back on discretionary spending in a troubled economy, more people are looking for spiritual help in hard times.

That's the hope of many Christian publishers and retailers, who have told Christian Retailing that Bibles and books offering biblical financial and other help have seen a spike in sales in light of the harshest economic crisis since the Great Depression.

They say the resurgence in spiritual matters has been similar to the renewed interests in God after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Phil Biddle--who recently sold his Vine and Branches Christian Bookstore in Lodi, Calif.--said Bible sales were "extremely strong" at Christmastime, increasing at least 7% from the previous year. "The times are ... tough enough that people are starting to pay attention and want the comfort of God's Word," he said.

Gabrielle Pyles, manager of Christ Centered Book & Music in Fort Myers, Fla., added: "In the financial times that we are in, people do not know where else to turn but their Creator. Sometimes these times are the only wake-up call that people will listen to in order to truly find out where their source of strength comes from."

Read the full report in the March 9 issue of Christian Retailing.

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