Oil Bible Offers ‘Fuel for the Soul’ in Waning U.S. Shale Patch

Demand for bibles from oilfield workers slips as output slows
But church attendance seen rising in West Texas amid downturn

The Oilfield Christian Fellowship distributes Bibles to workers in the oil and natural gas business.Photographer: David Kent/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By David Wethe

January 11, 2020 at 2:00 PM UTC

Updated on

January 13, 2020 at 12:50 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

The slowdown in U.S. oil production growth is rippling through all aspects of life in West Texas -- even religion.

Demand for a custom bible aimed at oil workers is declining in the Permian Basin, the world’s biggest shale patch. It’s yet another effect of the downturn in the region, which has led to a reduction in jobs, rig counts, hotel proceeds and home sales.