A survey has revealed more people would be embarrassed to read a romantic novel on the bus than a Bible.
The survey, commissioned by Bible Society, also found that workers would regard someone reading the Bible in the office as more honest and trustworthy than other colleagues.
Only 14 per cent felt that someone spotted with the Bible - the world's bestselling book - would be less fun to be with than other staff members.
The study, conducted by leading pollsters ICM, shows people believe society would be better if more people read Scripture.
The survey was commissioned by Bible Society to coincide with Bring Your Bible To Work Day on 27 October. The charity wants to encourage each churchgoer to pack their Bible in their briefcase and slip Scripture in with their sandwiches - and make the Bible's message part of life where it can impact actions and decisions positively.
The event is a follow-up to Bible Sunday on 26 October, which centred this year on Psalm 119 and the theme 'Buried Treasure?'. Resources include talk outlines, a drama sketch and a free DVD.
Bible Society hopes that the morning after unearthing the Bible's riches - on Bible Monday - Christians will want to make the Bible part of everyday life by taking its message with them.
"These days people can have Moses on their Motorola, listen to God on their iPod, read Matthew instead of the Metro or look up Isaiah on the internet," said Beth Read, Bible Society's Church Development Officer.
"The Bible's treasures are there waiting to be discovered. On Bible Sunday we unearth the Bible's message for ourselves, so on Bible Monday we can make it a part of our busy lives and help others encounter it too."
In the survey, 54 per cent of people said they would be embarrassed to read an adult magazine in public, and 25 per cent felt the same about a romantic novel. While 16 per cent would be ashamed to read a self-help book and 15 per cent a children's book, only 14 per cent would be embarrassed to be seen reading the Bible in a public place.
When it came to the workplace, 81 per cent believed a Bible reader was a religious person and 50 per cent would regard them as someone to trust or confide in. A total of 42 per cent felt they would be more honest with clients or colleagues.
As to whether the Bible should be read in public, a staggering 70 per cent agreed, while only 13 per cent felt it should be kept private. More than half those questioned - 53 per cent - said society could be better if more people read the Bible.
The results were welcomed by David Spriggs, Bible Society's Bible Consultant.
He said, "We believe it's time to put Scripture where it belongs - back at the centre of our ordinary lives.
"We want the Bible to be as much part of the workplace as a mug of coffee. Engaging with it is not something that consenting adults should only do in secret! It's time the Bible was de-mystified."
