1935

6680 Williamson Drive NE Atlanta, GA 30328

For this month's column, I had sent out a questionnaire to 21 classmates, selected at random, designed to compare their religious attitudes with those of a nationwide sample of USA Today readers. The question was put this way:

"In a recent poll of 894 adults by USAToday, 61 percent said they pray regularly, and 56 percent said they attend religious services at least several times a month. It is interesting to note that 71 percent of those who didn't finish high school consider religion very important, compared to 50 percent of those with college degrees. It might be interesting to see how a cross-section of The Great Class stacks up in these regards. For purposes of comparison I would appreciate your providing your own answers:

• How important would you say religion is in your life? Very important/Fairly important/Not very important

• How often do you pray? Regularly/Sometimes/Only in crisis/Never

• How often do you attend religious services? At least several times a month/Only occasionally/Never"

Somewhat to my surprise, I had responses from 17 of the 21, and although I have no idea whether the response represents in miniature the views of the entire class, I think you may find the results interesting in any case.

For instance, 10 of the 17 (59 percent compared to the national 61 percent of all respondents and 50 percent of college graduates) considered religion very important, 2 fairly important, and 5 not very important.

On the other hand, 7 said they pray regularly (41 percent vs. national 63 percent), 4 sometimes, 2 in crisis, and 4 never. And 8 attend services at least several times a month (47 percent vs. the national 56 percent), 6 only occasionally, and 3 never.

Among the comments: "In the 1950s I had what some 20 years later I found was called a 'near death' experience. This naturally increased my interest in religion." Another: "The church we have joined has really been a big part of our life . . . many of our best friendships have been made here." And: "My religion is very private and not at all shared with others except 'Our Lord,' but I feel happy in the relationship He and I have." Still another: "The organized church does not always reflect the teachings of Jesus." And: "I am an agnostic who believes firmly in the principles propounded by the Christian Church."

On the whole, a dispassionate and diversified display of interest, by a surprisingly high percentage of those polled, on a subject usually considered too controversial for discussion. I am curious to know how our sister class of 1985 would respond and am planning to write their secretary to see if she has any. interest in conducting a similar unscientific survey.

There go my words! Peace and love to you all. All y'all.

Late flash: Ed Reich's son Bob, class of '68 (who spoke at our mini-reunion several years ago), has just been nominated by the Alumni Council for the position of College Trustee. Congratulations, Bob—and congratulations, Ed!