I thought it was just me.

Did anyone see the survey of American religions that was published in the Washington Post yesterday? This "Religious Landscape Survey" conducted by the Pew Forum of Religious and Public Life, asked 35K American adults about their religion. They determined that
- 40% of Americans have changed their religious affiliation since childhood
- Both Protestants & Catholics are losing membership
- The "religious nones" are growing with people who consider themselves "Spiritual but not religious"

I live in such a diverse area that I was surprised at the low % of Jewish, Muslim, Buddhists in America. I know more and more people who are merging Buddhism with their Christianity.

Does this all mean that people are thinking more? or that we are less committed?

The thing I'm studying for recently is an adult Sunday School class coming up for the fall at my church. I have a delicious topic.
My class is called "The Uncensored Bible." We will be looking over several of the Bible stories that are too racy to be included in children's material and rarely covered in sermons: drunkenness, human sacrifice, gory murders, incest, public orgies, genocide, kidnappings, rape, and all sorts of mayhem.

Why study these? These ancient stories have survived thousands of years, supposedly for our benefit. They are, in a way, our family histories. It's good to know our stories.

I have a great grandpa about whom I know virtually nothing accept one story. During the tensions leading to the US involvement in WWII, Charles Preston tarred and feathered a German-sympathizer and ran him out of town. He did a brief stint in jail and shamed the family. His children were sworn to secrecy. But guess what story is the only one passed on to his great grandchildren?

So what I'm wondering is, do you have any racy stories in your family history that you are glad to know? How does knowing them change anything?

I've started reading a book called "Religious Literacy" by Stephen Prothero. I saw him interviewed on my favorite show, The Daily Show, and interviewed in a magazine, but I forget which. Anyway, his point is that to be effective citizens, we need to know about Christianity and other major world religions. Religions are not quarantined in their section of the world anymore. Since misunderstandings can be deadly, we should be informed.

Here are some of the questions he asks his college students:
1. Name the four Gospels.
2. List as many of the Ten Commandments as you can.
3. What is the holy book of Islam?
4. Name the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism.
5. Name a sacred text of Hinduism.
6. What are the seven sacraments of Catholicism?
7. What are the two religion clauses in the First Amendment?
8. What is Ramadan?

Even after reading some of the book and taking the quiz at the beginning, there are several questions I cannot answer.
How about you?