LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: BLAMING UNBELIEF IS JUST A CONSERVATIVE QUICK FIX

To the Editor:

The Missourian's excerpt (April 7, 1994) from the Wall Street Journal is typical of what passes these days for logical thought. Every survey that has been taken in recent years demonstrates that religious belief in America has been on the upswing for the past 20 years. For example, Jeffrey L. Sheler in his article, "Spiritual America," in the April 4, 1994, U.S.News and World Report, cites these statistics: 93 percent of the people polled believe in God or a universal spirit; 2 out of every 3 say they believe religion has been increasing its influence in their lives; widespread ecumenical movements have created a "phenomenal" increase in church membership, including 46 percent of Americans who are "born again."

Why, then, all the pontificating about the lack of religion in American life? The answer is easy. The religious right and those conservatives who pander to them want a quick fix. Thus, rather than admitting that religious belief or unbelief has very little to do with the causes of the complex crises American is currently experiencing, they continue to beat the same old drum. To that group, I offer the following suggestions: refrain and desist from the erroneous over-simplification that putting prayer in public schools is the answer to the complex problems now tearing at the fabric of life in America. Instead, put your religious values into practice by loving your neighbor and treating others the way you want to be treated. And finally, harness your energies by working cooperatively with others of all races, religions, and political persuasions to carefully identify and then seriously deal with the real causes of poverty, broken families, crime, and all forms of sexual and child-begetting irresponsibility.

JOHN C. BIERK

Cape Girardeau