c. 1997 Religion News Service

UNDATED _ George Barna, president of the Barna Research Group and author of more than 20 books, has been polling Americans on their spiritual beliefs for more than a decade. In his latest book,”The Index of Leading Spiritual Indicators”(Word), Barna offers a statistical report on the state of religion in America. Here are some of his findings:

_ Three out of four Americans say having a close relationship with God is very desirable.

_ Thirty percent strongly believe they have a personal responsibility to tell others about their faith.

_ Half of all adults believe it is very desirable to belong to a local congregation.

_ Just 9 percent say the clergy is doing an excellent job.

_ In any given week, one out of four Americans is exposed to Christian media, either through television, radio, books or magazines.

_ Six percent chant at least once a month. Non-Christians are twice as likely as Christians to chant.

_ In a typical month, one out of three adults reads their horoscope.

_ Three percent consult a medium or a spiritual adviser.

_ Six in 10 believe that Satan is a symbol of evil and not a real being.

_ One in 10 believe Noah’s wife was Joan of Arc.

_ One in four believe Jesus never married because he was a priest and priests do not marry.

AMB END RNS