Archive for November, 2008
Gudgeonville Bridge torched by teenagers
I’m very sad today. It looks like the future of one of my favorite places growing up is uncertain. Apparently Friday night around 2AM a group of teenagers set fire to the bridge and severely damaged it. The bridge was built in 1868 and was the source of many local legends and ghost stories. As a teenager, I frequented the spot, both during the day and late a night. But never in our wildest dreams did we ever think about disrespecting the bridge much less setting it on fire.
This is the bridge I knew from my youth:
This is the bridge as it looks today:
Words can’t explain how sad and ANGRY I am. Even if they catch those responsible, the likelihood that the bridge will be rebuilt I have to believe is small.
Religion on the decline in America
Religious identification in the U.S.:
How American adults view themselves
This is generally good news. Religion (Christianity) in the U.S. in my lifetime has constantly interfered with science, education, and general progress. I’m glad to hear that perhaps the country is finally moving away from the boogeyman of the past.
“There does not seem to be revival taking place in America. Whether that is measured by church attendance, born again status, or theological purity, the statistics simply do not reflect a surge of any noticeable proportions.” George Barna. 2
“The proportion of the [American] population that can be classified as Christian has declined from 86% in 1990 to 77% in 2001.” ARIS Study. 4
