"More than one-fourth of that group listened to Christian radio, one-quarter watched Christian TV, and one-seventh read a Christian book," George Barna said. "In other words, of the 50 million adults who are not aligned with Christianity, there were more than 15 million who had some degree of exposure to Christianity."

Released yesterday, the nationwide survey of 1,007 adults also discovered that more adults experience Christianity not by attending church, but through Christian radio, television or books. Focusing on the Christian media's pervasiveness in American culture, the study found that more than 6 in 10 adults (63 percent, or 132 million) attended a church service during the past month. In contrast, 2 of 3 adults (67 percent, or 141 million) were exposed to Christian radio, television or books in the last month.

"The Christian media industry has come a long way from the days when it simply aired or transcribed sermons," Barna said. "Much of the substance now available directly addresses the felt needs of contemporary society, using the technology and information that makes the presentations interesting and relevant."

Indian education group says Christian schools failing their own
community

New Delhi (ENI). Christian schools and colleges in India have
been told they risk being engulfed by a "wave of resentment"
unless they open their doors to more Christian students from
poorer backgrounds. The warning came from the All India Council
of Christian Educational Institutions in an appeal timed to
coincide with the start this week of a new academic year in
northern India. Competition is fierce for admission to India's 25
000 Christian schools and 300 Christian colleges because of their
strong academic reputation

Confirmation cards bring perks to teenagers at German church

Bielefeld, Germany (ENI). With a marketing technique more common
to airlines or retailers trying to build client loyalty, a church
in northern Germany has issued confirmation cards entitling the
parish's younger members to discounts in local shops. The Rev.
Josef Kalkusch, a Lutheran pastor in Sachsenhagen, near Hanover,
has created a plastic card identifying teenagers enrolled in his
church's confirmation class. As with loyalty cards that qualify
their holders to join a club, benefit from a sales promotion or
accumulate bonus points towards a free flight, the Sachsenhagen
confirmands can use their confirmation cards to get reductions on
certain purchases