The Nation - News from May 29, 1989

Nearly 80% of college students in a recent survey said religion is important but has relatively little influence on their sexual behavior or attitudes. About half the 539 students the Gallup organization polled for the Christian Broadcasting Network said they read the Bible at least occasionally, and 55% said they had attended church or synagogue in the last month. Only 6% identified themselves as atheists or agnostics, 42% viewed religion as “very important” and 37% called it “somewhat important.” Nevertheless, 69% condoned premarital sex and 56% approved of living together before marriage. Half the students said abortion should remain legal. About 25% of the group said they were virgins.