SAT scores, for instance, are lower today because more students from lower socio-economic backgrounds take the test. The problems experienced in American society today are due to complex socio-economic factors. Blaming every social problem on a lack of required prayer and Bible reading in public school is too simplistic. Further, not all indicators in American society have declined since 1962. Improvements include increases in life expectancy and the average standard of living.
Church attendance is up.
The crime rate is down. Medical advances and labor saving technologies have significantly progressed since 1962. The Religious Right is quick to blame every bad thing that has occurred since 1962 on the Supreme Court prayer rulings, but never mentions positive developments, which, under their premise, must also be a result of the decisions. In short, this whole line of argument is ridiculous. Rev. James W. Watkins has been pastor of Old South Church, United Church of Christ, Kirtland, OH, since November of 1993.