Bright, Robertson, and the others began their fast March 1 and have had no solid foods now for two weeks. They are drinking water and fruit juices and will fast through April 9, 1998. Their fast largely coincides with the 40 days of Lent, traditionally a time for acts of penance by Catholics and some Protestants from a liturgical tradition. There are two central questions of this effort. It is early to make a judgment.
Easter is still four weeks off.
And four of five Americans say their religious faith is important to them. But their faith is not sparking increased religious action or Bible study. Some 43 percent of adults said they attend religious services in 1998, the same as 1997 and virtually the same as other years in this decade. Less than four of 10 Americans read the Bible during a typical week, other than when they are in church. Not a good sign.