Trench and camp. [volume] (Augusta, Ga.) 1917-1919, 1918-03-27
By Frederic j. Haskln.

Washington, D. c.-The variety of re-
| ligious faiths in America is strikingly IL
lustrated by a religious census recently
taken of the men in Camp Bowie, Tex,
by the editors of a camp publication
This investigation showed that no less
than thirty different religions Fa,i adher-
ents among the recruits. The Baptists
formed the largest single group, with 5,319
members of that church. This prepon-
derance was due to the fact that Texas
IS an especially strong Baptist state.
The Methodists were second in number
with 4,928. The thirl largest group con-
sisted Of those who professed no relig-
ious faith at all. OF these there were
1867.
The Roman Catholics in this camp
numbered 2190 and the Greek Catholics
IL. There were 145 processing Hebrews
The Congregational, Episcopal and other
large Protestant denominations were well
represented. There were nine Mormons
and four Holy Rollers. Sixty-eight were
CHRISTIAN Scientists. One man gave the
the salvation Army. Other religions rep
resented were United Brethren, -:
Theosophists, l; Seventh Day Adventists,
8; Reform Temple, 2; Nazarenes, 10;
and Holiness Church. "a
1t is stated that similar studies will be
carried out in all of the other camps
II thus is done, a most interesting body
Hglous beliefs of the younger generation
OF America nmen. The number who pro-
fess no faith at all is partial confirmation
OF the statement which has often been
maze, that religion is losing it's hold upon
men, and especially upon the younger gem
Grafton. 1t may be pretty certainly pro
pheSled, however, that the war will see
considerable revival of religion. In Eu-
rope religious faith has been greatly slim
ulated b" the war. In this country the
churches have seen great opportunity in
the gathering Of men at the training
camps, and are sending their most eIo
quent preachers to talk to the recr,1its
Ihev are also doing much and very com
nendable Work of a practical sort in the
way OF providing men with books and
anuscments and places to spend their
leisure. -
One marked effect, that has already
been produced. is the mitigation of pref
udlceS and rlYalrieS which have heretofore
existed between various denominations
ana sects. The three main bodies of re-
ligious belief in this country are Protes
tant, Catholic and Hebrew Each of
these bodies has sent its representatives
TO the training camps and naval stations:
each OF them has erected buildings and
lnaugurated various activities for the
comfort and amusement of the men
These organizations are all welcomed bv
the commission on training camp activ-
tiles on the condition that none of their
activities be limited to one religions con-
stituency, and that all buildings erected
at the environments be open at all times
70 all men The result is that the Young
Mems Christian Association the Knights
OF Columbus and the Jewish Welfare
Board have all erected buildings at va
rious points, which are open to and
USED by whoever among the recruits de-
slres. Comradeship and amusement are
offer d to all without any question as to
faith, and it is stated that there has NOT
been ,, the slightest effort at PROSECUTING.
This endency to eliminate the sectarian
character of religion is greatly stimu-
lated by the attitude of the men them
selves. They are not Inclined to listen to
discussions of creeds. The preachers, to
reach them at all, have got to take re-
hgion very practical, show its application
TO life: The young American is unsenti-
mental II not sceptical; he is not inter-
ested in mysticism and inspired preach
ments. He will not listen to any man who
does not appeal to him as man.
So imperative is this need for talking
about life rather than religion that IL is |
often difficult to tell from sermon what
faith the preacher represents. The story
Is told of a fond Baptist mother who went
to church with her son in a training
camp, and when she went forward to
thank the preacher, found to her amaze
ment that he was an Epscopaian.
OFTEN Catholic and Jewish services are
held in the buildings of the Young Mems
Christian Association. and vice versa AL
though he is exposed to a great deal of ,
religion, the young recruit must be an
expert in dogma to avoid getting the
brands mixed.
The Reverend Joseph H. Odeu who has
written an interesting book on the spir- |