Ten UMES students sat for a multiple-choice test in October that they did not study for and received no grade. They took it with a TV camera rolling and discussed their reactions and results.
As part of WBOC-TV’s recurring news feature, “Heart and Soul,” UMES students voluntarily answered an abbreviated version of a questionnaire created by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.
UMES students performed far better on the quiz than most people – reinforcing a Pew Forum finding that those with a college education know more about religion.
Reporter Lisa Bryant began her two-minute 40-second report that aired Nov. 18 by noting “For most, this was probably the easiest test they’ve taken all semester.”
Among the questions:*
- When does the Jewish Sabbath begin?
- What was Mother Theresa’s religion?
- What was Joseph Smith’s religion?
Keith Savage, a senior majoring in English who got every question right, said “those (who) limit themselves to a religion don’t take the time to identity or understand other religions.”
“So, it kind of puts the blinders on and they are only concerned with what they want to know and not with the bigger picture and how it relates to everyone,” said Savage, who describes himself as an atheist.
Junior Robynne Warren said she grew up in a Protestant church, where bread and wine served at Communion are considered symbols. Catholics believe the two become the body and blood of Jesus Christ, the inspiration for a question that tripped up most of the students. Read Full UMES
