REVELATIONS

Teens' Bible Time Limited

Despite recent upsurges in worship service attendance among U.S. Protestant teenagers, fewer than a third of them report that they read the Bible at least once a week, according to the National Study of Youth and Religion at the University of North Carolina.

The majority of U.S. Protestant teenagers -- 68 percent -- say they read the Bible less frequently than once a week or not at all, the report said. Of all U.S. teenagers, about one in four reads the sacred scripture of their religious tradition weekly or more often.

The incidence of low Bible reading contrasts with increased numbers of U.S. teenagers claiming religious affiliations and attending worship services in recent years, principal researcher Christian Smith said.

"The findings here suggest that far fewer U.S. teens regularly engage in more personal religious practices of faith -- like scripture reading -- that many religious traditions, especially Protestantism, have long emphasized as crucial for spiritual growth," he said.

Celebration

This month's spotlight: Ratha Yatra, Hindu chariot festival.

Date: Today.

Description: Ratha Yatra is a 2,000-year-old Indian festival honoring Jagannatha, Lord of the Universe and a manifestation of Krishna. Once a year, the god's image is taken from a temple and displayed on a 40-foot-tall, red-and-blue chariot. This year, for the 24th time, the chariot will be pulled down Constitution Avenue as part of the National Independence Day Parade. The parade begins about 12:45 p.m. at Constitution Avenue and Seventh Street NW. A related event, the Hare Krishna Festival of India, takes place from noon to 10 p.m. on the Mall across from the Capitol.

More information: www.festivalofindia.org

Religion 101

My wife was raised Southern Baptist in Texas and not allowed to drink, smoke, dance or play cards, yet friends here who are Southern Baptists say they are allowed to do all these things. How can that be?

Unlike hierarchical denominations, the Southern Baptist Convention has no authority to establish doctrine or policy for its member churches, which are autonomous. So teachings on the issues you mention can vary from congregation to congregation. Prohibitions against dancing and card-playing are culture-based and not as common as they once were, said an official with the denomination's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission in Nashville. But most churches still advise against use of alcohol, tobacco and other substances that can harm one's health, he said.

Have a question on religious traditions or practices? Send an e-mail to religion@washpost.com.

-- Compiled by Bill Broadway

Saturday in Religion: Background checks on youth workers.