avi@hogpd.UUCP (Avi E. Gross - ABI at Lincroft NJ) (07/27/83)
--This article did not make it out the first time, so please excuse
--this if this is a second copy.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
I received a letter addressed to "Single-Person" at my home address.
It seemed to come from a "singles group". I have never seen anything
like this before, but some of the questions seemed to be very
religiously oriented. Some just seemed irrelevant for an application to
a singles group! The letter does not state what happens if you fill out the
questionaire. They just say "There is never any charge to have it
evaluated and the results will amuse you". The envelope is addressed to
Union, NJ but the mail charges are being paid by some anonymous group in
Michigan!
They ask me to supply names of anyone who is "interested" in getting on
their mailing list. Enclosed are the 50 questions - verbatim. I placed
'---' in front of the questions I thought were most irrelevant. I have
some comments after the questions.
-------QUESTIONS-------- (1=yes, 5=no)
1---Should the theory of evolution be taught in public schools?
2---Should single men & women ever take trips together otherwise unescorted?
3) For you to be happily married, must you have an extremely
affectionate spouse?
4---Is religious instruction necessary for all children?
5---Can theft ever be justified?
6) Does our society place too much significance on sex?
7) Do people feel you are a critical person?
8) Do you normally repeat the "Good Jokes" that you hear?
9) Can you be made to "Fly off the handle" (lose your temper) easily?
10--If children want to select a specific religion, should they be
permitted to do so?
11--Is going to night clubs permissible for those people that work with
children?
12) Do open displays of affection among teenagers bother you?
13) Does the opposite sex hold a very strong attraction for you?
14) Comparatively speaking, did you enjoy your life as a child?
15) Would you prefer to spend most of your time with other people?
16--After you die, will you be penalized for your sins on earth?
17--Is a jury trial the best way of obtaining justice?
18) For a successful marriage, do you feel romantic love is a must?
19) Does being shy cause you problems?
20) Do your moods rise and fall for reasons you can't explain?
21) Are you called upon once in a while to lead at social functions?
22-Are you a consistent church goer?
23--Should women become attorneys and judges?
24) Do "Off-Color" jokes and stories tend to disgust you?
25) Would a quiet spouse please you more than a lively one?
26) Are you sensitive about certain things?
27) In your opinion, are social functions worthwhile?
28--Would you rather associate with "God fearing" people who attend church?
29--Does a Supreme Being control mankind?
30) Should more stringent divorce laws be enacted?
31) Is sexual compatibility necessary for a successful marriage?
32) When entertaining friends, do you really enjoy yourself?
33) Do you often feel "Down in the dumps" - just plain miserable?
34) Do social activities appeal to you more than staying at home?
35--Is tremendous good on earth brought about by religion?
36--Is it all right for a married man to associate with "other women" outside
of business?
37) In your opinion, are you an affectionate and warm person?
38) Does an open display of affection normally cause you to respond?
39) Does membership in social organizations and clubs appeal to you?
40--Do you believe in a "life hereafter"?
41--Are most viewers adversely affected by shows displaying sexually
suggestive performers?
42) When you are with strangers do you feel uncomfortable?
43) Is your attitude toward life usually happy and even tempered?
44) Are you usually a sound sleeper?
45--Do you feel your prayers are answered by a Supreme Being?
46) Is it all right for women to ask men for dates?
47) Should children be given sex education in school?
48) Is the company of the opposite sex more enjoyable to you than that
of your own?
49) Does nervous tension cause you to have aches and pains?
50) When criticized by others, are your feelings easily hurt?
ARE THESE PEOPLE FOR REAL? I get the impression that they are only
interested in fundamentalist singles (probably Christian) or that this
is a front for an evangelical campaign! I don't see a point in replying
to this letter. My (honest) answers would probably disqualify me. I am
surprised that they did not ask if I was a virgin!
Has anyone else seen something like this? It is very well done - with
the questions interleaved with more reasonable ones. They also did not
really promise anything. The bottom of the letter says:
(c) E.L. Edenfield 1969 All Rights Reserved
A Social Introduction Service
I would be interested in seeing replies to the net, or one of my accounts.
Please do not post follow-ups to both net.religion and net.singles unless
the response fits in both groups.
Avi Gross American Bell (201) 576-3063
pegasus!avi hogpd!avi (going on vacation for several weeks)wartik@trwspp.UUCP (08/06/83)
Avi, your letter reminds me of a time during my undergraduate days at Penn State, when members of Campus Crusade for Christ would approach people and (without mentioning their affiliation) would say they were "conducting a survey on religion." Of course, once you said you didn't attend church every Sunday -- and they got around to that question pretty quickly -- you got a sermon on your sins. That wasn't as sneaky as what you got, of course -- any intelligent person could deduce immediately what their real intentions were by the stacks of bibles and religious tracts they invariably carried with them. -- Steve Wartik decvax!trw-unix!trwspp!wartik