Syndicate Headlines: Apr. 23, 2002 By Charles Anderson, Roving Reporter

CLEVER RELIGIOUS ACRONYM A PRODUCT OF YOUTH GROUP PLAGIARISM

LAURENS COUNTY, GA - After unsuccessful talks of an out of court settlement with the attorneys representing multiple sects of the Christian faith, Kreiger Swim Club owner Bill Logan is now pursuing legal action. The accusations of plagiarism were first made in July of 2001 when Logan noticed a trend in Christian culture using four letters he had been using for years at his swimming facility as a deterrent for divers.

Logan, 38, decided to use the acronym "WWJD" at the Kreiger Swim Club in central Georgia as opposed to the time tested "No Diving." Diving would cause liability issues for Logan if permitted and an injury was the result, yet patrons paid no attention to the restriction. Upon noticing that almost 90% of all patrons to the swim club were of the Christian faith, Logan conceived the "Why Would Jesus Dive?" idea.

Shortly after the signs went up, a youth group from the Holy Cross Methodist Church that held regular gatherings at the pool misinterpreted the sign and continued to dive. The trouble didn't end there.

"They were good kids, but they just wouldn't stop diving," said an irate Logan. "I told them to read the sign and reflect on what it meant, but they thought that WWJD stood for 'What Would Jesus Do?' I mean honestly, why would I put up a sign that said that next to the deep end?"

The youth group, shown right, adopted the phrase as an ideal slogan for their religion. Unbeknownst to Logan, the group crafted bracelets, necklaces, key chains, and posters branded with the four letters, but bearing a meaning of only some similarity. "I really liked the way 'What Would Jesus Do?' sounded," James Phillips, youth group member said. "I never really thought about diving when I saw those letters. Just trying to be more like Jesus."

As the popularity spread to other parishes around Georgia and soon the country, Logan took action. "I came up with that string of letters first," Logan remarked. "I don't know who this Jesus guy is or why these kids want to be like him so much, but I figured if they knew Jesus was too smart to dive in my pool than they'd follow. They took it way out of context and started capitalizing on my letters. I don't think a little restitution is that far out of the question."

Despite attempts at an out of court settlement, Logan, pictured here with wife Helen and daughter Julia, are now filing a class action lawsuit against Christianity. Representatives of the church refused a settlement on the belief that Logan's case would not hold up in a court of law. The trial date has been tentatively set for August 19th, 2002, in Atlanta, GA. Logan intends to represent himself, having little faith in local litigators.

Jesus could not be reached for comment, but His public relations official assured the public that He loves Bill Logan, even if Logan does not know him. He recommends that Logan let Jesus into his heart and thus be saved. Logan did not reply to Jesus' comments.