Most Religious States

[Underhill]

Interesting poll and like the OP, I would like to know what questions they used to determine who is 'most religious' and who is 'moderately religious' and who isn't religious at all. At least the first ten of the published comments on the story were from people who appear to hold a very low opinion of the religious.

The reason I would like to see what questions were used is because I would probably be listed among the most religious if affiliation with and activity, including attendance, in an organized church or synagogue, etc. is used as the basis for 'most religious.' But I consider myself to be pretty unreligious as I don't put much importance on any creed or activity in any denomination as necessary to my faith, but enjoy the activity in many.

That clarifies somewhat what I have been trying to say.

As for the comments--not sure I even looked at them but that would be 'typical' of those who would choose to respond to an AJC article.

Much was said about 'religion' impeding progress, etc last year. Basically those that reside somewhere in metro Atlanta--a rather broad area have 'different' views of religion from those in more rural areas of the state. Not something I want to discuss again.

eh- MS--LA-AL --among the more religious states but along the panhandle gambling and the sale of liquor are not an issue. I can tell you that the state of GA will not stray far from its roots---how it eventually works out--who knows. There has been any Headline News on how selling liquor on Sunday has worked out. Guess it has worked out well enough.

I would guess the poll is fairly accurate. But the part that I find a bit odd is the rest of the linked op. The idea that all religious people are against any form of drinking or gambling, for example, is a bit dumb.

Some are, even a good percentage probably. But the even the most religious state was looking at percentages in the 50% range. So, for example, it wouldn't take many Catholics (who drink) to pass a law that favors buying liquor on Sunday.

 

[Underhill]

Being religious, especially Christian, means you do not have to ever tell anyone.
They will know it by your actions.
Not some silly "study" done by a lame brain media "expert" looking for a way to get exposure.
Many religious people would refuse to offer any opinions so they would be put down as non religious and not attending church.

By whom? The polling company? These questions are asked randomly and anonymously.

 

[Pogo]

Interesting poll and like the OP, I would like to know what questions they used to determine who is 'most religious' and who is 'moderately religious' and who isn't religious at all. At least the first ten of the published comments on the story were from people who appear to hold a very low opinion of the religious.

The reason I would like to see what questions were used is because I would probably be listed among the most religious if affiliation with and activity, including attendance, in an organized church or synagogue, etc. is used as the basis for 'most religious.' But I consider myself to be pretty unreligious as I don't put much importance on any creed or activity in any denomination as necessary to my faith, but enjoy the activity in many.

That clarifies somewhat what I have been trying to say.

As for the comments--not sure I even looked at them but that would be 'typical' of those who would choose to respond to an AJC article.

Much was said about 'religion' impeding progress, etc last year. Basically those that reside somewhere in metro Atlanta--a rather broad area have 'different' views of religion from those in more rural areas of the state. Not something I want to discuss again.

eh- MS--LA-AL --among the more religious states but along the panhandle gambling and the sale of liquor are not an issue. I can tell you that the state of GA will not stray far from its roots---how it eventually works out--who knows. There has been any Headline News on how selling liquor on Sunday has worked out. Guess it has worked out well enough.

But it is important not to confuse 'legalism' or 'rigid rules' with how religious a person might be. A whole lot of us Christian folks will occasionally enjoy some time at a casino. I don't, for health reasons, but probably most Christians enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or a cold beer now and then, or even something stronger, and would probably purchase that on Sunday if it was allowed. I once did communications for an Episcopal Diocese, and by extention, for the national Episcopal Church--no, I am not Episcopalian--that is notorious for enjoying alcohol at many of its social functions. I achieved a degree of national fame by writing a directive of how to accommodate both drinkers and non drinkers at such functions. I'm sure most Episcopalians would describe themselves as religious.

I'm pretty sure that poll didn't evaluate a person's degree of religious fervor by asking them a lot of questions about do's and don't associated with their religion.

Fair points. There are some bizarre such laws around here, both local and state level; one day I was checking out at a Trader Joe's with a pack of Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout and the cashier said "I can't sell you this until noon . It was 11:58 a.m., so we stood there waiting for two minutes so we could ring up the beer, legally. That's when religious-based lawmaking goes berserk.

And there are still a number of counties here in NC that are "dry" to this day, yet you can get any number of license plate designs from the state heralding your favourte NASCAR driver. Do you know why NASCAR drivers so often come from North Carolina? Because they learned their driving skills bootlegging alcohol and finding ways to evade police chases in these "dry" counties. So much for false morality and mixed legislative messages...

 

[Foxfyre]

That clarifies somewhat what I have been trying to say.

As for the comments--not sure I even looked at them but that would be 'typical' of those who would choose to respond to an AJC article.

Much was said about 'religion' impeding progress, etc last year. Basically those that reside somewhere in metro Atlanta--a rather broad area have 'different' views of religion from those in more rural areas of the state. Not something I want to discuss again.

eh- MS--LA-AL --among the more religious states but along the panhandle gambling and the sale of liquor are not an issue. I can tell you that the state of GA will not stray far from its roots---how it eventually works out--who knows. There has been any Headline News on how selling liquor on Sunday has worked out. Guess it has worked out well enough.

But it is important not to confuse 'legalism' or 'rigid rules' with how religious a person might be. A whole lot of us Christian folks will occasionally enjoy some time at a casino. I don't, for health reasons, but probably most Christians enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or a cold beer now and then, or even something stronger, and would probably purchase that on Sunday if it was allowed. I once did communications for an Episcopal Diocese, and by extention, for the national Episcopal Church--no, I am not Episcopalian--that is notorious for enjoying alcohol at many of its social functions. I achieved a degree of national fame by writing a directive of how to accommodate both drinkers and non drinkers at such functions. I'm sure most Episcopalians would describe themselves as religious.

I'm pretty sure that poll didn't evaluate a person's degree of religious fervor by asking them a lot of questions about do's and don't associated with their religion.

Fair points. There are some bizarre such laws around here, both local and state level; one day I was checking out at a Trader Joe's with a pack of Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout and the cashier said "I can't sell you this until noon . It was 11:58 a.m., so we stood there waiting for two minutes so we could ring up the beer, legally. That's when religious-based lawmaking goes berserk.

And there are still a number of counties here in NC that are "dry" to this day, yet you can get any number of license plate designs from the state heralding your favourte NASCAR driver. Do you know why NASCAR drivers so often come from North Carolina? Because they learned their driving skills bootlegging alcohol and finding ways to evade police chases in these "dry" counties. So much for false morality and mixed legislative messages...

Funny re Nascar drivers, most especially since we have (distant) relatives who were bootleggers back when there was a lot more 'dryness' in the country after Prohibition was repealed.

But I don't necessarily agree that a dry county or other such laws denote false morality. Sometimes they simply accommodate the sensibilities of a substantial portion of the community. The Founders intended the Constitution to protect our right to be totally free to be just as religious or fundamentalist or non religious or narrow minded or legalistic or broad minded or rough and roudy as we wished to be and to form and organize the societies we wished to have.

I can easily see a person enjoying a glass of wine with dinner or a cold beer on a fishing trip who still does not want bars and liquor stores or adult bookstores or strip clubs, or a casino, etc. etc. etc. in his/her community. Hypocritical? I don't think so. It is a sense of establishing the quality of one's environment overall, rather than any insistance on any form of legalism. And such preferences may or may not be informed by a person's religious beliefs.

In other words, I don't see that as a guage of how religious or non religious a person might be.

 

[Pogo]

But it is important not to confuse 'legalism' or 'rigid rules' with how religious a person might be. A whole lot of us Christian folks will occasionally enjoy some time at a casino. I don't, for health reasons, but probably most Christians enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or a cold beer now and then, or even something stronger, and would probably purchase that on Sunday if it was allowed. I once did communications for an Episcopal Diocese, and by extention, for the national Episcopal Church--no, I am not Episcopalian--that is notorious for enjoying alcohol at many of its social functions. I achieved a degree of national fame by writing a directive of how to accommodate both drinkers and non drinkers at such functions. I'm sure most Episcopalians would describe themselves as religious.

I'm pretty sure that poll didn't evaluate a person's degree of religious fervor by asking them a lot of questions about do's and don't associated with their religion.

Fair points. There are some bizarre such laws around here, both local and state level; one day I was checking out at a Trader Joe's with a pack of Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout and the cashier said "I can't sell you this until noon . It was 11:58 a.m., so we stood there waiting for two minutes so we could ring up the beer, legally. That's when religious-based lawmaking goes berserk.

And there are still a number of counties here in NC that are "dry" to this day, yet you can get any number of license plate designs from the state heralding your favourte NASCAR driver. Do you know why NASCAR drivers so often come from North Carolina? Because they learned their driving skills bootlegging alcohol and finding ways to evade police chases in these "dry" counties. So much for false morality and mixed legislative messages...

Funny re Nascar drivers, most especially since we have (distant) relatives who were bootleggers back when there was a lot more 'dryness' in the country after Prohibition was repealed.

But I don't necessarily agree that a dry county or other such laws denote false morality. Sometimes they simply accommodate the sensibilities of a substantial portion of the community. The Founders intended the Constitution to protect our right to be totally free to be just as religious or fundamentalist or non religious or narrow minded or legalistic or broad minded or rough and roudy as we wished to be and to form and organize the societies we wished to have.

I can easily see a person enjoying a glass of wine with dinner or a cold beer on a fishing trip who still does not want bars and liquor stores or adult bookstores or strip clubs, or a casino, etc. etc. etc. in his/her community. Hypocritical? I don't think so. It is a sense of establishing the quality of one's environment overall, rather than any insistance on any form of legalism. And such preferences may or may not be informed by a person's religious beliefs.

In other words, I don't see that as a guage of how religious or non religious a person might be.

I don't either; my point was to contrast state and local laws that pretend to uphold some concept of "morality" with restrictions on (in this case) liquor laws, while at the same time celebrating, officially at the state level, a legacy of a profession that established itself by flaunting and evading those same laws. Somehow I doubt hypocrisy is sanctioned by any religion.

(cross fade to Jesus in the temple with the moneylenders here...)

 

[wavingrl]

Interesting poll and like the OP, I would like to know what questions they used to determine who is 'most religious' and who is 'moderately religious' and who isn't religious at all. At least the first ten of the published comments on the story were from people who appear to hold a very low opinion of the religious.

The reason I would like to see what questions were used is because I would probably be listed among the most religious if affiliation with and activity, including attendance, in an organized church or synagogue, etc. is used as the basis for 'most religious.' But I consider myself to be pretty unreligious as I don't put much importance on any creed or activity in any denomination as necessary to my faith, but enjoy the activity in many.

That clarifies somewhat what I have been trying to say.

As for the comments--not sure I even looked at them but that would be 'typical' of those who would choose to respond to an AJC article.

Much was said about 'religion' impeding progress, etc last year. Basically those that reside somewhere in metro Atlanta--a rather broad area have 'different' views of religion from those in more rural areas of the state. Not something I want to discuss again.

eh- MS--LA-AL --among the more religious states but along the panhandle gambling and the sale of liquor are not an issue. I can tell you that the state of GA will not stray far from its roots---how it eventually works out--who knows. There has been any Headline News on how selling liquor on Sunday has worked out. Guess it has worked out well enough.

I would guess the poll is fairly accurate. But the part that I find a bit odd is the rest of the linked op. The idea that all religious people are against any form of drinking or gambling, for example, is a bit dumb.

Some are, even a good percentage probably. But the even the most religious state was looking at percentages in the 50% range. So, for example, it wouldn't take many Catholics (who drink) to pass a law that favors buying liquor on Sunday.

mmmm--Bible Belt--in rural parts of the state --maybe more in the Southern part, I don't remember--people felt that alcohol should not be sold on Sunday, they now have the option to vote on the issue. I suppose some chose to vote No.

I guess I would be more interested in 'what kind of religion' is practiced. My own area has a very Conservative synagogue, moderate, liberal and conservative churches of all kinds and 'everything else'. The 'Should Liquor Be Sold on Sunday' issue passed in my county. I suppose the plan has now been implemented. Other neighboring counties started as soon as the ink was dry. It wasn't that much of an issue to me.

I might feel differently about casinos--they have talked about redeveloping Underground Atlanta into a casino district. Maybe that would be good for tourism. Currently, the Waffle House has added a 20% surcharge to cover a security guard at Underground. We don't need anything to attract more crime---more than enough shootings every day. Nobody wants more crime. Some people who seemed to have expertise in urban planning were in favor of casinos. I think even in the coastal area you can only gamble on a ship/boat that is a specified distance from land. fwiw.

 

[koshergrl]

I ran across an interesting factoid (I dont' remember where, sorry) while I was rubbing Army Cowboy's nose in the dirt....

Southern States, which are the poorest, and most Christian, give a much higher percentage of their incomes to charity.

I just thought it was interesting. Everybody calls them backwards and stupid, as if income determines one's character...but when it comes to giving till it hurts, those communities are the ones who do it.

 

[wavingrl]

I ran across an interesting factoid (I dont' remember where, sorry) while I was rubbing Army Cowboy's nose in the dirt....

Southern States, which are the poorest, and most Christian, give a much higher percentage of their incomes to charity.

I just thought it was interesting. Everybody calls them backwards and stupid, as if income determines one's character...but when it comes to giving till it hurts, those communities are the ones who do it.

I would say that would be very true of the Panhandle.

Interesting area--Red/Conservative--but they do like to party. So, I don't really get much fyi from this poll.

I tend to assume that the religion of MS is more traditional. LA--does its own thing--my friend's mother was Primitive Baptist and was skeptical of Catholicism until the day she died. Alabama--they have some laws that are 'out of date'--other than that I can't say much.

 

[wavingrl]

who knew--Georgians can go to NC to gamble.

Harrah?s Cherokee renovation attracts gamblers, families, and... | www.ajc.com

I am really out of touch on so many things.

somehow I think there is gambling at Hilton Head, SC--near coastal GA. Not certain.

eta: no gambling in SC, fwiw.

They were discussing redevelopment of Jekyll Island, near Brunswick--I hope they are able to do that at some point. GA could use some tourism dollars.

Opening Feb 2014-Starwood/Westin
http://www.hotelmanagement.net/west...-jekyll-island-ga-redevelopment-project-14942

 

[Gadawg73]

Being religious, especially Christian, means you do not have to ever tell anyone.
They will know it by your actions.
Not some silly "study" done by a lame brain media "expert" looking for a way to get exposure.
Many religious people would refuse to offer any opinions so they would be put down as non religious and not attending church.

By whom? The polling company? These questions are asked randomly and anonymously.

And random Christians offended by being asked about their religious practices will state they are not attending church.
Because they are true Christians and their actions, NOT WORDS, make them Christians.

 

[Gadawg73]

who knew--Georgians can go to NC to gamble.

Harrah?s Cherokee renovation attracts gamblers, families, and... | www.ajc.com

I am really out of touch on so many things.

somehow I think there is gambling at Hilton Head, SC--near coastal GA. Not certain.

eta: no gambling in SC, fwiw.

They were discussing redevelopment of Jekyll Island, near Brunswick--I hope they are able to do that at some point. GA could use some tourism dollars.

Opening Feb 2014-Starwood/Westin
Starwood plans Westin for Jekyll Island, Ga., redevelopment project | Hotel Management

The Jekyll Island proposal is a river of corruption and I oppose it.
I favor a casino and race track near the Atlanta airport, the largest in the world.
But it will never pass. Too many religious KOOKS in Georgia.
The lottery passed here 50.3% to 49.7% with most all of south Georgia voting against it.
I support legal gambling even though I am not stupid enough to participate.
We issue the welfare checks the first of the month and have it all back in a few weeks. An excellent strategy.

 

[koshergrl]

Being religious, especially Christian, means you do not have to ever tell anyone.
They will know it by your actions.
Not some silly "study" done by a lame brain media "expert" looking for a way to get exposure.
Many religious people would refuse to offer any opinions so they would be put down as non religious and not attending church.

By whom? The polling company? These questions are asked randomly and anonymously.

And random Christians offended by being asked about their religious practices will state they are not attending church.
Because they are true Christians and their actions, NOT WORDS, make them Christians.

Actually, the grace of God is what makes them Christians. Not words, not actions.

Grace not works. That is how a Christian is defined.

 

[Gadawg73]

By whom? The polling company? These questions are asked randomly and anonymously.

And random Christians offended by being asked about their religious practices will state they are not attending church.
Because they are true Christians and their actions, NOT WORDS, make them Christians.

Actually, the grace of God is what makes them Christians. Not words, not actions.

Grace not works. That is how a Christian is defined.

Fine with what you believe but that is BS to me.
Business associate of mine believes that also.
He has numerous affairs, cheats everyone he can get away with it, has numerous kids he pays no child support to and is a sorry ass human being.
But he is a big shot in his church as he says it is his faith, not his actions, that gets him to heaven.
Crock of shit. His ass is going to HELL along with everyone else that practices their "Christianity" that way and fuck people over all the while proclaiming their "faith".

 

[wavingrl]

who knew--Georgians can go to NC to gamble.

Harrah?s Cherokee renovation attracts gamblers, families, and... | www.ajc.com

I am really out of touch on so many things.

somehow I think there is gambling at Hilton Head, SC--near coastal GA. Not certain.

eta: no gambling in SC, fwiw.

They were discussing redevelopment of Jekyll Island, near Brunswick--I hope they are able to do that at some point. GA could use some tourism dollars.

Opening Feb 2014-Starwood/Westin
Starwood plans Westin for Jekyll Island, Ga., redevelopment project | Hotel Management

The Jekyll Island proposal is a river of corruption and I oppose it.
I favor a casino and race track near the Atlanta airport, the largest in the world.
But it will never pass. Too many religious KOOKS in Georgia.
The lottery passed here 50.3% to 49.7% with most all of south Georgia voting against it.
I support legal gambling even though I am not stupid enough to participate.
We issue the welfare checks the first of the month and have it all back in a few weeks. An excellent strategy.

good to know.

 

[Avatar4321]

I would however have to question this:

Why would you expect california to be the least? There are millions of religious people. Just because there happens to be more total nutjobs ruining the state ... <snip>

It's hard to take that bit seriously at all when you live a short drive from ... South Carolina.

i'd hardly call 10 hrs a short drive. But then i never said South Carolina didn't have nuts too.

 

[Avatar4321]

Being religious, especially Christian, means you do not have to ever tell anyone.
They will know it by your actions.
Not some silly "study" done by a lame brain media "expert" looking for a way to get exposure.
Many religious people would refuse to offer any opinions so they would be put down as non religious and not attending church.

That really makes no sense. By definition in order to be a good Christian you are required to open your mouth and share the Gospel.

Im all for being a good example. But that doesn't excuse us from our duty to share the Gospel. We shouldn't be afraid to do so.

 

[Pogo]

I would however have to question this:

Why would you expect california to be the least? There are millions of religious people. Just because there happens to be more total nutjobs ruining the state ... <snip>

It's hard to take that bit seriously at all when you live a short drive from ... South Carolina.

i'd hardly call 10 hrs a short drive. But then i never said South Carolina didn't have nuts too.

If I were to take 10 hours to drive to South Carolina I'd be a road hazard. I could almost walk there in that time.

The word "you" above means the generic "you" - "one". Or in this case, "me". The point is not the proximity; it's the concept of "more total nutjobs running the state". I don't think California or anyone else can top it. Not even (Fred Armisen/David Patterson voice) New Jersey!

 

[Avatar4321]

And random Christians offended by being asked about their religious practices will state they are not attending church.
Because they are true Christians and their actions, NOT WORDS, make them Christians.

So they would lie? Or would they just not attend church?

 

[Avatar4321]

Actually, the grace of God is what makes them Christians. Not words, not actions.

Grace not works. That is how a Christian is defined.

Alright, Ill bite. How does grace define Christians?

Seems to me the evidence of grace appears in the fruits of the people. IE they will do good things.

 

[Underhill]

I ran across an interesting factoid (I dont' remember where, sorry) while I was rubbing Army Cowboy's nose in the dirt....

Southern States, which are the poorest, and most Christian, give a much higher percentage of their incomes to charity.

I just thought it was interesting. Everybody calls them backwards and stupid, as if income determines one's character...but when it comes to giving till it hurts, those communities are the ones who do it.

Not surprising. More church attendance means more giving to the church.

But it's not exactly the same as giving to the poor and needy.