Are people tolerant of religious people? (Portland, Salem: statistics, move to, associations)

[ComfortablyNumb]

I know that in Seattle, if you are religious, you are generally looked down upon as inferior and stupid by the citizenry. Although I wouldn't say I'm Buddhist, I'm definitely a follower of Buddhism and would like to join and be apart of Buddhist communities once I move to Portland. Because Portland kind of dubs itself as an anti-materialist city (whether that is true or not, I don't know), I figure there has to be a decent Buddhist community there. Anyone know anything? Will I draw flak because I believe in things like reincarnation?

[subsound]

I don't think you'll have a problem. I haven't seen anyone that really is intolerant, even to the very vocal people running around. Usually no one really cares, and if some one is screaming things like "Praise Jesus" and "Thank the Lord" people usually go the other way to get away.

[jojo4]

There are a few Buddhist temples around town.
A Chinese temple is near Hawthorne and has meditation groups.
A Japanese temple near Powell and 30th.
There is a Thai temple a little south near Salem.
Just search for buddhist temples on Google maps.

[EnricoV]

I don't think anyone gets flack for what they believe ... I think the only problem people would have with others' religion, is if they felt they were being preached at.

[Bluesbabe]

I read somewhere awhile back that Portland has the highest concentration of Buddhists in the nation. I believe there is even a Buddhist temple here in Hillsboro.

I would check into the statistics and take it from there.

Quite frankly, I think the mass here is more tolerant of religion than conservative political inclinations.

[scone]

Originally Posted by Bluesbabe

I read somewhere awhile back that Portland has the highest concentration of Buddhists in the nation. I believe there is even a Buddhist temple here in Hillsboro.

I would check into the statistics and take it from there.

Quite frankly, I think the mass here is more tolerant of religion than conservative political inclinations.

I agree with the above. There are also a couple of Zen associations in the area, including a monastery in Columbia County.

[hml1976]

Yes, as long as you're not a Republican you should be fine.

[BLAZER PROPHET]

If you preofess Christianity or being a rebublican things in Portland could get very ugly (to the pointm of violence as we/ve seen recently). Anything aside from that will make you chic and very acceptable.

[cdelena]

It seems to me that wearing your religion or politics on your sleeve can cause problems anywhere.

[scone]

Originally Posted by BLAZER PROPHET

If you preofess Christianity or being a rebublican things in Portland could get very ugly (to the pointm of violence as we/ve seen recently). Anything aside from that will make you chic and very acceptable.

Last time I checked there were plenty of Christian churches in Portland. All the major denominations are represented, both Catholic and Protestant.