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I've been asked several times which church I go to. I've also been taken to lunch by friends and then given a come to Jesus speech. One of those friends did this twice. We are no longer friends.
I guess I will be the detractor here and say that the level of religiosity in the area was something that bothered me (I just moved away... not for that reason though, it wasn't that bad, ha!). It wasn't that people were super pushy or judgmental. It was more so that many aspects of people's lives seemed to center on their church, and it was usually taken for granted that you were Christian too. For example, most local preschools are church-based, most parents had their kids in Christian activities, social lives revolved around people from church, etc. And then there were things such as hearing about a fitness group (or book club, or mom's group, or whatever)... and then the person finally mentioning that it's church-oriented. I didn't find most strangers to be obnoxious about it, but I also gotta say I'm not a fan of being told to "have a blessed day" by the clerks at the grocery store. There were also several times I went to the website of a local business and was surprised to see religious writings or Christian-based mission statements (had this happen with a swim school, consignment sale, and some sort of construction contractor); not that that is a deal-breaker, but seemed really weird to me.
All in all, it wasn't terrible as far as religion went, but it was a very different atmosphere than I grew up with and one that at times made me uncomfortable.
I moved here from Pennsylvania where I was routinely marketed by ICTHUS, etc.
People sell what works. For some it is nu-bile wimmen. For others, it is "religion."
Freedom of assembly covers a lot of stuff. If people want to pray before, during, and after they perspire, it's no sweat off my brow.
I have never ever been annoyed by being wished a blessed day. And, anyone who wants to pray for me is more than welcome.
Now, failing to turn on a short left arrow? I get my umbrage up when I am behind you.
I guess I will be the detractor here and say that the level of religiosity in the area was something that bothered me (I just moved away... not for that reason though, it wasn't that bad, ha!). It wasn't that people were super pushy or judgmental. It was more so that many aspects of people's lives seemed to center on their church, and it was usually taken for granted that you were Christian too. For example, most local preschools are church-based, most parents had their kids in Christian activities, social lives revolved around people from church, etc. And then there were things such as hearing about a fitness group (or book club, or mom's group, or whatever)... and then the person finally mentioning that it's church-oriented. I didn't find most strangers to be obnoxious about it, but I also gotta say I'm not a fan of being told to "have a blessed day" by the clerks at the grocery store. There were also several times I went to the website of a local business and was surprised to see religious writings or Christian-based mission statements (had this happen with a swim school, consignment sale, and some sort of construction contractor); not that that is a deal-breaker, but seemed really weird to me.
All in all, it wasn't terrible as far as religion went, but it was a very different atmosphere than I grew up with and one that at times made me uncomfortable.
This is about the most accurate post in the thread.
Many of the others responding are probably at least mildly religious so they perceive the "push" a lot less. Overall, it would be better than say, rural areas or the Deep South but it is still very much part of the bible belt. If evangelicals bother you (and they bother me), than you probably won't feel comfortable.
This is about the most accurate post in the thread.
Many of the others responding are probably at least mildly religious so they perceive the "push" a lot less. Overall, it would be better than say, rural areas or the Deep South but it is still very much part of the bible belt. If evangelicals bother you (and they bother me), than you probably won't feel comfortable.
Not religious here. For that matter, I don't subscribe to any religion.
Not religious here. For that matter, I don't subscribe to any religion.
Does innocuous religious observance bother you to the point you should seek counseling? Just curious, as it seems to be a common psychological affliction.
But it's the South, and you'll see plenty of Keep Christ in Christmas magnets on the cars in December!
I'm also Jewish, though non-religious. And I agree wholeheartedly with the "Keep Christ in Christmas" magnets. Let's have more wonder about the birth of a messiah (if that's how you roll) and less greed and trampling fellow humans at Wal-Mart!
I'm also Jewish, though non-religious. And I agree wholeheartedly with the "Keep Christ in Christmas" magnets. Let's have more wonder about the birth of a messiah (if that's how you roll) and less greed and trampling fellow humans at Wal-Mart!
You had me up to "...less greed and trampling fellow humans at Wal-Mart!"
I have "godless Commie" on the very tip of my tongue.
Whoops! There it went!
(Disclaimer: I prefer trampling soccer moms at Target.)
I guess I will be the detractor here and say that the level of religiosity in the area was something that bothered me (I just moved away... not for that reason though, it wasn't that bad, ha!). It wasn't that people were super pushy or judgmental. It was more so that many aspects of people's lives seemed to center on their church, and it was usually taken for granted that you were Christian too. For example, most local preschools are church-based, most parents had their kids in Christian activities, social lives revolved around people from church, etc. And then there were things such as hearing about a fitness group (or book club, or mom's group, or whatever)... and then the person finally mentioning that it's church-oriented. I didn't find most strangers to be obnoxious about it, but I also gotta say I'm not a fan of being told to "have a blessed day" by the clerks at the grocery store. There were also several times I went to the website of a local business and was surprised to see religious writings or Christian-based mission statements (had this happen with a swim school, consignment sale, and some sort of construction contractor); not that that is a deal-breaker, but seemed really weird to me.
All in all, it wasn't terrible as far as religion went, but it was a very different atmosphere than I grew up with and one that at times made me uncomfortable.
Yes yes! This is what I was trying to get at with my post, but this person did a much better job of it! This pretty much sums it up.
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