Least Christian parts of the US? (Mormons, protestant, worship, Catholic)

[GoneNative]

Originally Posted by OhAcid

Find an urban area with young people. These people may "believe in god" but I assure you that 99% of them will not be religious by general definition.

One of the more under-sold stories is the fact that conservative religious groups like, for example, Opus Dei, thrive in some of America's largest cities. Even in the heart of Manhattan there is an enormous megachurch that is very well-known throughout the country.

That doesn't mean that most young people are passionately religious. But it does mean that even in the sorts of super-secular cities like the OP is looking for there is a profound and quite deep religious impulse.

[GoneNative]

Originally Posted by Thomas R.

I kind of don't think New Hampshire would be seen as "Bible Belt" even by Western European standards. In the Dutch Bible Belt there are towns that try to ban swearing and in parts of the Outer Hebrides many things shut down on the Sabbath.

Seeking security, Dutch turn to Bible Belt | Reuters
BBC News - Sunday ferry for Harris opposed by Lord's Day society

Unless I'm mistaken on New Hampshire I think it's mostly not like those places. I think it might look more like some of the moderately traditional parts of rural Western Europe.

I actually visited the Dutch Bible belt a in 2007 specifically to check out the Dutch Bible belt. I skipped Amstersdam, other than a quick train tride from the airport. Other than a conspicuous presence of Christian bookstores, some (or perhaps even many) women in long-ish skirts, and a few men (mostly farmers) in wooden clogs (really), it actually seemed much like the rest of Europe. People lived in regular homes, shopped at a regular grocery store, and lived quite ordinary lives.

And keep in mind, much of Europe "shuts down on Sunday."

[bchris02]

Originally Posted by OhAcid

Find an urban area with young people. These people may "believe in god" but I assure you that 99% of them will not be religious by general definition.

Most white millennials raised in affluent homes are atheists or non-religious, especially males, but minorities and poor whites mostly still believe. What you are looking for is the "young and wealthy hot spots". Austin, Boston, and San Francisco come to mind.

[Thomas R.]

Originally Posted by GoneNative

One of the more under-sold stories is the fact that conservative religious groups like, for example, Opus Dei, thrive in some of America's largest cities. Even in the heart of Manhattan there is an enormous megachurch that is very well-known throughout the country.

That doesn't mean that most young people are passionately religious. But it does mean that even in the sorts of super-secular cities like the OP is looking for there is a profound and quite deep religious impulse.

In a big population a religiously Christian, or Jewish or Muslim, minority can end up big.

One I remember reading about was Mars Hill Church, which sounded real hard-core Calvinist. It's located in Seattle, which is often deemed the least religious city in the US.

Local News | Mars Hill Church empire expands | Seattle Times Newspaper

Still I'd think in big secular cities one could ignore religion more if one wants that.

[Trimac20]

I have a feeling New England, especially Massachusetts, is more religious than people believe. I spent two weeks in hospital (long story) and actually quite a few people there seemed religious/Christian. I agree many Catholics aren't practicing, but many actually believe strongly in things like angels, life after death, and hold on to traditions that even dedicated Evangelicals have lost. But in relation to the original question, New England is indeed less religious than most of the country, but in my opinion just less openly religious but not as atheist as parts of the West, which seem more truly irreligious. Tradition runs deep in many New England communities, even in Cambridge or Boston. Whether that be the Irish in the South End, or black Protestants in Roxbury.

[Thomas R.]

I read something that said Benton County, Oregon is the least religious county in the US. I can't seem to find the source though.

[blkgiraffe]

Originally Posted by Trimac20

I have a feeling New England, especially Massachusetts, is more religious than people believe. I spent two weeks in hospital (long story) and actually quite a few people there seemed religious/Christian. I agree many Catholics aren't practicing, but many actually believe strongly in things like angels, life after death, and hold on to traditions that even dedicated Evangelicals have lost. But in relation to the original question, New England is indeed less religious than most of the country, but in my opinion just less openly religious but not as atheist as parts of the West, which seem more truly irreligious. Tradition runs deep in many New England communities, even in Cambridge or Boston. Whether that be the Irish in the South End, or black Protestants in Roxbury.

I was thinking the same thing. Southerners tend to be more open about their religious beliefs compared to elsewhere.

[xenokc]

Originally Posted by Trimac20

I have a feeling New England, especially Massachusetts, is more religious than people believe.

I agree and other than the more outward evangelical South, NYC has to be the most religious city I've been, and not just the immigrants. I was once in downtown Brooklyn walking by Borough Hall and a street preacher was on the steps... that wasn't unusual but what I've never seen anywhere else is that many people actually stopped and listened. My younger brother 'found' religion in NYC (he and I never were). There are often multiple churches every block or 3 in the NYC neighborhoods that constantly have people walking in/out of.

When looking at the stats, it was no surprise to see NYC with nearly highest % of religious identity.

[Bass&Catfish2008]

Originally Posted by bchris02

Most white millennials raised in affluent homes are atheists or non-religious, especially males, but minorities and poor whites mostly still believe. What you are looking for is the "young and wealthy hot spots". Austin, Boston, and San Francisco come to mind.

>>>>>
but minorities and poor whites mostly still believe
<<<<<

Because they're less educated and less progressive?

BChris, such an insinuation does nothing for your ethos. I'd like to see some verifiable data for your assertion.

[j_cat]

Originally Posted by Bass&Catfish2008

>>>>>
but minorities and poor whites mostly still believe
<<<<<

Because they're less educated and less progressive?

Didn't anyone ever tell you "don't shoot the messenger"?

You don't have to be anti-religious to notice the obvious trend of religion having greater significance in less educated communities. It is what it is.