Would I encounter any problems? (environment, colleges, diverse)

[jaxalamalakum]

How would my life be affected living in SLC being non-religious? I'm not an atheist, but I'm not at all very religious. I'm spiritual, and very open-minded. But not go-to-church, read-my-bible religious.
I've heard and read completely different views on this... some say people don't care about it, others say it will make your life there much more difficult.
I would be going to the U for college, by the way, not sure how relevant that is.

Thanks for the help!

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Shouldn't matter at the U. People in the U's area are much more open and liberal.

[kwm03160]

Originally Posted by jaxalamalakum

How would my life be affected living in SLC being non-religious? I'm not an atheist, but I'm not at all very religious. I'm spiritual, and very open-minded. But not go-to-church, read-my-bible religious.
I've heard and read completely different views on this... some say people don't care about it, others say it will make your life there much more difficult.
I would be going to the U for college, by the way, not sure how relevant that is.

Thanks for the help!

In general (and this is just a generality), the further south you go in Salt Lake County the more Mormon it becomes. That doesn't mean that they will discriminate against your or not talk to you. I have found it largely depends on the area and neighborhood. And, since I grew up in Utah, it has gotten much better.

[catrinac]

You won't be bothered much so long as you shut out and ignore all the LDS influences. If you are sensitive to cult type influences or control, don't move to Salt Lake. I consider myself spiritual and open minded and regret moving here.

Originally Posted by jaxalamalakum

How would my life be affected living in SLC being non-religious? I'm not an atheist, but I'm not at all very religious. I'm spiritual, and very open-minded. But not go-to-church, read-my-bible religious.

[DP525]

Utah will affect you more than you will affect others. No one will care about your religious views. However, you may find the surrounding culture and "aura" strange, or at least quite different than where you came from. If you let it bother you, it will. If you take with a grain of salt and a sense of humor, you will be just fine. And remember, the U is a very diverse institution with students and faculty from all over.

[newtoutah]

Just remember, Sundays are awesome days to shop and drive around...nobody on the roads nor do the ones that are out stare at you because u have a tattoo or more than one piercing..lol

[jaxalamalakum]

Thanks everybody! I appreciate all of the replies. I am excited at the opportunity to possibly move out there (I will be coming from Florida, by the way). I enjoy the outdoors, and I have family in SLC so that has be excited.

[drsevrin]

If you're spiritual but "non-religious" I think you'll like Salt Lake a lot. There is a thriving, and I mean thriving New Age / Spiritual community here. I don't participate personally but my much-more spiritual California-born wife has found it very refreshing.

Although I also am non-religious, my personal theory is that Brigham Young tapped into the very same spiritual energy that draws many non-religious, non-LDS folks to this area. It really is a nexus of positive spiritual energy . . . the lush, green mountains and desolate western desert areas form, in contrast, a vibrant natural environment that can cater to just about anyone.

At the "U" you'll have no issues with your faith or lack thereof. It is a very tolerant, non-religious place. You may find it more so than some of the colleges you're familiar with. Good luck.