Thinking of moving from NJ to TN, nervous (closing, income)

[Steve_TN]

Originally Posted by Mike in TN

I think you guys are in the minority on the church issue. Almost on a weekly basis someone asks me where I go to chuch at. This happened at school, work, walking my dog, etc. I usually get a look of disbelief when I tell them I don't and it's not for me. My wife was somewhat ostracized at work for not attending church; although they've since moved beyond that.

Hmmmm.... that's strange. Different people, different experiences.

[RS-1080]

Originally Posted by Mike in TN

I think you guys are in the minority on the church issue. Almost on a weekly basis someone asks me where I go to chuch at. This happened at school, work, walking my dog, etc. I usually get a look of disbelief when I tell them I don't and it's not for me. My wife was somewhat ostracized at work for not attending church; although they've since moved beyond that.

Correct Mike.

I'll add this though. In DeKalb county, prayer will be heard at school, no ballgames will start before hand. Theres a very small few's kids that don't like it as they wasn't raised that way, but thats their choice not to be a part of it. However, it don't stop life as we live it, it just means we carry on and do as we always have and will here. They don't like it, they can just move back where they came from, or close their ears if they wanna see the game. We don't care if they choose not to be a part of it,,long as they don't try to stop prayer before the games, thats our way of life.

You see, some folks don't try to stop what they don't like about a small town they decide to move to, but theres always some family that'll move to a town and cry ''I don't like this,,what can we do to stop it''. The answer to that is very simple, don't move to a small town that they don't think their ways suite them. I know I would not move to a place that didn't like the word of God, nore would I try to stop their way of living. I feel we all should have the right to have an area to choose to be with our own kind, so I stay in a white county. I don't go to church nearly as much as I should, but I respect folks in these parts.

[Mike in TN]

Sounds like DeKalb Co. needs to lose some federal funds if they keep shoving their beliefs and culture down everyone's throat.

Okay, maybe I'm trolling a little - I'm not that easily offended. Although what you talked about does seem backwards. I'm going to go out on a limb and say they received federal funds.

[Unknown Memory]

I was just lurking around this section and wanted to just add my own experience here relating to religion in TN. I never lived there or even personally know anyone there, but I always thought Christianity seemed to be a majority in the state.

I was touring through a bit of TN a few years ago and went to Dollywood. I was kind of surprised that there were several Christian themed attractions in that park but I don't think they were too extreme in any way. Well, several people did walk out of the Christmas show since it did go into the Bible (unexpectedly). I'm guessing most of those people were non-Christian which is understandable (and definitely not fair for them). And then, there was the Christmas night show with one of the best "Carol of the Bells" remix I have ever heard. The word "God" was in the show though. It doesn't bother me a bit since I'm Christian but I do wonder about all the non-Christians watching the show. I don't think they would be bothered by it too much compared to the Christmas stage show.

Of course, this experience doesn't reflect a TN town or county (or even Pigeon Forge for that matter). It's only a theme park but with obvious Christian influence.

Sorry if I took this thread a little out of topic. ^_^; Um, but I'm pretty sure those, who are not really religous, can survive in any place depending on how sensitive you are to getting those "questions". Not sure about the other religions like Jewish, Muslim, etc. in TN.

[alleycat]

Originally Posted by Unknown Memory

Not sure about the other religions like Jewish, Muslim, etc. in TN.

Come to my neighborhood . . . there's a large Hindu temple on top of a hill (they brought in craftsmen from India, so it looks like it came straight from Calcutta). Down the road a bit there are three Jewish temples and a Jewish community center. You also see a number of people in the neighborhood who are obviously Muslim.

[46Barb]

I live in middle TN and have only been asked 2 times in a year what church do I attend. I think it does depend on the town/area you live in.

[JoAnn5]

I think in some of our small towns, the churches are THE social centers in the community, so if you are asked to come, it's not so much that they see you as a 'sinner who needs reforming' as much as they want you to be included in the group. It's a way of welcoming you into their hearts as well as the home. Most Tennesseans are good-hearted, not judgemental, honest!!!!

[LauraC]

Originally Posted by Mike in TN

I think you guys are in the minority on the church issue. Almost on a weekly basis someone asks me where I go to chuch at. This happened at school, work, walking my dog, etc. I usually get a look of disbelief when I tell them I don't and it's not for me. My wife was somewhat ostracized at work for not attending church; although they've since moved beyond that.

I've been here a year and 4 months and have never been asked where I go to church nor has anyone here ever offered up to me where they go to church and yet my county is 73% religious affiliated. On top of that, the churches here offer up their space for non-religious meetings and concerts which I think is a pretty nice community thing to do...and I don't go to church.

[MrsMtnsOnTheMind]

When we were there in Townsend last summer I was very impressed by a group of teens from a local church (Methodist I think) who came to our camp ground to do activities with all the kids. They didn't ask for anything, just wanted to hang out with the kids. I asked if they did this often and they said they try to go to all of the camp grounds as an out reach in the community. I have not experienced this any where else. I would think that by this example the Bible Belt is still very much alive and flourishing.

[leonard]

Originally Posted by HengyMama

When we were there in Townsend last summer I was very impressed by a group of teens from a local church (Methodist I think) who came to our camp ground to do activities with all the kids. They didn't ask for anything, just wanted to hang out with the kids. I asked if they did this often and they said they try to go to all of the camp grounds as an out reach in the community. I have not experienced this any where else. I would think that by this example the Bible Belt is still very much alive and flourishing.

For those who don't like a community where the Bible is appreciated, ... ...move to San Francisco, where like minded people do live.