[LRPct]

Originally Posted by blakesq

I find it amazing that self proclaimed intelligent people think the bible's primary purpose is to be a physics textbook.

It amazes a whole lot more people that so many people think that a book filled with fairy tales writen by desert dwellers should be taken literally enough that they murder and engage in war in the name of it.

Interesting observation about the ways in which most in the NE are more reserved as noted by the other poster. Down south I dont think Ive ever given anyone a second glance who was carrying and/or reading a bible in an open, public, non church setting. I have to say even though I dont conciously think its odd, I would still make a doubletake if I saw it around here. Never thought of it like that before.

[Sigequinox]

Originally Posted by LRPct

It amazes a whole lot more people that so many people think that a book filled with fairy tales writen by desert dwellers should be taken literally enough that they murder and engage in war in the name of it.

Interesting observation about the ways in which most in the NE are more reserved as noted by the other poster. Down south I dont think Ive ever given anyone a second glance who was carrying and/or reading a bible in an open, public, non church setting. I have to say even though I dont conciously think its odd, I would still make a doubletake if I saw it around here. Never thought of it like that before.

If this gets moved to religion, I'm going to have to play devils advocate with you on this.

Originally Posted by NewJeffCT

Yet, less biblical states like CT and Mass generally have lower divorce rates than those bible heavy states in the deep South.

I actually didn't believe this claim until I looked it up. And for the most part it holds true as far back as 1995, but interestingly enough, CT (tri state in general) have consistently increased since 1995, while the Bible Belt states have consistently decreased.

ETA: sorry forgot to link.... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divorce..._rate_by_state

[tkx7]

Vermont and New Hampshire top the list as least religoius states- they also have the lowest teen pregnancy rates and some of the lowest divorce rates.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by tkx7

Vermont and New Hampshire top the list as least religoius states- they also have the lowest teen pregnancy rates and some of the lowest divorce rates.

Well yes. They're intelligent "educated" states.

[jaekn]

I say, thank god its not.

[LRPct]

Originally Posted by jaekn

I say, thank god its not.

^^ ironic lol...

[Sigequinox]

Originally Posted by LRPct

^^ ironic lol...

Now THAT's funny.

[Tubeworm]

CT is simply a less religiously-oriented state and society. Aside from the fact that we are more liberal than other US States, I think CT and the area (the Tri-state, MA, ect) are more educated and even more intellectually diverse/more open minded. Outside influence/culture alone gives us that upper-hand. I think if the area turned out to be more religiously dependent, there would be too much conflict given the area's diversity and international connection. Just my own thoughts, though.

Also, the divorce rate stats are interesting. Although, I'd question if maybe marriage/divorce in general is more laid back in the Northern states so they go unrecognized? Maybe just enough people go unrecognized to make a difference? I'm speculating here.

[bobtn]

Originally Posted by Tubeworm

Also, the divorce rate stats are interesting. Although, I'd question if maybe marriage/divorce in general is more laid back in the Northern states so they go unrecognized? Maybe just enough people go unrecognized to make a difference? I'm speculating here.

I wonder if the average age at marriage is lower in states with high divorce rates. Also, is it more possible due to a lower COL to divorce in some states, hence high COL may include more "marrieds" who are trapped. I know several in Milford, couples who live on 2 different flolors 365 days per year, never talk beyond budget issues, never go out together, and where one spouse is financially incapable of being alone.

[El Scorcho]

I fail to see how reading the Bible in public or not makes one more or less religious. Does reading it in private make one more religious? If I read the Old Testament in public and the New Testament in private, what does that make me? And vice versa?

What if I read Dan Brown at home and Thomas Mann in Public? Or Vice Versa? Or The Metamorphosis in English or Die Verwandlung in German?

Anyway, carry on.