Are there a lot of religion fanatics in TN? (Knoxville: transplants, how much) - Tennessee - City-Data Forum

roxie2519 · 03-08-2014, 04:51 PM

I'm planning on moving there from Chicago. I'm a more spiritual type of person. Would this be an issue? And how hard is it to find a decent job ?

NJDevil · 03-09-2014, 05:09 AM

Do you mean east TN or TN in general? No your spirituality will not be an issue, it's hard for transplants to make friends no matter what religion you are. This is the Bible belt, so occasionally you may see someone standing in a parking lot yelling out Bible verses. As far as a job, depends what field and how much experience you have.

roxie2519 · 03-09-2014, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJDevil

Do you mean east TN or TN in general? No your spirituality will not be an issue, it's hard for transplants to make friends no matter what religion you are. This is the Bible belt, so occasionally you may see someone standing in a parking lot yelling out Bible verses. As far as a job, depends what field and how much experience you have.

I was thinking of moving to Knoxville . Thanks

Serious Conversation · 03-09-2014, 09:32 AM

Religion is far more in-your-face and out in public in east TN than it is pretty much everywhere else in the country. People will ask you to church and many will ask if you're "saved," but if you keep pushing them away, most will relent after awhile.

Chenping · 03-09-2014, 09:55 AM

I wish I am saved.

hiknapster · 03-09-2014, 10:13 AM

You can make friends in Knoxville.

Also, there are probably as many religious "fanatics" here than anywhere else in the country. I'm from the northeast, lived in Florida, and now Knoxville. Fanatics of any persuasion are everywhere. However, we do have a lot of churches here and I suspect a large amount of people regularly attend church, perhaps more than where you are from. If that is considered fanaticism, then so be it.

I've lived here nine years and not once has anyone asked if I were saved or even invited me to church. When I lived in a very rural area of Knox County we had people that came to the door and sang Christmas carols, then gave my daughter a beautiful sterling ornament. If that is fanaticism, then so be it.

I've attended church here on a regular basis, then didn't, even been an atheist for quite some time. No one cares.

Bear in mind that this is a public forum and you'll get all kinds of answers from all types* of people, even those that put their two-cents in when they've never lived here.

*Some may be completely off the beam.

creeksitter · 03-09-2014, 11:20 AM

This thread bothers me, in the way I would be bothered by someone asking "are there a lot of Catholics in Louisville?" or Jews in Brooklyn. Calling people "religious fanatics" sounds bigoted to me.

I'm aware there are deeply religious people here but in the city it doesn't seem that they are in your face about it. Very occasionally I've been invited to church, though often people will wish me a blessed day. Does the OP find that offensive?

There's a new age church and several eastern spiritual communities. Knoxville seems to be open and embracing of them. Or at the very least tolerant. Maybe the OP could learn something.

DubbleT · 03-09-2014, 01:36 PM

I see more religious paraphernalia in stores, but as far as people being in your face, no, not my experience at all. I'm atheist and it's not been a problem moving to east TN.
Maybe some* people just look/act like sinners that need saving?

And yes, this thread bothers me too. I started to post an answer yesterday but found myself too speechless at the stereotype.
OP if you aren't able to tolerate the fact that religion is a part of everyday life for a good number of OTHER people then this may not be a good fit for you. Personally I don't care if they go to church every day and three times on Sunday, as long as they don't try to make me a part of it.

Barking Spider · 03-09-2014, 02:35 PM

I must be hanging out in the wrong (or right?) places, because I have yet to see someone in a parking lot yelling out Bible verses, and have never had an "in your face" encounter with an overzealous Christian.

Mind you, I have only lived in Knoxville since 1994, so I may be behind the curve a bit.

creeksitter · 03-09-2014, 03:02 PM

There used to be a street preacher at the corner of Market Square. I'm pretty sure I've seen him more recently than 1994, but maybe there was little reason for you to be on MS at the time.