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Based on some posts I've read and comments from some posters that I've received PM correspondence from, I have a question. This is NOT to say that I am by any means opposed to religion, as I certainly am not, but how important is it that one "belong" to a certain church or that religion play a major role in your life in NC (particularly in the larger cities of Raleigh and Charlotte) The reason I ask is because although I consider myself to be deeply spiritual, I do not necessarily attend church every Sunday and may or may not choose to belong to a church. Up here in NJ where we are, religion is really more personal and people don't typically inquire into each others religious preferences or practices. I've heard and read several comments stating that many will greet you by introducing themselves and then asking what church you belong to. Is this an exaggeration? Is it looked down upon if you do not belong to a church? AND lastly, are a variety of faiths represented? By this I mean, Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Episcopal, etc? Thanks~
Thanks to you both for the info. Any personal opinions or thoughts on the other question I posed regarding the perception or acceptance of transplants who do/do not belong to a church?
I never felt that it was force conversation or reveal my religion but more as casual talk. For instance someone might talk about what the sermon was for this week in a casual setting like over coffee or something. Or someone might bring it up as invitation to a pancake supper similar to someone inviting me to go to movies.
Bless your heart; If someone was to judge you then oviously they are not practicing their religion the way they should.
Last edited by SunnyKayak; 04-10-2007 at 12:50 PM..
Thanks to you both for the info. Any personal opinions or thoughts on the other question I posed regarding the perception or acceptance of transplants who do/do not belong to a church?
I've lived in NC off and on for 47 years. I did experience some church going pressure in the 1960s and 1970s, but I don't think it's much of an issue anymore. Times change.
Based on some posts I've read and comments from some posters that I've received PM correspondence from, I have a question. This is NOT to say that I am by any means opposed to religion, as I certainly am not, but how important is it that one "belong" to a certain church or that religion play a major role in your life in NC (particularly in the larger cities of Raleigh and Charlotte) The reason I ask is because although I consider myself to be deeply spiritual, I do not necessarily attend church every Sunday and may or may not choose to belong to a church. Up here in NJ where we are, religion is really more personal and people don't typically inquire into each others religious preferences or practices. I've heard and read several comments stating that many will greet you by introducing themselves and then asking what church you belong to. Is this an exaggeration? Is it looked down upon if you do not belong to a church? AND lastly, are a variety of faiths represented? By this I mean, Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Episcopal, etc? Thanks~
We relocated to Raleigh about a year ago from LI NY. Although spiritual, we and many contemporary Christians, have some issues with organized religion. We did wind up joining our local parish and found it refreshingly nice. It may be a great way to meet people and become part of a community. Our parish is large in Raleigh, and I know of three Roman Catholic churches with in a 20 minute drive. Ours being only 5 minutes away. We had a friend relocate to South Carolina and it was an issue for them. The Raleigh area is so diverse with people relocating from so many areas that we feel like it is very similar to LI NY. So if you want to be involved in a community organized religion, you can, but you will not feel like you have to. No one ever asked me about my church affiliation. Maybe in the more rural areas of NC you will feel that it is Bilble Belty but not so much here. With all this said, just don't try to buy liquor on Sunday.
In the three years I've been here, I've not felt pressured to belong to any church. You'll certainly hear friendly folks in casual conversation referring to their church or God, but that's about it. I've only had one person who basically asked me straight out "what church do you belong to?" immediately after just meeting me and saying hello.
You'll be coming to the bible belt in you move here, so the only thing I recommend to someone is to accept that churchgoing can be serious business for some folks here.
As far as alcohol purchases that the person above has posted, you can buy beer and wine anywhere on a Sunday. The liquor stores are closed, however. But then again, where I came from in NJ was the same way. No big deal!
NC ain't just in the Bible Belt, it is the buckle in the Bible Belt
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