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anotheranonFound at Pharyngula: density of religious adherents in the United States population by county.
I suppose I could make alternately smug or outraged noises based on densities near where me and/or mine live, but this map is based on congregational memberships, and it was rightly pointed out in the comments that membership doesn't necessarily indicate genuine religosity: it's possible to be a "member" of a congregation and only attend on major holidays. Or for social reasons (in rural areas, it may be the only place in town to socialize). Or due to on familial/community pressure - there are any number of reasons why the not-particularly-devout might be on a membership roster somewhere (hell, I was listed at my mom's church for years after I stopped going simply because she made all of us go to get a family portrait there).
I have a long, thoughtful, and possibly offensive post about religion/the lack thereof forming in my mind, but it hasn't solidified yet. Perhaps over the weekend.
Right now I'm only as far as contemplating the great good of the simple things in life: quality chocolate, a solid B in my class, and a well-fitted brassiere.
I suppose I could make alternately smug or outraged noises based on densities near where me and/or mine live, but this map is based on congregational memberships, and it was rightly pointed out in the comments that membership doesn't necessarily indicate genuine religosity: it's possible to be a "member" of a congregation and only attend on major holidays. Or for social reasons (in rural areas, it may be the only place in town to socialize). Or due to on familial/community pressure - there are any number of reasons why the not-particularly-devout might be on a membership roster somewhere (hell, I was listed at my mom's church for years after I stopped going simply because she made all of us go to get a family portrait there).
I have a long, thoughtful, and possibly offensive post about religion/the lack thereof forming in my mind, but it hasn't solidified yet. Perhaps over the weekend.
Right now I'm only as far as contemplating the great good of the simple things in life: quality chocolate, a solid B in my class, and a well-fitted brassiere.
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no subject
Date: 2006-04-20 01:00 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-04-20 01:49 am (UTC)Sidebar: Interestingly, even though Alberta is considered Canada's "Bible Belt", a survey a few years ago showed it to be the province with the LOWest percentage of religious affiliation in the country. :p
no subject
Date: 2006-04-20 08:19 am (UTC)I'm totally convinced the number presented are moderated upwards, after all, who do not want to have high numbers of members. Lots of prestige there. And as long as no one is actually checking them twice.....
We had a scandal the other year where political parties were caught faking their member numbers. Very embarrasing.