Re:The second-largest religion in each state
by maxerickson on Friday June 06, 2014 @11:55AM
(#7858625)
The Carolinas are more part of the bible belt than much of the Midwest.
(I've spent lots of time in Midwest areas that are well described as 'very Christian' and it simply isn't something that comes up. People certainly aren't talking about any exorcisms they have going on. I guess much of that time has accidentally been in areas with lots of Catholics and lots of not so evangelical protestants.)
> (And a single digit number of non-Protestant Presidents.)
If I'm not mistaken, that number is 1 (JFK).
There are students who, having been excluded from school prayers at the behest of their atheist parents, are ostracized by the town.
There has never been an (openly) non-religious President. (And a single digit number of non-Protestant Presidents.)
A political candidate's piety, or lack thereof, is fair game for a political smear campaign.
Of course, reactions vary greatly depending on where you are. Coastal urban areas are generally much more atheist-friendly; an open atheist will, at worst, simply be looked down on by the pious. The inland "Bible belt", not so much. Atheism = devil worship, and exorcisms are a thing that are still performed.