PLAY
Mississippians love catfish, sweet tea and Jesus.
The Pew Research Center has named Mississippi the nation’s most religious state. 82 percent of the state says their faith is very important in their daily lives. Folks go to church, pray and read their Bibles on a regular basis.
Audio clip:
“For those of us in church leadership and those of us who are passionate about reaching this country for Christ, it tells us where we need to focus our efforts,” said Jonathan Falwell, pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, VA.
And for the sake of full disclosure, I happen to be a native Mississippian. I can personally attest to the church-going habits of my fellow citizens. My Uncle Jerry said God, guns and gravy are even mentioned in the state constitution. I wouldn’t take that to the bank, but that’s what he says.
And while some Ole Miss and Mississippi State fans might find it hard to swallow, Alabama and Arkansas are tied for second on Pew’s survey — just ahead of Louisiana and Tennessee. I suspect church pews in New Orleans are packed the Sunday after Mardi Gras.
As for the nation’s least religious states — well — that would pretty much be New England. Folks who live in New Hampshire and Vermont are on the slippery slope — with Alaska not too far behind.
And for what it’s worth — they don’t serve much catfish or sweet tea up above the Mason-Dixon Line.
The survey factored in worship service attendance, prayer time and how strong Americans believe in God.
Pew’s Ranking of Most and Least Religious States
This is so true and the New England liberals are the ones who try to push their agenda on others and not the Christians. Thank God for Mississippi!
The churches in New Orleans are packed the Ash Wednesday after Mardi Gras.
If only we had more states like Mississippi and Arkansas — then more of the country would be illiterate, poor and undereducated.
Speaking as someone from Louisiana (pretty high up on the list), I have to say that our state is indeed very religious too. We all say Merry Christmas down here (not 'happy holidays') and definitely believe in God, guns, and family. We're also currently #1 on the list of happiest states to live in, too (coincidence? Hmmm…) and our economy is doing much better than the nation as a whole. Things really are much better down south.
And for the idiots like DickNavy who assume that everyone from the South is 'illiterate, poor, and undereducated' – Maybe you need to actually visit the South, instead of just reading Tom Sawyer and making your ill-formed opinions based on tired old stereotypes.
The South is doing just fine and don't need your kind around anyway!
The South is not illiterate. Having grown up and been educated in the north and lived in the south twenty plus years. They just seem to have more common sense and more thought for their fellow human beings then I witnessed back home in Chicago were superficial values have replaced basic ones.
Christianity is a relationship with the true and living God – Jesus Christ. It is not a religion because religion is created by man. It is impossible to reach God that originates on earthly-based mindset. It is the plan of God, the infinite God to reach down the finite man on planet earth by sending His Son Jesus Christ to save people of their sins. Christ died on the cross for all of us. He shed His precious blood for the remissions of sins. Without shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins. Then He died and on the third day, God raised Him from the dead and live forever. Jesus went to heaven, seated at the right hand of God.
Those who believe and consistently following Jesus will have eternal life and will see Jesus face to face in God’s timing either the rapture or death will come at anytime.
If you do not have a relationship with the living God. Start making a commitment to trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path. That if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved.
The Bible is designed for individual to know God, love God, and obey God. The Bible says that we are all sinners and fall short God’s glory (Romans 6:23).
To make a commitment to God:
Realize that you are a sinner and fall short God’s glory.
Recognize that Jesus Christ died for your sins.
Repent and turn away from your sins.
Receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour
Then, pray on your own words to accept Jesus and God will hear your prayers. Then get a Bible and plug-in to a Bible believing church that preach and teach the Bible from beginning to end (Genesis to Revelation). Start reading the book of John to know Jesus is fully God and fully man. Then go to Romans, Acts, Ephesians and the rest of the books. Share your faith to others and live by His word.
You heard the Gospel or Good News. It is a decision to make either accept Jesus or reject Jesus. He is patiently waiting for you because He does not want you to perish but come into repentance. He loves you and He cares for you. Once, you make a decision to follow Christ, God will give you strength to move on your spiritual life
Be there!
Missouri Loves Jesus this country was founded on Christianity it is obvious our God is the most powerful we have the best country around and every body wants to live here if you dont like youre country then dont try to make the USA like it! We will feel the wrath of God! With out God and religion people would just take what they wanted and kill who they wanted and not care
More crazy people in the south? Gee, who'd have thought it??
Thank god I live in Colorado!
Someone should bring this to nobama's attention. It could spread to all 57 states….
The top five Jesus-loving states are home to some of America's poorest and dumbest citizens.
The dumbest people call other people dumb.
More crazy people in the south? Gee, who'd have thought it??
Thank god I live in Colorado!
I retract my last statement. We should be above all of the name-calling and bickering. Unfortunately, my comment was not.
As a Wiccan of many years, I wish to point out that the survey was only in regard to one particular religion. I am very religious, just not Christian. In the U.S. we have people of many faiths, so to rank a state as religious or not based solely on how much of the population adheres to the majority religion (or not) isn't really accurate.
My life was completely changed during a visit to Louisiana in 1980 by a Christian man that introduced me to Jesus Christ. At the time I could not imagine how much of a change that would be, and I am so very thankful that encounter took place. I am not so sure that it would have been the same kind of welcome in a northern state. I know God is good all the time and am thankful that the hand of fellowship was extended to my by faithful believers at Thibodaux First Assemble of God. These kind people richly extended to me the love of god that true believers could only have done at a time when my life was out of control. So much of life problems would go away if there were more of this happened on a daily basis changed lives are the answer to all of the cruelty being exhibited in this country today. God has already reached out to us, men and women need to extend their hands to those who are lost today. If only there more real love for those considered less fortunate.
I don't know about the state but there are many in my state who love Jesus and we are standing up for the values that God gives us in His Word the Bible
Correction for the previous posting. It should read Romans 3:23 (not 6:23)
God does not care which state is more religious than any other state.you can be the most religious person in this world, but still go to hell. God's wish for each human, that all come to repentance and serve God according to His word the Holy Bible.and not parish. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that who so ever believe, would not parish but have everlasting life.
what a surprise….the most religious state has a 5% SAT participation rate. Knowledge disproves religion, so it's no wonder the dumbest states don't wanna learn.
While we in Massachusetts revolutionize technology and law with the help of MIT and Harvard, Mississippi can safely sit on their arse and pray that their God can throw them a bone once in a while
Knowledge doesn't disprove religion–the brain washing that's done by the teachers/professors converting as many kids to liberalism is what is affecting their beliefs in religion.
“We’re also currently #1 on the list of happiest states to live in, too (coincidence? Hmmm…)”
————-
Ignorance is bliss…
Why is it that unreligious people are, always, and without reserve, so ungly, snarky, and generally unpleasant to hear ? It never fails. It's as if they envy, because they cannot muster the emotional discipline that faith encourages. Emotional discipline is the crux of any good faith, and it requires self control, maturity, and ongoing effort towards self control. Guess those who cannot muster will have to look in the mirror. Growing up is hard to do, more than just a lyric, they say.
Missouri is above the Mason Dixon line. We are all about catfish and sweet tea … (and Jesus for that matter!) Get your facts straight:)
Unbelievable, simply unbelievable at the cut throat attitude. It must make one feel very proud of themselves to put another down. Jesus is better in my state, no, he's better in mine,,,,,,,,if you are a believer in the south, you are an idiot and don't have two nickles to rub together. Some of these comments are just bursting with intelligence. Make no mistake, there is one thing that is sure,Jesus is the perfect gentlemen and does NOT go where HE is not invited. So then, where there is an open invitation,,,,,,,,,be it,,,,,,,,,,the south, north, east or west, he dwells. Amazing, isn't it. Not only does he go where invited, but,,,,,he equally loves the rich AND the poor. Amazing, isn't it. Well, if he goes anywhere and loves anyone I guess that means there is no barriers to color or culture. Simple conclusion; if you don't want him around, keep your nose in the air but don't condem others that like his company.