With a weekly attendance rate of 68%, Mississippi had the highest weekly attendance rate as of last year. The findings come from a Gallup Poll. On the other end of the church-going spectrum, Vermont remained the least church-going state. Only 23% of Vermonters regularly attend church. Out of the top 10 states, nine are in the South. Utah’s large Mormon population boosts it to the top as well, making it the odd state in the West.
States in the West and all of New England were among the least church-going. In addition to Mississippi and Utah, the most church-going states are South Carolina, Louisiana, Tennessee, Arkansas, North Carolina, Georgia and Texas. So the South retains the title of the “Bible Belt” of America.
Some, perhaps most of the decisions about church-going come from personal choice and/or habits formed in different parts of the nation. Some may come from the way you were raised. But some is likely influenced by past experience at church. An unfriendly church, a church that doesn’t stick to Biblical principles or a church that is controlling can also discourage church attendance.
Others churches may just not be your style for some reason. Some churches are good and some are bad and some are in between. What makes for a good church? The Bible says one where the spiritual truth is presented and lived out daily. Churches that promote fellowship, that is friendship and interaction between those who attend are usually good churches because God knows we need the encouragement that comes from being around others of like faith. All those things depend on us being faithful to Christ… not on whether or not we live in the “Bible Belt”.
This is Carl Ramsey and that’s Another View of the News.
Let us know how God is blessing you! Please share your comments below.