On Faith (and Baha’is) in the Pacific Northwest: Unchurched but not non-religious

Interesting discussion online regarding an Oregon Publishing Broadcasting broadcast. -gw

Faith in the Northwest [Posted by Scott Silver on July 10, 2008]

LISTEN TO “Faith in the Northwest” (24MB MP3)

Oregonians have developed a reputation for being “unchurched.” Theology Professor Patricia O’Connell Killen has called the region the “None Zone” - since the northwest has the highest percentage in the country of people that identify their religious affiliation as “none.”

And while Oregonians may not go to church as often as people in other parts of the country, we’re not necessarily irreligious. By some estimates, only 17% of Oregonians call themselves “non-religious.”

Are you religious? Are you spiritual? Do you find the northwest open or hostile to your ideas and beliefs? How does living here affect the way you express your religious beliefs? Do you see changes in the way religion is practiced and perceived in your community?

Posted at 07/11/2008 9:16:26 AM in Faith in the Northwest

Re: Faith in the Northwest

As a member of the Baha’i Faith, a Faith that actively seeks new members, and someone who has also lived in the midwest and the southeast, I find the Northwest one of most receptive populations in the country to the teachings of our founder, Baha’u'llah. Baha’is offer weekly devotional gatherings, children’s classes, and classes for adults concerning how to live a spiritual and moral life. Baha’is see that people have a strong desire to find spiritual meaning in our lives. We see people report great comfort and satisfaction in these activities. We see the stronger sense of community improve the quality of individual’s lives

http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/opb/posts/list/41/1300812.page