The Most and Least "Religious" of the United States

http://www.gallup.com/poll/153479/mississippi-religious-state.aspx

I just heard about this 2012 survey and thought I should share it with you.  Gallup released a list of the most (top three: Mississippi, Utah, and Alabama) and least religious  (48-50: Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont) of the United States of America.

Gallup describes 40% of the American populace as “very religious” and 32% as not religious at all.  The most religious states are heavily clustered in the South, while the least religious states tend to be in New England or the West.

The most religious state in the United States is Mississippi, where a total of 58% are described as “very religious.”  I find this to be disturbing because it means that four people out of ten describe themselves as “not religious.”  We are rapidly becoming the “remnant.”

Teddy Bear Valentines

There were at least fourteen Christian martyrs named Valentine.  Any or all of them would be dismayed at some of the more crass things which have developed around the holiday named St. Valentine’s Day.

An example is the television commercial posted below.  It is considered by many to be quite cute and witty.  To a Christian eye it is full of phallic symbols, sexually suggestive poses, and a not so subtle pushing of the giant teddy bear’s groin towards a woman. The spoken text is just as suggestive.  The main impression of commenters on You Tube is that it is insulting to women.

Let’s be clear.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with Teddy Bears, even giant ones.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with trying to impress your girlfriend or wife.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the current St. Valentine’s Day, a day dedicated to celebrating romance.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with marital sexuality.  It is a gift from God.

What is offensive about this commercial is its leering, manipulative attitude.  Instead of romance, it is promoting a “game” where you win by getting what you want. 

(Some videos will not play properly when you click on the triangle.  Instead,  click on the title line in the picture and the video will begin .  When the video is completed, close the You Tube pop-up window to return to this blog.)

A Cemetery Inscription in Burlington, Vermont

Burlington, Vermont (2000 census population: 38,889) is the smallest city in the United States to also be the largest city in its state.  The following is a gravestone inscription found in one of its older cemeteries.

Her family probably didn't mean this in the way it sounds.

"She lived with her husband for 50 years

And died in the confident hope of a better life."