Hmm. The data is based upon what the _churches_ reported, not what citizens said or what observers counted. I wonder if that might make a difference and if that difference might be more pronounced in different parts of the nation.
I must say these numbers do seem extraordinarily high even accounting for what I as a foreigner would interpret as the distinct American religiousity so I wonder what they count as "adherents".* More than 75% of the population in some zones which must include sick, old, very young, people away from home, and just non-believers. More than 50% in what must be major cities.
As a Scando-atheist I also see that my completely prejudiced like of the Pacific Northwest is strengthened by the light color of that area... ,-)
*I'll give a local example of how weird numbers can be. Sweden is often in stats reported as being what, 80-90% Lutheran faith. That's a joke, because it is based upon how many people are members of the church, something you basically was by birth not long ago. It certainly does not mean 90% of Swedes 1) go to church or 2) believe in the Lutheran faith. Lots of people not believing in Lutheran Christianity has simply not bothered to leave or they like the church in their village and some of the stuff the church does, or they want to be able to marry for free. But they are not Lutherans or in many cases even believers in any sort of Christianity. Actual church-going rates are much lower, and even more so if you discount people who go to church by tradition twice a year at Christmas and Easter.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2006-04-16 10:07 am (UTC)I must say these numbers do seem extraordinarily high even accounting for what I as a foreigner would interpret as the distinct American religiousity so I wonder what they count as "adherents".* More than 75% of the population in some zones which must include sick, old, very young, people away from home, and just non-believers. More than 50% in what must be major cities.
As a Scando-atheist I also see that my completely prejudiced like of the Pacific Northwest is strengthened by the light color of that area... ,-)
*I'll give a local example of how weird numbers can be. Sweden is often in stats reported as being what, 80-90% Lutheran faith. That's a joke, because it is based upon how many people are members of the church, something you basically was by birth not long ago. It certainly does not mean 90% of Swedes 1) go to church or 2) believe in the Lutheran faith. Lots of people not believing in Lutheran Christianity has simply not bothered to leave or they like the church in their village and some of the stuff the church does, or they want to be able to marry for free. But they are not Lutherans or in many cases even believers in any sort of Christianity. Actual church-going rates are much lower, and even more so if you discount people who go to church by tradition twice a year at Christmas and Easter.