This is a fascinating piece on the state of religion in the state of Illinois:
http://www.rebootillinois.com/2014/06/08/uncategorized/caitlinwilson/common-religions-illinois/9944/
A couple highlights that I saw as great pieces of general "trivia-type" knowledge:
- Though most Americans identify as Christian (more than three quarters, according to the survey), there are at least 236 discernable faith groups in the U.S.
- In Illinois, 7,094,832 people, or 55.8 percent of the population identifies with some religion.
- Catholicism is the largest Christian denomination in IL with 28.4 percent of the population (the fifth-highest of any state).
- After Christianity, Islam is the largest religion in Illinois with approximately 359,264 Muslim adherents in the state, or 2.8 percent of the population.
Of course, saying that you are a Christian or a Catholic or a Muslim is one thing.
Actively practicing the tenets of the faith -- whether that be prayer, love, service, worship, meditation -- is a whole nuther thing.
I love how the word "identify" is used several times in the article.
To me, it's such a weak word, when spoken in relation to one's religion.
It's so much more than being "identified" with a fish on your car.
Rather, it's all about walking the walk, talking the talk, being the same person outside the church as you are inside the church.
"Faith without works is dead."
Yup.
Out for now.....
Matt