Stats

According to a story on WMUR's website, NH is the second least religious state in the nation, outranked only by our neighbor, Vermont.  Three other New England states -- Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island -- round out the top five.  Whereas 58% of people in Mississippi identify themselves as being religious, just 24% do in the Granite State (and 19% in the Green Mountain state).

These statistics are a stark reminder that what we once called Christendom is now part of history.  A society whose rhythms are defined by Christian faith, particular of the Protestant variety, is a thing of the past.  Now, we inhabit a secular world.  This can make being a Christian challenging.  We're sometimes seen as outsiders, even oddballs.  Perhaps this is dispiriting.  But it should also be liberating for it gives us more room to be the people God calls us to be and not those our culture says we should be.  Lent, this season of preparation, repentance, and reconciliation, is an opportunity to begin responding to God's call to faithfulness.  And who knows?  In doing this, we might reflect the love of God to others and draw them into the great community of believers and questioners, committed and curious Christ has fashioned and is fashioning for us.

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