Five hundred years ago, Martin Luther kicked off the Protestant Reformation, which contributed to the birth of our modern age. In this one-hour special, Rick Steves visits
key sites relating to the Reformation and explores the complicated political world of 16th-century Europe — from indulgences to iconoclasts. It’s a story of power, rebellion, and faith that you’ll never forget. Video has closed captions. Special | 55m 37s
Luther’s call for reform inspired others to do the same (Zwingli, Calvin, Knox, and Ignatius). Some kings found it lucrative to break with the Church. The Church retaliated with the Counter-Reformation, using propaganda and intimidation to bring back worshippers.
RICK STEVES’ EUROPE Luther and the Reformation – Search (bing.com)
Rick Steves’ Europe | Luther and the Reformation | PBS
Most Christian States 2024 (worldpopulationreview.com)
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#1 Alabama (89% Christian)
Alabama has the highest percentage of Christians among these states. The Evangelical Protestant community is particularly strong, constituting 49% of the population. Historically Black Protestants also form a significant group at 16%. The state has a smaller Catholic community (7%), and 12% of Alabamians are unaffiliated.
#2 Louisiana (87% Christian)
Louisiana stands out with its diverse Christian community, which includes a significant Catholic presence (26%), Evangelical Protestants (27%), and a notable Historically Black Protestant community (22%). The state has a relatively small unaffiliated population at 13%.
#3 Mississippi (85% Christian)
Mississippi has the highest percentage of Christians among these states, with a significant presence of Evangelical Protestants (41%) and Historically Black Protestants (24%). The state also has a small Catholic community (4%). Unaffiliated individuals make up 14% of the population.
#4 South Dakota (84% Christian)
South Dakota’s Christian population is diverse, with Mainline Protestants (32%) and Evangelical Protestants (25%) forming significant portions. Catholics account for 22% of the state’s population. The unaffiliated community makes up 18%.
#5 Tennessee (83% Christian)
In Tennessee, Evangelical Protestants make up the largest Christian group at 52%, one of the highest percentages in the nation. Mainline Protestants and Historically Black Protestants also have a significant presence. The unaffiliated segment comprises 14% of the population.
#6 Iowa (82% Christian)
Iowa’s Christian population is diverse, with Mainline Protestants (30%) and Evangelical Protestants (28%) forming the majority. Catholics make up 18% of the state’s religious demographic. Around 21% of Iowans are unaffiliated.
#7 Arkansas (82% Christian)
Arkansas has a strong Evangelical Protestant community, comprising 46% of the population. Mainline Protestants and Historically Black Protestants also form significant parts of the religious landscape at 16% and 8%, respectively. The unaffiliated group accounts for 18%.
#8 West Virginia (81% Christian)
West Virginia’s religious landscape is dominated by Evangelical Protestants (39%) and Mainline Protestants (29%). The state has a small Catholic presence (6%). A significant portion of the population, 18%, is unaffiliated.
#9 Georgia (81% Christian)
In Georgia, Evangelical Protestants form the largest Christian group at 38%, followed by Historically Black Protestants at 17%. The state also has a notable Mainline Protestant community (12%). Approximately 18% of the population is unaffiliated with any religion.
#10 Oklahoma (81% Christian)
Oklahoma’s Christian population is primarily Evangelical Protestant (47%) and Mainline Protestant (18%). The state has a smaller Catholic community (8%). About 18% of Oklahomans are unaffiliated with any religion.
#11 North Dakota (81% Christian)
North Dakota has a diverse Christian community, with Catholics (26%) and Evangelical Protestants (22%) being significant. The state also has a substantial Mainline Protestant presence (28%). The unaffiliated population accounts for 20%.
#12 South Carolina (80% Christian)
South Carolina’s religious landscape is dominated by Evangelical Protestants (35%) and Mainline Protestants (16%). Catholics form a smaller part of the population (10%). Around 19% of the state’s residents are unaffiliated.
#13 North Carolina (79% Christian)
In North Carolina, Evangelical Protestants make up the largest Christian group (35%), followed by Mainline Protestants (19%). The state also has a substantial number of unaffiliated individuals (20%).
#14 Kansas (79% Christian)
Kansas features a significant Evangelical Protestant presence (31%) and a notable Mainline Protestant community (24%). Catholics account for 18% of the state’s population. The unaffiliated segment comprises 20% of the population.
#15 Kentucky (79% Christian)
Kentucky is predominantly Christian, with a large Evangelical Protestant community (49%) and a smaller Catholic population (10%). Mainline Protestants also form a notable part of the religious landscape (11%). The state has a moderate number of unaffiliated individuals (22%).
#16 Nebraska (78% Christian)
Nebraska has a balanced Christian demographic with Catholics (23%), Evangelical Protestants (25%), and Mainline Protestants (24%) forming significant portions. The state has a relatively small percentage of unaffiliated individuals (20%).
#17 Missouri (78% Christian)
In Missouri, Evangelical Protestants (36%) and Mainline Protestants (16%) are the predominant Christian groups. Catholics also form a significant portion of the religious landscape (16%). Around 20% of the state’s population is unaffiliated.
#18 Utah (77% Christian)
Utah is unique for its high percentage of Mormons, who constitute 55% of the state’s population, the highest in the nation. Other Christian denominations like Evangelical Protestants (7%) and Catholics (5%) are also present, but to a lesser extent. The unaffiliated community accounts for 22%.
#19 Texas (77% Christian)
Texas has a diverse religious landscape, with Catholics (23%) and Evangelical Protestants (31%) forming the largest Christian groups. The state also has a noticeable portion of its population unaffiliated with any religion (18%).
#20 Rhode Island (77% Christian)
Rhode Island stands out with a high percentage of Catholics (42%), which is one of the highest in the nation. The state also has a significant number of Mainline Protestants (14%) and a modest unaffiliated population (20%).
#21 New Mexico (77% Christian)
In New Mexico, Catholicism plays a significant role, representing 34% of the state’s Christian population. The Evangelical Protestant community also has a notable presence, accounting for 23%. Mainline Protestants make up 14%, illustrating a diverse Christian landscape. New Mexico’s religious diversity is further enriched by a modest 21% of its population being unaffiliated, showcasing the state’s blend of traditional religious beliefs and modern secular perspectives.
#22 Minnesota (76% Christian)
Minnesota’s Christian population is primarily made up of Catholics (22%) and Mainline Protestants (29%). The state has a relatively low percentage of unaffiliated individuals (20%) compared to others in this list.
#23 Virginia (75% Christian)
Virginia has a balanced Christian demographic, with Evangelical Protestants (30%) and Mainline Protestants (16%) being significant. The state also has a sizable group of unaffiliated individuals (20%) and a modest representation of other religions.
#24 Pennsylvania (75% Christian)
Pennsylvania’s Christian community is diverse, with Catholics (24%) and Mainline Protestants (23%) forming significant portions. Evangelical Protestants are also a notable group (19%). Around 21% of the state’s population is unaffiliated with any religion.
#25 Illinois (75% Christian)
In Illinois, the Christian population is quite varied, with Catholics (28%) and Evangelical Protestants (20%) being prominent. The state also has a significant Mainline Protestant community (16%) and a relatively small percentage of unaffiliated individuals (22%).
#26 Ohio (75% Christian)
Ohio’s religious demographics show a balance among various Christian denominations, with Evangelical Protestants (29%), Catholics (18%), and Mainline Protestants (17%) making up the majority. The state has a notable portion of unaffiliated individuals (22%).
#27 Indiana (74% Christian)
In Indiana, the Christian community is predominantly Evangelical Protestant, accounting for 31% of the population. This reflects the state’s strong traditional and conservative religious roots. Mainline Protestants 16% and Catholics 18% have a significant presence, respectively, showcasing a diverse Christian landscape. The state has a modest number of unaffiliated individuals, about 26%, indicating a still vibrant religious engagement among its residents. Indiana’s Christian demographic illustrates a blend of various denominational influences shaping its religious culture.
#28 Wisconsin (73% Christian)
Wisconsin has a substantial Catholic population (25%) and a notable Evangelical Protestant community (22%). Mainline Protestants also form a significant part of the religious landscape (18%). About a quarter of the population is unaffiliated.
#29 Michigan (73% Christian)
Michigan’s Christian community is diverse, with Catholics (18%) and Evangelical Protestants (25%) being the most prominent groups. The state also has a significant number of people unaffiliated with any religion (24%).
#30 Delaware (72% Christian)
In Delaware, Catholics form 22% of the population, followed by a strong Mainline Protestant presence (21%). The state has a relatively high percentage of people affiliated with Judaism (3%) and a notable number of unaffiliated individuals (23%).
#31 Connecticut (72% Christian)
Connecticut has a dominant Catholic presence, comprising 33% of the state’s population. Mainline Protestants are also significant at 17%. The state has a notable Jewish community (3%), and 23% of its population is unaffiliated with any religion.
#32 Wyoming (72% Christian)
Wyoming has a varied Christian population, with Evangelical Protestants (27%) and Mainline Protestants (16%) being the most prominent groups. It’s unique for its relatively high percentage of Mormons (9%) and those unaffiliated with religion (26%).
#33 Maryland (71% Christian)
Maryland has a balanced Christian demographic with Evangelical Protestants (18%), Historically Black Protestants (16%), and Catholics (15%) making up significant portions. The state also has a notable Muslim community (2%), and 23% of its residents are unaffiliated.
#34 Florida (71% Christian)
In Florida, Catholics (21%) and Evangelical Protestants (24%) form the bulk of the Christian population. The state has a considerable Jewish community (3%), and those unaffiliated with any religion make up 24% of the population.
#35 Idaho (70% Christian)
Idaho’s Christian community is quite varied, with Evangelical Protestants (21%) and Mainline Protestants (16%) leading the numbers. The state stands out for its high percentage of Mormons (19%), which is one of the highest in the nation. A quarter of the state’s population is unaffiliated with any religion.
#36 New Jersey (69% Christian)
This state has a diverse religious makeup, with a significant Catholic majority (34%) within the Christian population. New Jersey also has a notable Jewish community, accounting for 6% of the population. The unaffiliated segment is relatively small at 18%.
#37 Arizona (68% Christian)
Arizona has a strong Catholic presence (21%) and a substantial Evangelical Protestant community (26%). Interestingly, it has a higher percentage of people affiliated with other world religions (2%) and a considerable number of unaffiliated individuals (27%).
#38 Nevada (67% Christian)
Nevada’s Christian population is primarily Catholic (25%) and Evangelical Protestant (20%). The state has a diverse religious landscape with Muslims and Jews each constituting 1% of the population, and a significant 28% identifying as unaffiliated.
#39 Montana (67% Christian)
In Montana, Evangelical Protestants make up the largest Christian group (28%), followed closely by Catholics (17%). The state has a relatively high percentage of people affiliated with other world religions (4%) and those unaffiliated (30%).
#40 Washington DC (66% Christian)
D.C. is unique with a significant Historically Black Protestant community (23%) and a considerable Catholic presence (20%). It’s also notable for its Jewish (5%) and Muslim (2%) populations. A quarter of its residents are unaffiliated with any religion.
#41 Alaska (65% Christian)
Alaska’s religious landscape is quite diverse. The state has a significant Catholic population (16%) and a notable Evangelical Protestant presence (22%). Interestingly, Alaska has one of the higher percentages of Mormon followers (5%) compared to other states. A substantial 31% of Alaskans are unaffiliated with any religion.
#42 Washington (64% Christian)
In Washington, the Christian community is diverse, with Evangelical Protestants (25%) and Catholics (17%) being the most prominent groups. The state also has a relatively high percentage of people affiliated with other world religions (3%) and those unaffiliated (32%).
#43 California (64% Christian)
California’s Christian population is primarily Catholic (28%) and Evangelical Protestant (20%). The state also has a diverse religious landscape with notable proportions of Buddhists (2%), Hindus (2%), and Jews (2%). A significant portion of the population is unaffiliated (27%).
#44 Hawaii (64% Christian)
Hawaii’s religious landscape is diverse, with a notable proportion of Buddhists (8%) and a significant Christian population consisting mainly of Catholics (20%) and Evangelical Protestants (25%). A considerable portion of the population is unaffiliated with any religion (26%).
#45 Colorado (64% Christian)
Colorado has a significant Evangelical Protestant presence (26%) and a notable Catholic community (16%). Mainline Protestants are also a considerable group (15%). The state has a relatively high percentage of unaffiliated individuals (29%). s (5%).
#46 Maine (63% Christian)
In Maine, Mainline Protestants form a significant part of the religious landscape (21%), along with Catholics (21%). The state has a relatively high percentage of unaffiliated individuals (31%) and a notable presence of other world religions (5%).
#47 Oregon (62% Christian)
Oregon has a strong Evangelical Protestant community (29%) and a considerable number of Mainline Protestants (13%). The state is also known for its high percentage of unaffiliated individuals (31%) and a notable presence of other world religions (3%).
#48 New Hampshire (61% Christian)
Similar to Vermont, New Hampshire has a large group of people who are unaffiliated with any religion (36%). Catholics make up the largest Christian denomination at 26%, and there’s a notable presence of Buddhists and Hindus, each at 1%.
#49 New York (61% Christian)
A melting pot of cultures and religions, New York’s Christian population is mainly Catholic (31%). The state stands out for its Jewish community, which makes up 7% of the population. Those unaffiliated with any religion account for a significant 27%.
#50 Massachusetts (59% Christian)
A state with a rich historical connection to American religious movements, Massachusetts has a strong Catholic majority within the Christian population at 34%. The state also has a substantial number of people identifying with other faiths (32%), including Jews (3%) and Hindus (1%).
#51 Vermont (57% Christian)
Known for its liberal and secular leanings, Vermont has a relatively high percentage
of unaffiliated individuals (37%) and also a significant proportion of Buddhists (1%).
Catholic presence is notable at 22%, while Mainline Protestants constitute 19%.
Cancer Rates by State 2024 (worldpopulationreview.com)
Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the United States, coming only behind heart disease. One out of every four deaths in the U.S. is from cancer. Cancer is a disease that occurs when abnormal cells divide and begin to destroy body tissue. Cancer can affect nearly any part of the body. Some cancers can also shed cells into the bloodstream and spread throughout other parts of the body. Cancer tends to be more prevalent in high-income countries, including the United States, due to lifestyle factors.
These include smoking, obesity, and alcohol intake and not religious affiliation.
However, in Loma Linda California the residents there live to great longevity and
are considered a Blue Zone. The Seventh-day Adventists in Loma Linda, California (USA):
The Seventh-day Adventists are a very religious group of people.
They’re strict vegetarians and live in tight-knit communities.
Although these are the only areas discussed in Buettner’s book,
there may be unidentified areas in the world that could also be Blue Zones.
A number of studies have found that these areas contain extremely high rates of nonagenarians and centenarians, which are people who live over 90 and 100, respectively (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source).
Interestingly, genetics probably only account for 20–30% of longevity.
Therefore, environmental influences, including diet and lifestyle, play a huge role
in determining your lifespan (4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).
Below are some of the diet and lifestyle factors that are common to people
who live in these Blue Zones. Loma Linda Blue Zone Lifestyle – Search (bing.com)
Because these factors vary significantly from state-to-state, so do cancer rates.
What is the Six Blue Zone – Search (bing.com)
Why People in “Blue Zones” Live Longer Than the Rest of the World (healthline.com)
The World’s 6th Blue Zones Region – an Engineered Longevity Hotspot – Blue Zones
Nine Healthy Life Habits shared by people who’ve lived the longest lives.
The Blue Zones – secrets to a long and healthy life – The Endocrine Doc