Christianity is First in America, See Second Largest Religion by State

We all know that the United States is a Christian nation, by history, tradition, culture.  But look at the trends.  It is not surprising that the northeast is largely Jewish.  But look at  Hindu concentrations, in Arizona and is that New York we see on the map? Islam, in those great heartland states of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio?  Studies show that Islamic groups seem to thrive in Indianapolis, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Miami. But many of these are "Not your father's Islam".  We have observed that many have assumed or integrated into a more progressive Islamic breed, a more Americanized, gentler, kinder, more tolerant version.  Buddhism is the 2nd religion for the western states and why not?  Progress starts in California and moves east.  Tradition starts in the East and moves west.  So we see Jewish concentrations in the Northeast.  Our Economic Studies,  Appraisal Research files show that Hindu's excel in small retail trades, Jews in business, banking and finance, Islamic businesses love to network and have huge holdings in the convenience store, distribution and related fields, while  Hindus and a growing number of Islamic folk dominate the hotel/hospitality industry. Buddhists in America tend to be higher educated, more affluent and in scholarly and executive areas. "We have seen a gradual increase in the appraised values of property and affluence of these groups" said Ben Boothe, Sr. who has appraised over 1,700 properties for the emerging business owners of the emerging  'new more diverse America'.  

Thomas Jefferson, one of America's founders gave considerable thought to a diversified America. He wrote that while he did not prefer many of the 'alternative' religions, he did consider America as a place that ultimately "should welcome and embrace people of all religions and cultures".  When he bought a Koran, studied it, he was accused of being Islamic by political opponents.  He considered Jesus Christ, when viewed with pure unadulterated logic, supreme.  He wrote to William Short on October 31, 1819, (7 years before his death) that the teachings of Jesus constituted the "outlines of a system of the most sublime morality which has ever fallen from the lips of man." He was called an atheist by Republicans after he, ever one to encourage logic, and always suspicious of those who used fear of God or religion as a political weapon, advised his nephew,  Peter Carr in 1787, in the spirit of the Enlightenment: "Question with boldness even the existence of a god; because, if there be one, he must more approve the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear."  

Thomas Jefferson, today would be pleased with the tolerance, diversity and peaceful manner that people of all religions enjoy in the USA.  Enjoyment without fear.