Bible Belt Blues - Vanquished!

Granted, I've been learning about all these great things about weird Austin. However, one potential concern that has occurred to me is: Given that the city is smack dab in the middle of the Bible Belt, where on the religious fervor spectrum does the great city of Austin lie? This is a major concern because I'm vehemently allergic to evangelism and other forms of religious radicalism (in part because they're nutso, and in part because the level of that nutso-ism tends to be highly correlated with the accepted level of sexism). Needless to say, a high potential for getting religion shoved down my throat or stabbed through my back in my new-home-base-to-be would be a major dealkiller.

Here's some quick research from trusty Wiki regarding Austin's religious environment:

"Evangelical Protestant Christian influence had a strong impact in social/cultural and political implications in Texas throughout its history, but not all Texans share this view of Christian religious doctrine. Austin, the state capital is perceived as a more secular and liberal community."

And here are some statistics regarding the presence of other religious groups in Texas overall:

According to Churches and Church Membership in the United States 2000, Texas ranks:

• First in number of Evangelical Protestants, with 5,083,087.

• Second, behind Pennsylvania, in number of Mainline Protestants at 1,705,394.

• Third in number of Catholics, behind California and New York.

• Third in number of Buddhist congregations.

• Fifth in number of Muslims.

• Fifth in number of Hindu congregations.

• Sixth in number of Mormons.

• Tenth in number of Jews.

It's not really a surprise to find out that Texas is home to the greatest number of Evangelical Protestants, but it is somewhat of a shock to discover how much more religiously diverse the state actually is, versus my initial expectations.

Conclusion? Looks like Austin is not just politically liberal, but spiritually liberal as well. As long as I don't accidentally wander into the Fort Worth region of Texas, I should be fine. That's a check-plus in the "Not religiously cuckoo" requirement box.