New Perspectives on the Changing Religious Diversity in the Great Plains

Authors

Stanley Brunn, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Holly Barcus, Morehead State University, Morehead, KY

Date of this Version

Spring 2004

Comments

Published in Great Plains Research Vol. 14, No. 1, 2004. Copyright © 2004 The Center for Great Plains Studies, University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Used by permission.

Abstract

The religious landscape of the Plains is dominated by four major denominations: Lutherans, Catholics, Methodists, and Baptists. But beneath these prevailing majorities are others that are declining (Presbyterians) and increasing (Pentecostals and Mormons) in membership and places of worship. Jews, Muslims, Charismatics, and Baha'i are also increasing in metropolitan areas, where the greatest diversity exists. "Religious geology," a concept that depicts religious diversity, exhibits sharp regional variations.