I'm a deeply devout non-believer so offence taken or intended, just making sport of some pretty obscure facts appearing out of the blue!

It is interesting though that South Carolina has maintained that particular cultural predisposition over such a long time.

"A quick perusal seems to have revealed that South Carolina was the most religious of the US states throughout that period."

It would be my opinion that they carry the mantle still today as the most religious. I love the state, spent 4 years in the late 70's there in the service, have visited there many times, and will probably end up there a few years down the road. Having traveled throughout most of the US and most of the other continents as well, you would be hard pressed to find another place where people regularly meet you with a smile and a "How are you doing", I suppose my view may be a bit distorted having spent much the last 20 years living in the People's Republic of Taxachusetts. Up here a hearty New York FU or WTFDYW would be considered warm and friendly! I don't know I think liberalism predominantly concentrating on all that is bad and must be fixed doesn't necessarily lead to the most friendly and optimistic folks.

Ironically perhaps, that book is almost like “manna from heaven” though! Enjoy!