Michael Parini : Gallup poll : Jesus himself put forward the essential questions : What does it mean to live an ethical life ? Vermont least religious state . Mississippi is most religious . He says in South , religious all over radio , road signs , newspapers ; in Vermont fewer go to church . But Vermont ranks high on education , health care . Mississippi ranks at bottom . Parini : Vermonters spiritual seekers , God - hungry : neighbor - hungry more than churchgoers .
Michael Parini : Gallup poll : Vermont least religious state . Mississippi is most religious . He says in South , religious all over radio , road signs , newspapers ; in Vermont fewer go to church . But Vermont ranks high on education , health care . Mississippi ranks at bottom . Parini : Vermonters spiritual seekers , God - hungry : neighbor - hungry more than churchgoers .