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 .
Jay Parini : Gallup poll finds Vermont least religious state . Mississippi is most religious . He says in South , religion all over radio , road signs , towns ; in Vermont fewer go to church . But Vermont ranks high on environment , health care . Mississippi ranks at bottom . Parini : Vermonters spiritual seekers , God-hungry : neighbor-helpers more than churchgoers .