Iowa’s faith diverse, personal

Rev. Michael Burk (left) is installed as the third bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Whether you are Lutheran, Muslim, Jewish or another denomination, Iowa has a church family to welcome you/Gazette file photo

By Gale Smetana
Iowa.com

To the unfamiliar, Iowa might seem the least likely place to find religious diversity. But the state’s history tells a different story. From early Native American religious rituals to a late 17^th century Catholic mass said on the west bank of the Mississippi River, the state has always opened its doors to diversity.

Over the years other faiths weighed in, too, as immigrants came from different countries with different traditions including Episcopalians, Methodists, Baptists and Lutherans. Today there are more than a dozen Christian religions represented in the state. Add to that the country’s oldest Muslim mosque, numerous Jewish synagogues along with Buddhist and Hindu temples and the state can boast a well-rounded religious diversity.

But for many people, finding the right church is a personal journey. Helpful hints range from defining what you really want out of a church to drawing up a checklist before visiting a variety of services. Some of the most important factors included beliefs or doctrines, care among members and the quality of sermons. Still others suggest asking yourself whether you want a service with a lot of structure or a less formal one; even what you have to wear could factor into your decision. An Internet search is good, but in the end there’s no substitute for visiting a churches and attending different services to see what’s right for you. Be prepared, the process can take time, but it’s worth it!

Use our iGuide to find out what places of of worship are in your neighborhood.

Your Turn: How can we better work our faith into our daily lives? Add your advice below.