The Poll found that 82% of the people in both Alabama and Iran believe religion to be important. This compares to a worldwide median that reflects about the same degree of interest in faith overall among the developed and under-developed nations. The United States, when compared with the richest nations, reveals 65% interest in religion. It is the Deep South, however, that can be compared more with Iran than other parts of the country according to the Gallup Poll.

Tourists outside of the United States are often told before visiting the South how important matters of faith are to the people in that region. Casual visitors observe how valuable religion is and how much it figures in the daily life of the average Southern person, particularly those of fundamental denominations.

Religion is also intermingled with politics in the United States, despite the fact that Thomas Jefferson discussed the importance of the separation of church and state. The Pew Forum found out, however, that many Americans mix politics and religion, particularly in the South.

In Iran 90% of the people practice a form of Shi’a Islam. The Imams, or leaders of the faith, are often very involved in political matters and politicians and government leaders often discuss issues with these leaders before making important decisions, according to the Robert Strauss Center. Religious clerics of Islam will speak out about political matters in much the same way that ministers talk about politics, and their opinions sought, in the Southern part of the United States.

Both Shia Islam and fundamental Christianity await the “rapture” This is described as a time when a redeemer will come and bring his followers to a special place just for believers. The Mahdi is that redeemer of Islam, who is to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, and who will return to save his people and lead them to paradise. In fact a website proclaims he is coming soon.

Evangelical Christians, found in large numbers in the Deep South, believe Jesus will return and gather his followers up as well. Both fundamental Christians and Shi’a Muslims believe the Redeemer will have the authority of God. Indeed they have many similarities.

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