Founded in French/Spanish Catholicism reinforced by the Irish, Italians, Greeks and more, steeped in the Baptist church, flavored with Judaism, Voodoo and a wide variety of Christian Protestant denominations from the American Methodists and Episcopalians to the German Evangelicals, New Orleans is defined by its churches. Neighborhoods, traditions, festivals and lifestyles all find their roots in religious practices of the various faiths.

Religion itself provides an ethical and moral system for its adherent's to practice in their lives. Systems of meditation, socialization, behavior and mutual support do much to increase contentment and help people face their lives. Faith provides more. Answers to questions like what happens when we die, what were our origins, and why are we here, are addressed by religions.

Religious theories are sometimes hard to reconcile with scientific observations.

this is a stub....for a much larger topic, a few of the research areas include:

The St. Louis Cathedral is not the biggest church in New Orleans, but it is the most recognizable based on its location and architecture. Churches in New Orleans are a part of the historical fiber of the city. 

Mega churches have sprung up across America drawing thousands to Sunday services. Modern New Orleans has seen this phenomenon as well.

Churches play a major role in the city's political life. When churches become politically active by drawing on discontent, they can become powerful in a city where fairness often depends on arbitrary factors, especially the color of one's skin.

Churches play a major role in education. The Catholic parochial schools educate nearly as many New Orleanians as do the public schools. Testing shows they do it better and at less cost that their public counterparts.

Religious festivals start with Mardi Gras and revolve around the Christian spiritual calendar but arguably include Voodoo fest. The Catholic Church defines holy days (holidays) for its Saints. Some of these have taken on a life of their own.

Weddings and funerals are often conducted in religious settings. Weddings add a major boost to the economy drawing on all sorts of trades. Other ceremonies from Baptism / Christening to First Communion, to Confirmation add to the religious fabric of the city.

Holy Week is observed in Christian churches across New Orleans.

Muslims in New Orleans

Buddhists in New Orleans

Hindi in New Orleans

Non-religious New Orleans....is there such a thing? How does it compare to the 14% of America that admits it is non-religious. Is non-religious the same as atheist or agnostic? Does the difference have to do with belief in God or the church?

Religion and government....non-profits funded by government, influence on government, non-taxation, separation of church and state.