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Bible belt living...wow.

I am a former military wife. My daughter has never lived anywhere longer than three years Arkansas is the first state she has actually been in for nine years, though she has lived in three different semi-rural areas. She was born the week her father joined the AF, lived in several states and Germany. Her and I moved here her freshman year, after I was divorced. Almost every school peer she met would inquire as to which church she attended. She would reply, "We don't attend church. I am agnostic." Overwhelmingly the general response was, "OMG! You're an atheist!" She spent a fair portion of time educating the local youth. She is marrying an atheist next Halloween, and I could not be happier. He is an awesome young man.

I've heard Arkansas, aka the Ark, described as the buckle of the bible belt. They sure do keep it polished.

SAMae 5 Oct 26
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13 comments

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1

i live in the south, Weird Florida to be exact, people don't mess with me a 100% non believer because when they ask me any similar religious questions my answer is always with varying degrees of politeness or rudeness (which depends on who asks and how do they ask) "now that is none of your business, is it?"

Excellent reply, wish I had thought of that when cornered on a red eye train with my daughter's scout leader, several scouts and a few mothers. I was asked that since it was known that I was not a Christian, what did I believe. My reply was I piss off as many pagans as I do Christians, so I must be following the narrow path Jesus talked about. It worked. I was able to sit, drink coffee, and watch the Illinois scenery float by.

1

The Bible Belt is a shock to any person not from there. You're lucky you haven't had a burning cross in your front yard. Very close minded people when it comes to thinking outside the box.

It is a bit less severe in this area. High tourist and transient population. Retirement community. So the majority of folk aretransplants, and the majority of that majority are generally retiring from a northern city. Yet the kids in the school system are usually local.

1

wow she found another atheist she is lucky

1

Good job!

Varn Level 8 Oct 27, 2019

Thank you.

0

That is awesome.

2

Religion just doesn't work well with freedom of same. Most religions say, "believe all of this and nothing else or to Hell with ya."

MrDMC Level 7 Oct 26, 2019

I have an advantage over most of the bible thumpers in this area. I've actually read and studied the book they claim to know. Now I look at how those words changed through various and multiple translations, and of course King James. My stance is a validity of all faith (see bio). If they are knocking on my door, I will go talk with them. The first thing I like to point out is christianity did not exist when their savior died. He died for all of humanity, and his parables work with any belief system. Humanity was freed from the strictures of the old testament. As a child, I was asked to believe in the faith of my ancestors. Others are taught to do the same within their forefathers belief systems. They would never go against the teachings of their parents, so how can they expect someone else to do what they themselves would not. A person can lead a 'Christ like' life and be something other than christian. Christ's biggest lesson was unconditional love and acceptance. They start to get wide eyed and a bit shaky when the words in red are broken down for them. This is a retirement area, and I almost felt bad once when this woman from a local Baptist church left my porch questioning everything she had ever been taught. Planting seeds and baby steps. It works, unfortunately not quick enough to stop what is snowballing from the last election.

1

Thanks for your service. I served 3 years active in the Army.

Missouri is a lot like Arkansas in this belief stuff. I find that those who are the strongest believers word wise are also the same people that "believe in their own way." It's not smart to claim you are not one of them unless someone else came out to you first. That doesn't stop me from running them off when churches come to my door.

I have managed to sway some hard nose opinions in non confrontational ways. It is interesting. I generally keep to myself, but if they want to go down that path, then let's go there. I refuse to be un-authentic to myself.

1

I thank you for your service. I am also a former military wife, and former military member. I know how tough the life is. I've moved 23 times in my life, one child was born in Germany. Last night I had the chance to watch the documentary called Hail Satan! about the Satanic Temple. Arkansas does come off as highly conservative xian and somewhat illegal regarding the 10 Commandment statues. Nebraska is bad enough, I wouldn't do well in the BuyBull belt.

@Betsjon It was, I highly recommend it. Some nudity, some humor, but a very good look at what the Satanic Temple is doing and why.

3

Not different from rural South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma, or Texas.

Or Kentucky

3

Congrats on your daughter and Arkansas is probably closer to rectum, been there, little rock 5 was where Eisenhower had to use 101st airborne to guard little black girls to school to protect them from violence, little kids worried about violence from neighbors that speaks volumes

bobwjr Level 10 Oct 26, 2019

Given the variety of places I have lived and visited, I've learned my circle is usually quite small. Hate and violence can be found most anywhere. Often, if one looks, they will find compassion and hope in those same places. Most people I just steer clear of. I did not move here for the people, though there are a few awesome folks around. I moved here because I wanted to be in the Ozark mountains surrounded by trees, rivers and lakes. I avoid most all cities, including Little Rock. Though I will visit family in StL on occasion.

4

Sounds like your daughter has found a rare diamond...I wish her and her husband to be the very best for the future...and you too of course. I’m sure you’ll love being here on the site, I find it lots of fun.

3

Congrats and welcome here.

4

Congratulations to your daughter and yourself, welcome to the site.😁

Thank you. Don't know why I stepped out of introvert mode for a day, but it may be fun.

@SAMae sometimes it's a better choice to take a path less traveled.

@oldFloyd I don't take the path less traveled, usually I am blazing a new one.

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