For some, living in the Bible Belt is a forced lifestyle. Every mile is occupied by a church and is a constant reminder that those who are different are not welcomed. The Bible Belt is a community that pressures those who are otherwise non-religious and non-Christian to conform. It is a closed and clique-esque group. The bible is the ultimate rule book and guide to a Christian life -a life that may bring salvation to those who follow. Christianity encourages to help others be saved as well to help them find and accept Jesus into their hearts. So as a result, life in the south-eastern and south-central states is heavily influenced by Christianity. And although it seems like a utopia for Christians -it shuns others who practice (or do not practice) different religions.
Growing up, all of my friends were a part of large youth groups, most of them were the child of a pastor, and they all left to bible camp for weeks during the summer. I was the only one who was not raised or identified as a Christian. I was left out in a lot of conversations and events. It happened so much that I even thought pretending to be "saved" would be a better choice to fit in. I had been to church with my friends several times in the past observing their practice and feeling ashamed that I did not participate in prayer. My brother was even tricked by his friend once to go to what was an intervention for non-Christians when he was in middle school. He felt betrayed by his friend. It was disrespectful and a slap in the face.
Being non-religious or non-Christian means becoming a mission goal to convert. This sends a message that anyone who is anything but are less, helpless, and ignorant. This creates a stigma and labels other religions as corrupt. Bible Belt Christianity has placed inferiority to anything but.
The Bible Belt makes it difficult to express a different kind of opinion. There is a strict set of Christian morals, and it is preached to the community every Sunday to constantly remind them. This is how you should act. This is how you should think. This is how you should live. People will reason their sexism, racism, and homophobia by hiding behind their religion. Shame is brought upon any ideas that do not compliment the Christian religion. Christianity has become a placeholder for arguments instead, and they become valid ones in the Bible Belt. Life becomes an obsession on regulating others' way of living. Anything outside the spectrum of Christianity is a sin. The people a part of "Bible Belt Christianity" are compelled to forceful actions to convert. Non-Christian people and decisions are invalidated immediately by the community. This stigma doesn't let people choose to live freely.
The community of the Bible Belt has made it their responsibility to make America a Christian nation. There are hundreds of politicians, teachers, and businessmen who have the power to influence. Christianity is used as a primary title to validate someone's credibility. I used to work as a pollster and would ask locals who would they vote for. Many chose X politician because I provided information that they were committed to a Christian lifestyle. Some politicians like Oklahoma’s governor, Mary Fallin, initiated “Oilfield Prayer Day” to answer Oklahoma's oil crisis. Bible Belt Christianity is the reason why Southern states are less successful in education because the public will authorize to restrict or ignore certain subjects such as sex, abortion, lgbt+ rights, etc.
In the end, I ask the Bible Belt Community to follow this verse I have heard often, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39). Even if your neighbor identifies as someone who is not a Christian, accept them anyways. The greatest lesson is to bring inclusiveness into the Bible Belt. Religion should not be a prerequisite to accepting someone as they are.
