What is bible belt?

The Bible Belt is an informal term for a region in the Southeastern and Southern United States in which socially conservative evangelical Protestantism plays a strong role in society and politics, and church attendance across the denominations is generally higher than the nation's average.

Key characteristics of the Bible Belt include:

  • High Church Attendance: A larger percentage of the population attends church regularly compared to other regions in the US. This is often viewed as a core aspect of its identity.
  • Social Conservatism: Generally, the region is known for its socially conservative views on issues such as abortion, LGBTQ+%20rights, and the role of religion%20in%20public%20life.
  • Evangelical Protestantism: Evangelical%20Protestant denominations are dominant, including Southern Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostals, and various non-denominational churches.
  • Political Influence: Religious beliefs often have a significant impact on the region's politics, influencing voting patterns and policy debates. Politicians often appeal to religious voters.
  • Cultural Expression: Religious themes and values are frequently reflected in the region's culture, including music, literature, and art.
  • Geographic Variation: While the term "Bible Belt" is broadly applied, the intensity of religious influence can vary within the region. Some areas are more secular than others. The states most commonly associated with the Bible Belt include Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia, with parts of Florida, Virginia, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas also included.