What is the religious climate in TN? (Memphis: fit in, house)

[Father John]

Another post got me wondering (and worrying a bit) about the religious climate in Tennessee?

I have a Master of Divinity degree from a seminary established in 1814, Though it is old, the views are relatively liberal. Certainly we focused on education, epistemology, exegetical studies, archeology, linguistics, and non-canonical as well as canonical scriptures. I am NOT a "born again" kind of preacher, but I am very accepting of others. I call myself an ecclectic ecumenist.

My wife is Roman Catholic and she, too, is more liberal than most of the church's "official" views.

I assume (bad thing to do, I know) that a university town would be more liberal than some other areas. But what is the climate there? We will have just one Sunday when we visit to attend a church, so it isn't like we will get a good feel for the area.

Moderator cut: link cut Thanks for any input.

[akm4]

There are always exceptions, and I don't presume to speak for the entire state of TN. That said, I have found TN to be very conservative. More than that, there's a superficial sub-culture here that's very unnerving. It's an atmosphere some have labelled "Performance Faith". It's a kind of outward proclamation of faith, rather than an inward, private experience. Basically when someone peppers every conversation with having been called to do something, led to say something, or how the Lord has blessed them, laid something upon their heart, or convicted them, that's PF. If someone has 10 bumper stickers on their car ranging from fish to evangelical sayings, but they never drive that car to the homeless shelter, that's PF.

There's a subtle difference between a sincere person of faith and a PFer, but it doesn't take all that long to become sensitive to it. As a Christian, it makes me very uncomfortable to even write about this, but since you asked....

[Father John]

Originally Posted by akm4

There are always exceptions, and I don't presume to speak for the entire state of TN. That said, I have found TN to be very conservative. More than that, there's a superficial sub-culture here that's very unnerving. It's an atmosphere some have labelled "Performance Faith". It's a kind of outward proclamation of faith, rather than an inward, private experience. Basically when someone peppers every conversation with having been called to do something, led to say something, or how the Lord has blessed them, laid something upon their heart, or convicted them, that's PF. If someone has 10 bumper stickers on their car ranging from fish to evangelical sayings, but they never drive that car to the homeless shelter, that's PF.

There's a subtle difference between a sincere person of faith and a PFer, but it doesn't take all that long to become sensitive to it. As a Christian, it makes me very uncomfortable to even write about this, but since you asked....

That is good information! It, too, makes me uncomfortable to see that much "showing" of faith instead of the "prayer in a closet" Jesus talked about. I hate football players praising Jesus for a TD. That is just silly (to me).

On the other hand, I can accept that people feel good and excited about their faith. Balance is the key. If I read you right, Tennesseans sound a little heavy on the overt over all when it comes to religious expressions.

I appreciate that you took the time to reply.

[shadowwalker]

They are always speaking out about religion and working into conversations. Now that is not all the people just maybe 75%.You will hear alot of things like that here. Everyone wants you to "go to our church" as they say. Or some just come outright and ask. Then they frown at the wrong answer. I guess I never give the right answer. I get alot of frowns. At least they have stopped coming by the house in a pack to talk me into going to "their church".

[strumpeace]

Fr. John --

Generally, as in most other states, you'll find that the urban areas of Tennessee have greater diversity in terms of both composition and tolerance. I live in Memphis, where there is an alive-and-well progressive faith community with Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian, UCC, Lutheran, Unitarian, and Jewish congregations working together to fight poverty and advance social good. I know Nashville has a similar progressive religious community. Smaller towns, of course, may have pockets of progressive faith, but typically, they are few and far-between.

[sliverbox]

I'm going to step in here for a second on this issue. Reason being, of the major "scary" things people from other states and regions bring up in regards to TN and the Southeast for that matter, I'd say Humidity and Religion are at the top of the list, and within close proximity. There seems to be a massive dread over Southern style Christianity. I have experiences in both political climates. I currently live in California but am from East TN, which has a heavily Southern Baptist influence.

The interesting thing is that while living in East TN, I never felt badgered or harassed by people trying to get me to join their church or did I encounter many people who spoke much about their beliefs outwardly. I'll even go as far to say that I was a Presbyterian with a Southern Baptist grandmother. I would go to her church and be entertained by the hour long fire-and-brimstone sermons only to have a lunch afterwards with beans and cornbread in the basement. Then everyone went home and that was that. Even then I didn't experience people- even in the church- who tried to overenforce their religion on me.

I myself am not particularly religious. But at the same time, I think it would be important to understand that just like anyone going to another country, state, or region that customs, religion, and culture are going to be different. To say the least, the Southern US contains some of the last vestiges of an original intact culture. Religion is part of that culture. You might find it interesting that Elvis Presely sang in a black Southern Baptist church as a youth- hence his unique singing style.

What I'm trying to say here is that Our culture is just as important as any other. Southern Christianity is an important part of that. Your fears of having people profess their beliefs onto you are for the most part a bit overblown. This isn't to say that it WON'T happen. But if it does, then how is this going to affect you? I certainly don't agree with everything I hear out here in CA. Trust me- people out here are WAY more opinionated than anyone from back home and some of the things I hear on a daily basis are borderline crazy. But that's not my business to attempt making corrections in order to facilitate a world that revolves around my personal preference. Lastly, if a person does come up and say that they love Jesus, or enjoy going to church, or whatever, perhaps that person truly enjoys that aspect of their life. There's much to be said about that and to interpret it as being sinister seems to be the biggest mystery. So what. They love Jesus. What is that going to do to you.

Think about it for a few minutes. If this truly bothers you, then perhaps you should be thinking about moving somewhere more liberal. Sure- it might cost more, but at least you would be around people that act and think just like you.

[inave]

heck, I've been in east tn for over a year and my neighbors don't even TALK to me, much less try to convert me. I DO go to a Christian church and, if you were my friend or neighbor, I might invite you to come with me but, if you chose not to, that's ok with me.

[Father John]

Great post, silverbox.

You are right - the culture exists long before one moves into it. Either one fits with the culture or not - but if not, why go there? I can ask all the questions I want here, but until I go there and meet the people, I won't know.

I am visiting in August. We'll see what we see.

Having lived in Maine, Michigan, and Arizona, and visited China, Mexico, Scotland, Germany, ... I have certainly seen different cultures, but not the "Southern Baptist" culture which others have written about here. That is what my curiosity is about. I believe it will be wonderful. I'm not worried.

Thanks for the replies!!

[jabogitlu]

Good post, sliverbox, and I agree for the most part. The only bone I have to pick with Southern Baptists and other like-minded religions is that they are so driven to tear down the separation between secular government and religious persuasion that at times it can feel threatening.

Otherwise, people will believe what they will. No area is different, it's just that down here, most people believe strongly in Christianity. Along with that belief comes many good things, like a sincere sense of altruism among the masses and outward friendliness towards strangers.

I'm atheist -- and gay -- and left-of-center, but I don't feel 'threatened,' or antagonized here. That having been said, I'd rather live somewhere else, just because the politics of the Southernly region are too intertwined with religious conviction.

[mountainpuppy]

I have lived in East Tennessee all my life, grew up Southern Baptist, and joined the United Methodists after college. I think that you are possibly pre-judging people based on stereotypes that are perceived. Every person is unique and different in their beliefs. ET is a very conservative part of the South, and if you are liberal, it just may not be for you. Especially if you are a liberal Christian. As a Christian who is moderately conservative, enjoys the formality of the Church, believes in witnessing and sharing God's love with believers and nonbelievers alike, invites people to church in hopes that they will feel comfortable in visiting, and hopes to live a life that speaks for itself as a follower of Christ, I think that this is what Jesus wanted us to do---to reach out to others, lend a helping hand, and to open our hearts to others and their pain. If followers of Christ do not share what we know and believe, then how does the Gospel get shared? I do however believe that being "pushy" is a turn off, that unexpected visitations are rude, that overzealousness if not good, and that holier-than-thou attitudes hurt the Mission of Christ. As a Christian and a minister, I would think that you would understand that there are many different ways to minister to people and to serve. Inviting someone new to town to visit their church seems like the neighborly thing to do, as this will offer a community of faith to someone who has just moved (one of life's stressful events), and provide a place of worship, as well as provide an opportunity to make new friends. Remember, this is the Bible belt. If you come with an open mind, then you may just fit in. Good Luck!