[nmnita]

Originally Posted by 601halfdozen0theother

Do you love JESUS?

If so, you'll assimilate very well.

If you don't or aren't interested in the subject, you'll be harassed.

Based on personal experience.

would you care to inform us when you lived in AR and for how long? This is so far from AR. today it isn't funny. Yes, many people are devoted to their religion. But there are many who do not attend church, are atheist or agnostics: they have little if any trouble fitting in. I guess if someone were to ask a new family if they had found a church yet and the new resident started blasting someone's faith, they may be not warmly accepted, but otherwise most of AR is very open to varies beliefs.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by David A Stone

certainly hasn't been my experience !


Despite numerous churches, I am surprised at the number of people in my neighborhood who don't belong or don't attend any church.


I have lived here 4 1/2 years and only twice have I had someone say.........." Have you found a church? If not , I would like to extend a welcome to attend ours"
I certainly don't consider that as an example of shoving religion down my throat .

that is exactly what happened to us when we first moved here: we were asked a few times about a church family. No one lectured, turn their backs, put us down or whatever. In our small neighborhood about 1/2 of us probably attend church regularly, the rest probably enjoy doing other things on Sunday.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by 601halfdozen0theother

A truthful life experience is important to share for the benefit of those thinking of moving to Arkansas.

The religious right made my life a misery in Arkansas. Since I was a public employee I had to keep my mouth shut in spite of all the "N" words and "Jaysus Jaysus Jaysus" I had to hear on a nearly daily basis from people I found completely repugnant.

That was my real life experience living in Arkansas between 1998 and 2002. Of course, everything could have become sunshine and roses since then.

And since I have gotten positive reps on my comment, there are those who must have shared my experience but who don't feel comfortable publicly discussing their own views.

ok, you answered my question, but you are also going back almost 20 years and you haven't mentioned where in AR you lived. I have a gut feeling you are over exaggerating your experience. At least based on my experience and that of my family. I am sure there are still pockets of AR, as well as other states that base acceptance on religion. Heck, what about states like Utah? And yet, I doubt everyone living in Utah is Mormon (I know the are not) and I doubt those who are not are not welcome.

If someone flaunts their lack of religious beliefs or flaunts their beliefs period that is another story.

BTW, are we supposed to be impressed that you have gotten some positive reps?

[DanBev]

We moved to and lived awhile in Salem,yes people are religious but went out of there way to accept us with no mention of church or religion.They were helpful at the drop of a hat'
We still use a 5' hand crafted quilt rack which was given to us as a welcoming present,maybe you reapeth what you sow.

[Singapore101]

When I liked in Arkansas I saw a lot of elderly people walking the streets.

I think they like the warm weather and nature in the city.

[Nadal]

Originally Posted by explorearkansas

It's a question that has been on my mind for a while. Arkansas has much to offer. I wonder how accepting Arkansas communities are of the strangers that choose to retire in their midst. I hope to hear from folks who were the strangers making the choice.

Regards,

Kevin

I can only speak for the 2 communities where we spend time: F'ville and Hot Springs. We have felt welcome and accepted. We have always felt safe. We have not had "religion shoved down our throat".

A Retiree is not necessarily going to be concerned about the K-12 classroom curriculum in the local school district.

However, in virtually every state, smaller communities are just that, small. In my experience, these smaller communities are harder to break into, even if you fit the locale mold. At this stage in life, I just do not have time for that, so we pivot towards larger communities that have much more to offer, like F'Ville and Hot Springs.

Bella Vista and Hot Springs have attracted a great deal of retirees. You would be in good company in either location.

[explorearkansas]

Goodbye All!

[Luvvarkansas]

Originally Posted by explorearkansas

Goodbye All!

Where you goin'? LOL

[Wes59]

OK, who had the garlic and onion hamburger- thereby driving explorearkansas from the thread?? :-)

[elkotronics]

Yeah, who forgot ta brush their teeth on here?