Why would a nonchristian (of any kind, not just atheists) choose to live in the Bible Belt, since it is supposed to be a Christian region of the U.S.? I would think they would be more comfortable out West or up North where it is more secular.

Religiosity/secularity isn't the only thing to take into account. Even for militant atheists.

Anyway, a really really militant atheist might want to go about deconverting them all

EvF

Like EvF said, religion isn't the only factor people take into account where they live. Sometimes it is the only place they can find a job, they have family that lives there that the atheists want to be near, they've always lived there and have grown attached, the reasons are endless and different for each person.

(January 20, 2010 at 2:35 pm)Gilligan Wrote: Why would a nonchristian (of any kind, not just atheists) choose to live in the Bible Belt, since it is supposed to be a Christian region of the U.S.? I would think they would be more comfortable out West or up North where it is more secular.

This reminds me of the argument some people might make that if they don't like the way something is, they should just leave. It is naive thinking and Argument by Dismissal.

First off, you assume people choose where they live based on how secular it is, however there are many factors as to why people live where they live. I live in Boston because I was born here. I'm lucky enough to live in a fairly secular city, but if I didn't it would be tough shit for me. I don't have the ability to just move wherever I want to, especially since my employer is the city itself and requires I live in the city. (And it's not so easy to quit, move, and find a job especially in this economy.)

Similar restrictions can apply to other people. What if they're 16 and entirely dependant on their parents? It could be where friends, family, job, and/or school are located. Maybe they like where they live in all other aspects besides religiosity? It's not so easy to say, "Don't like the Bible belt, why don't you leave?"

I stayed in Georgia for a while and loved it there. The people are religious, sure, but they are really nice and friendly too. I was openly atheist and nobody seemed to care.

(January 20, 2010 at 2:35 pm)Gilligan Wrote: Why would a nonchristian (of any kind, not just atheists) choose to live in the Bible Belt, since it is supposed to be a Christian region of the U.S.? I would think they would be more comfortable out West or up North where it is more secular.

I go where the jobs are.I have lived in the south half my life and I am very comfortable down here. The taxes are less and the women have big knockers. Did I misss anything? Religion is immaterial and at times rather nice, especially shopping on Sunday morning.

I live in the great white north for political reasons. I left America because it was slowly becoming fascist. I would much rather go back to North Carolina, or even New York or Vermont, but here I am. Canada is now slowly becoming more fascist, but I have decided I am not leaving again, this time I am staying and fighting.

So as much as politics and religion are not usually reasons to live somewhere, I would rather live somewhere a little warmer (with a longer growing season), but that is currently Nazi-land the theme park down there. Although I can't really tell the difference between Canada and America anymore.

It is super-secular, but I am a believer.

I currently live in Georgia atm... and 17 so... not much of a choice. It's fine living here, all the religious crap just gets so redundant that I don't even care anymore. Only when my family tried to push it on me (gf, gma, mom, dad, etc) then is angers me, but I never lose my composure.

I've lived in the bible belt too, it was very nice. I never really felt threatened by good Christians, they can get annoying, but not dangerous. They make very pleasant and helpful neighbors. I have also had strangers walk up to me on the street and preach for a while, but I don't mind that. As a pocket philosopher (and amateur rhetorician) I enjoy the conversation. What else can I call myself, the penniless philanthropist...

(January 20, 2010 at 7:44 pm)Tiberius Wrote: I stayed in Georgia for a while and loved it there. The people are religious, sure, but they are really nice and friendly too. I was openly atheist and nobody seemed to care.

Oh man, it was culture shock to me when I went to Georgia for the first time for Dragon*con in September. All the hotel workers, airport people, service workers were absolutely the kindest people I've ever dealt with. I may cringe at the thought of living in the Bible Belt and I've never been fond of southern accents, but there is something to be said for southern hospitality.

Northerners are just plain rude, and I should know. I'm incredibly rude myself.