(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?"
"The way to see by faith is to shut the eye of reason." Benjamin Franklin
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