A journalist coined ‘the Bible Belt’ 100 years ago. It’s been oversimplifying the South ever since.

By: John Hayes, The Conversation

Outlets: Arkansas Advocate

Published: September 12, 2026

Words: 1,217

Last Updated: 6 days, 7 hours ago


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“Look No Further!” a billboard on the side of the highway beckons, drawing my gaze toward the red cover of a Bible. “You Are Worthy of Redemption!”

Not far away, another sign urges me to “Keep Christ in Christmas.” Then farther down the road a third appears: “Jesus: COMING SOON” its bright colors announce.

Signs like these are familiar to me: I’m a historian who studies the U.S. South and lives in …

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