Making the Bible Belt: Texas Prohibitionists and the Politicization of Southern Religion

The Bible Belt's transformation from a stable marriage of political religion and the American South to an aggressive, self-assertive political activism is explored in this book. It reveals how a complex but shared commitment to expanding the power and scope of religion transformed southern evangelicals' inward-looking restraints into an aggressive political activism, despite challenges from anticlerical traditions and popular anticlericalism.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 296 pages
\n Publication date: 17 September 2020
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc
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The Bible Belt, a region deeply rooted in religious devotion and political conservatism, has undergone a significant transformation that challenges long-held notions of a stable marriage between political religion and the American South. The term "Bible Belt" was coined by H.L. Mencken in the 1920s to describe the unique alliance between religion and public life in the South, but it was merely the closing chapter of a long historical process.

Into the twentieth century, a robust anticlerical tradition persisted in the South, challenging religious forays into southern politics. Inside southern churches, an insular evangelical theology viewed political meddling with suspicion, while a popular anticlericalism outside the churches accused activist ministers of breaching their proper spheres of influence. This anticlericalism drew upon historical memories of the Dark Ages and Puritan witch hunts, creating a climate of skepticism towards religious involvement in politics.

However, through the politics of prohibition, a complex but shared commitment to expanding the power and scope of religion transformed southern evangelicals' inward-looking restraints into an aggressive, self-assertive, and unapologetic political activism. The decades-long religious crusade to close saloons and outlaw alcohol in the South absorbed the energies of southern churches and thrust religious leaders headlong into the political process. Despite facing fierce resistance, prohibitionist clergy recast their campaign as a broader effort to conquer anticlerical opposition and inject religion into public life.

Clerical activists engaged in a tireless effort to churn notions of history, race, gender, and religion into a powerful political movement. They elevated ambitious leaders such as the pugnacious fundamentalist J. Frank Norris and Senator Morris Sheppard, the Father of National Prohibition. These leaders used their religious convictions to advocate for prohibition, arguing that it was a moral imperative and a means to protect society from the harmful effects of alcohol.

The Bible Belt's transformation was not without its challenges. Early defeats and opposition from anticlerical forces compelled prohibitionist clergy to recast their campaign as a broader effort to conquer anticlerical opposition and inject religion into public life. They sought to broaden their base of support by appealing to a wider range of religious and cultural values, including traditionalism, conservatism, and social reform.

Despite facing setbacks and obstacles, the Bible Belt's religious activism has had a lasting impact on American politics and society. The region has become a stronghold for religious conservatism, with a significant portion of the population identifying as evangelical Christians. The Bible Belt has also played a significant role in shaping national politics, with its religious leaders and voters influencing the outcomes of elections and policy debates.

In conclusion, the Bible Belt's transformation from a region deeply rooted in religious devotion and political conservatism to an aggressive and self-assertive political force has been a long and complex process. The region's historical anticlerical tradition, popular anticlericalism, and the politics of prohibition have all contributed to this transformation. Through the efforts of religious activists and leaders, the Bible Belt has become a stronghold for religious conservatism and a significant player in American politics. While the region continues to face challenges and obstacles, its religious activism has had a lasting impact on American society and politics.

\n Weight: 438g\n
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780197532911\n \n