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

‘The Bible Belt’ has been used for a century to describe religion and politics in the South. But it captured just some of life in the region then – and doesn’t capture what’s going on today.

By: John Hayes, Augusta University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: September 9, 2026

Words: 1,302

Last Updated: 1 month, 1 week ago

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By John Hayes, Augusta University

“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 …

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