Faith and meaning in the southern uplands

Book Description

In the rugged terrain of America's Southern Uplands, a rich spiritual tradition has flourished for generations, yet it remains widely misunderstood by the broader Christian community. Loyal Jones presents an illuminating exploration of Appalachian and Ozark mountain religious life, challenging decades of misconceptions and stereotypes that have painted these communities as spiritually deficient or extreme.

Drawing from thirty years of intimate conversations and interviews with mountain believers, Jones reveals a faith tradition marked by profound devotion, theological thoughtfulness, and genuine spiritual depth. Through the authentic voices of the people themselves, readers encounter testimonies, sermons, and personal accounts that illuminate how these communities understand fundamental questions of existence: the nature of God, the meaning of faith, humanity's relationship with the divine, and the role of Scripture in daily life.

The book addresses the historical irony of countless missionary efforts directed toward people who were already deeply Christian, exposing how outside religious movements sought to "improve" mountain spirituality without truly understanding it. Jones demonstrates how these communities have grappled with contemporary issues including racial integration and women's roles in church leadership, always through the lens of their distinctive theological perspective.

This respectful examination offers readers insight into a form of Christianity characterized by both unwavering conviction and remarkable humanity, seasoned with the mountain tradition's characteristic wisdom and humor.