The Alexander City Outlook

Religion and revelry

Most people who live in the South understand that southern culture is a unique phenomenon. After many years of observation, I’ve come to the belief this “uniqueness” is the result of a conflict between two powerful opposing cultural forces that dominate southern life.

One is religious belief. The other is a strong inclination to drink and have a good time. Let’s face it; no other area of the country has a history of religion and revelry quite like the South.

Now, some of you may disagree with this analysis, thinking it a bit too simplistic for such a bold and sweeping claim. However, I simply point to this past Sunday to prove my case, when thousands attended church services throughout our fair state while thousands more were partying in the infield at the Talladega Superspeedway. Certainly, this is a good example of what I am talking about.

To be sure, I understand this conflict in many ways describes the human condition in general. People all over the world are caught between these powerful desires. Nevertheless, the South is unique because of the stark contrast that exists here between the church and the liquor bottle.

Do you still doubt what I am saying?

Just think about it for a minute: where else will you find people so devoted to religious faith that the region they live in is known as the “Bible Belt” while at the same time love a sport whose origins clearly come from moonshiners? For those of you who don’t know, stock car racing got its start when moonshine haulers stopped running from the police and started racing each other for fun.

At any rate, contemplating the origins of NASCAR got me thinking about my own family history. Without a doubt, my southern roots run deep when it comes to religion and drinking.

For example, my mother grew up in a fairly strict Church of God environment. Her parents were firm believers in the power of the Holy Spirit. In fact, my maternal uncle preached the Gospel for several years and still is a part-time pastor of a small congregation in the hills of Tennessee.

My father’s side of the family has a different story. My great-grandfather’s brothers were known moonshiners on Sand Mountain, which is a large plateau in the northeastern part of Alabama. Even my granddaddy was known to take a taste or two of corn liquor. He often would hide bottles all over his property in order to take a clandestine sip while my grandmother wasn’t watching.

These opposing family histories were brought to the forefront of my mind the other day when my dad called with the news he had discovered several gallons of granddaddy’s moonshine while looking around the old homestead.

I don’t know what came over me but I instantly wanted it. I guess it was the “paternal” part of me that is naturally drawn to this contraband. The thought of proudly displaying my prize and even bringing it to this year’s Christmas party at TPI flashed through my head. I’d surely be the hero of the party. The newsroom would probably hoist me on their shoulders in triumph.

Fortunately, I came to my senses when the “maternal” part of me produced visions of an Alex City police officer pulling me over with five gallons of moonshine in my trunk. I’d probably have a lot of explaining to do, since I doubt I could outrun an ACPD cruiser in my Ford Contour.

Since I’m not Bo or Luke Duke, the influence of my mother’s side of the family won out and I gave up my desire for the moonshine. Furthermore, I’ll probably be in church this Sunday where I’ll try to resolve all of this southern-style angst I’ve been talking about.

Still, the thought of me and granddaddy running from the police in the General Lee sure sounds good right now. Maybe I should paint a rebel flag on the Contour and attend next year’s races at Talladega. Well, maybe not.

Gosh, I hate conflict. But, I can’t help it. I’m a southerner.

Roger Steele is general manager and advertising director of The Alexander City Outlook. His column appears each Thursday.