Religion plays a crucial role in the development of each nation, and the Southwest of the United States is defined as one of the most religious regions in the country. Therefore, its pursuit of God and an understanding of religion in general always deserve attention and recognition. The region of Texas is known as the one that survived several rulers and missionaries who tried to impose their beliefs and standards. Although religious transformations were not easy over time, the Southwest with Texas demonstrated its strengths and ability to resist and accept changes regarding the interests of the population.
The history of the Texas religion is traced back to the presence of the Indian tribes on the land before the European colonization. Before the 16th century, native religious beliefs were popular, and the citizens considered the power of a supreme being and participated in different ceremonies and rites to demonstrate their respect for the supernatural. Compared to such regions as current Minnesota or Florida, Texas experienced several religious changes over time.
When Roman Catholics penetrated Texas, they introduced Christianity as the only acceptable and correct religion. The natives had nothing to do but follow new instructions that were based on transformation and pacification. In the 1600s, the Spanish authorities or Spaniards took their steps to bring something new to Indians, and Christianity was one of the missions. According to Roark et al., Catholic missionaries believed that the conversion of the Indians was what God expected from them to save Indians’ souls and reject their old sinful beliefs (39). Their practice showed that Indians were not able to study new religions within the frames and resources set, and Texas existed between several religious beliefs for some period.
The chosen style of life and the preferences of Texas Indians to nomadize made the population dependent on religious missionaries. The intention to survive and find protection against enemies was the cause of why the natives accepted Catholic help and joined their missions. As Roark et al. said, the period of the 1820s was remarkable in the history of Texas and its religious development due to the change of Mexican borderlands and Anglo-American immigration (345).
New citizens had to reject their past beliefs and traditions and follow Catholicism as the only legal religion. When Mexicans began the war for independence from Spain, it was hard for Americans to immigrate to Texas, and the Anglo-Americans who lived on that land tried to protect themselves against the despotism of the Spanish sword (Roark et al. 347). When Texas gained its independence, several decades passed to stabilize the situation in the region and provide people with an opportunity to choose.
Protestants, Baptists, Jewish institutions, and other organizations emerged in the Southwest with time. Protestants found it possible to convert non-believers, emphasizing the role of emotions and inspiration. Baptist first churches appeared as a means to withstand the religion that was not understood. As a result, during the next century, some churches and religions were developed on the land of Texas, proving the possibility of its people to accept and benefit the existing variety of choices.
Today, Texas, as well as the Southwest, is introduced as one of the most religious regions in the United States. In addition to the officially defined Roman Catholics and Protestants, there are many unclaimed groups, who are free to develop their own beliefs and faith. The experience of Texas starting from the presence of the Indian Tribes and ending with the gained independence proves the strengths of its people and the readiness to change and transform as per offered opportunities and available resources.
Work Cited
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States. Vol. 1 to 1877. 7th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2017.