I'm in the UK and my perception of some of the US is that it is very religious and people believe fervently in the teachings in the Bible. It sounds to me that you live in one of these areas. I have always been nervous of this sort of devotion to the church though as my father is a Catholic, went to church, listened to all the teachings and then occasionally came home and beat me if he felt I'd been naughty. I don't want to call it abuse given what some of the people on this site have had to live through, but I guess it was by the definition. I found it very hypocritical as the teachings never seemed to be reflected in real-life - I thought this was the point?!

Unfortunately, I'm coming the the conclusion that religion is somewhat like Marmite - you either love it or you hate it. Those that love it find great peace, support and lots of other feelings I can't name (having a brain fart!). Those that don't love religion are left feeling slightly bewildered by those that love it. What both sides occasionally forget is that neither approach is actually wrong. What may work for one person doesn't necessarily work for another though.

What I think I'm saying is that, due to your location, you're more likely to find people that place great emphasis on the church in their life. Whilst the recommendations of the people you're talking to is rather frustrating to you, try not to let it form into anger or other negative emotions. They want you to find the comfort in the church that they have found. Unfortunately, it's just not for you though.

Hope that made sense.