Why do so African Americans practice Christianity?

Question

Okay, so I am african american and I want to know why so many of us are out there practicing christianity as though it wasn't a forced religion back during times of slavery. I dunno, maybe I have the facts wrong, so hopefully someone can enlighten me. I'm not a Christian- but the reason that I'm not is for the simple fact that evolution makes too much sense to me- however, what I want to know is why so many african americans continue to practice Christianity, while all the other have been abolished (or at least are seeming to be) in this century.

Okay, from the way this is going, I'm not sure you're understanding my question. I know slavery is over, but my question is why did african americans CONTINUE to practice a forced religion? Everyone is open to answer, but I'm particularly aiming for responses from African Americans. How can a person of any other race answer this? YOU CAN'T! There have been some good answers, though.

Answer 1

Why wouldn't we?

Solomon was black as was many other Biblical people.

Some of us just don't believe evolution and has strong faith in the Bible as God's word.

Yes, back in the day Christianity was forced but to the detrement of those doing the forcing God set the slaves free.

To answer your question it's the same reason why other non-blacks practice Christianity -- because we believe by faith.

Yes, God has been good and will continue to be so.

Answer 2

Slavery ended 200 years ago. No one is forced to practice anything today, unless of course it is parents forcing their underage children. During those times Christianity was forced upon slaves. Only because many still practiced their native religion and the owners not knowing what they were doing forced the slaves to attend service and to be baptized. Since they came from Africa and other countries how many do you think spoke english? Probably none.

As the years progressed and more and more people were born into slavery the only thing they knew was what the owner showed them. When freedom was granted many people did not know what to do or where to go. Growing up in the Christian faith they continued what they knew.

We have freedom now to chose our own religion. I practice an ATR or African Traditional Religion. Keep looking back on what happened 200 years ago and you will never be free. Move forward and learn from the past so it does not happen again.

Answer 3

They practice it for the same reason anyone else practices Chrsitianity...has nothing to do with race, ethnicity, or history as you seem to elude to.

As far as evolution goes, maybe it makes sense because you have created an intillectual smokescreen that hs blinded you from the evidence and proof behind creationism since believing in it would mean you would have to believe in a creator, which is funny because you can see a building and a painting and without ever seein you know there was a building and a painter yet you see creation and can not see a creator.

There is so much about evolution that makes no sense yet people are still able to some how reconcile the possibility,

Answer 4

First off Afro-Americans were Idol worshipers, And for giving them away for them to communicate with the one and only true God, Should show you that there is still hope for this world yet. Yes the White Man tries to claim it for their own but they have met with total failure in that area. Also I recommend that you really read the bible and with a little luck you will see who is really written about in the bible. another thing the original Egyptians were blacker then dark dirt (and they were named by the Greeks) why? because they were Africans, Also there was a Jewish young man that was sold into slavery by his Jewish brother and they did take his multi-colored coat back to their father covered with blood... But in spite of all that he later became a great leader in Egypt after telling the Egyptian King about his dreams. you have herad the story about fat and thin cows. Anotherthing when his very own brothers came to Egypt to buy grain products, And when his brothers saw him. They just could not tell him apart for the others Egyptian. So here we have a bunch of Jews that could not tell their brother apart from African Egyptians. Why is that. I mean they were Jews yet when their brother were mixed in with them and they knew him not. but he did know them. Now if this does not get you to thinking. Then the answer to this question Can be found in the bible. I do hope you look for some answers and finally realizes why all African American should be reading the Bible.

Answer 5

Regardless of how it may have been delivered right or wrong in the past, African-Americans are smart people and they know the truth when they hear it, and that knowledge has set them free. Jesus said that He is the Way and the Truth and the Life. They know He spoke true, and they are blessed for their courage and devotion to righteousness.

Check out http://www.reasons.org and read how scientists *really* feel about Creation vs. Evolution.

Do two similar bones one older, one younger, point to evolution or to the same Creator designing both? Did the bus evolve from the car or did mankind create both? They are similar you know.

I wish you peace...

Answer 6

Christianity is what kept the slaves going in belief that God would save them spiritually and physically and he did. The french started slavery but, it it sad none of the less. Nobody forces Christ on anyone. African Americans have a strong faith in Christ to ensure a better place. That should not ever be broken! Amen. I have brothers and sisters of many colors, my Jesus didn't see color when he died on that cross. Halleujah!

Answer 7

It's part of the tradition of the community. The same way so many people of Irish and Italian decent are Roman Catholics. But the only time any of my family goes into a church is for a funeral.

Answer 8

You can believe in in evolution and be a Christian, not that you shouLd be a Christian, it's just that that assumption is what turns a Lot of people off to evolution and that is holding society back.

Answer 9

Because a bunch of evangelist missionaries went to Africa and scared the hell out of them with pictures of burning souls. The people of Africa had faith before these missionaries came over and imposed their values on them. Just because we don't agree with someones ideas of faith and worship doesn't mean they are going to hell. It also doesn't mean that I am going to consume human flesh as part of a religous ceremony. Faith is what counts, not religion. Prayer is the only common thing among religions. Seek your answers through prayer.

Answer 10

aUnfortunately, African Americans still typically are lower in socio-economic status in the U.S. than white people. Now this leads to two different reasons that they would be religious:
1. People of low socio economic status probably need religion more, to give them hope, because they struggle more in their lives with money, unsatisfying jobs etc. Religion gives them hope and purpose.
2. People of low socio-economic status are typically not as educated as the middle and upper class, and education is related to less rigid religious beliefs.

This is just based on stereotypes, and I hope that as time goes on, African American people will continue to move up in their average socio-economic status and education level.

And I think that person who got on you about saying you were African American - because you apparently aren't unless you can link your roots back to Africa - is rude.