African Americans - and 'praising Jesus'…Is it true what we see in the media?

Question

Sub-questions:

Why is it that when I see people of African descent (English-speaking) - on TV - almost all of them seem to be very passionate, religious (Christian) people (more passionate than most other folks)?

Is it true?

In my country, in Asia, we hardly get exposed to any ethnic African or African American culture; so do pardon my lack of knowledge. Thanks.

Intelligent answers that have relevance to my question - are welcome. Insults aren't. Don't believe me? Go check with Yahoo.

Answer 1

Yes, many of them are spiritual. You must also understand that their culture tends to be a little more celebratory. This also might stem from the fact, that when they were enslaved they were forced to become Christians. Now, if I were a slave, and the only thing I had was my faith in god, I would probably be zealous too. However, I always found it funny that African Americans are Christian. I would have rejected the religion of my captors once I was free. However, on the flip side they were already converted to Christianity by then. Finally, when they were slaves they could not read so relied more on song and dance probably to worship and that is why they are so lively in their churches. However, I can tell you I have seen white revival tent shows in which they are loud and waving around minically, so, there you go.

Answer 2

Thank you for your answer shaybani_yusuf. It definitely needed to be said.

Black Chrisitianity in America is the result of violent indoctrination by slave masters. When new slaves arrived and attempted to teach African faiths, they were quickly lynched.

One of the basic elements of Willie Lynch's "Making of a Slave" was that once you break a group of female slaves, They will do the rest of the job for you. It is the same with religious teachings.

I believe the passion shown by modern blacks in various denominations is the result of denial and misinformation built up for nearly 4 centuries.

This is plainly evident in the debate over the skin color of Jesus. There is no need to argue the race of a man who is not a true religious icon. The race of African religious icons is obvious.

I am a very spiritual person and believe in a higher power but subscribe to no faith. I hope one day my fellow blacks will analyze their history in Christianity and make informed decisions.

Answer 3

I am hispanic and white (American), and, as a Navy brat, have lived in many different areas and cultures. I have been to many different types of Churches, and I tell you, for the most part, it is the "black Churches" that really praise God. We should all learn from them I think. I am so tired of singing Amazing Grace at every Southern Baptist Church I attend; doesn't the Bible tell us we should praise God through song, dance, instrument, raising of hands, and shouting out? Praise should be enjoyable, not for personal pleasure, but necause I believe that God wants us to enjoy praising him, and not just do it out of habit.

Answer 4

So so sad - praising the religion of their slave masters

African American Christians dont have ant identity of their own - they even have their slave masters names- by following Christianity they are still in slavery and bondage

Many have freed themselves like Malcolm X and Muhamed Ali

I think Ice cube expressed it best in his song "When I get to heaven"

Listen to the preacher man,
But are you talkin' to me?
I can't here ya with a mouth full of pigs feet,
Pry' shouldn't eat the swine fless,
Ya body is a mess, but ya blessed,
With the Father, Son, Spirit, and the Holy Ghost,
But my whole neighborhood is comatose,
Lookin' for survival,
The devil made you a slave,
And he gave you a bible,
Four hundered years of gettin' our *** kicked,
By so-called Christians and Catholics,
But I'mma watch 'em burn in the fi-re,
See I'mma G that's why I ain't in ya choi-r,
'Cause I see, 'cause I know,
The church ain't nothin' but a fashion show,
Get the devil do a one-eighty-seven,
And they won't call me a *****,
When I Get To Heaven,


Your waitin' for the devil to come form the ground,
Clown, take a look around,
Just look at the cross that the priest is holdin',
A beast, in sheeps clothin',
But I'm rollin',
With that knowledge itself,
'Cause Heaven ain't just wealth,
So mister preacher,
If I can't pay my tide,
Do I haf'ta wait outside?
White man, please take another look,
'Cause we couldn't be readin' out the same book,
'Cause you's a crook, and I'm a brotha,
King James had sex with his motha,
Is that your edition? Is that your religion?
Black man you gotta make a decision,

Answer 5

yea and most black people live in very poor areas. and they make up 90% of our jail populations even though there are so many whites. whites and blacks usually dont like eachother because we (white people) think they are stupid.