Are African-American churchgoers more likely to respond favorably to an emotional preacher?

Question

Here is a statement that was made about Barack Obama:

--"The Rev. Robert Abbott, pastor of the Holy Trinity Baptist Church in Amityville, N.Y., said Obama connects with black audiences because of the preacher's style he uses when addressing them."--

What does Mr. Abbot mean by this? What is the "preacher's style"? Whatever it is, isn't Mr. Abbot using a stereotype of black audiences? Are black people supposed to be more likely than any other group to respond favorably to a "preacher's style"?

Answer 1

Good question. "Preacher's Style"-- highly emotionally charged that tends to speak to and inspire one's soul rather than speak to and reason with the intellect. I have generally found that a lot of blacks went to church to find a place to have their souls ministered to and to be inspired to hang in there, because things will get better. While some would go to do an exogesis of the scriptures, it wasn't the masses. That has been my experience anyway.

I think that Mr. Abbot is refering to the cultural connection between Sen. Barak and the black audiences. May aspects of black church services and black ministers have its roots in African culture, with the minister representing the tribe's chief who is the leader, the wisest and has the closest connection with the sacred. If Barak's audiences are subconsciously aligning Barak along those lines, then better for him.

In a nutshell, it's more than just the fact that he's an emotional speaker. Not just any fool from the street could go up and be an emotional speaker and get the attention of black audiences.

Answer 2

The truth is the black church today has become more about entertainment then inspiration. During the civil rights movement blacks used "Freedom songs" to help them through the movement. This is why in the past blacks where often seen as very emotional with their church service, it was a sign of inspiration. Today, it's noting but a concert/motivational 3hour event with band and all, filled with stadium size audiences.

Answer 3

I believe this question needs some clarification. Are you asking,
"Are African-Americans more likely to respond favorably to an emotional preacher than persons of other races?"

or,
"Are African-Americans more likely to respond favorably to an emotional preacher than to preachers who are unemotional?"

or some other variation

My answer:
African-American churchgoers are no more likely to respond favorably to an emotional preacher than churchgoers or persons of any other race.

African-American churchgoers are more likely to repond favorably to an emotional preacher than an unemotional one, as long as the emotion is one for which they have sympathy.

Any preacher is more effective who touches us at some emotional level - it might be a better question to ask which emotions are being touched. Does the preacher ask us to hate and fear immigrants, or does he invoke sympathy for the plight of the poor and a feeling of common humanity?

There is a distinct sermon-like style used by preachers in the southern Baptist tradition, I have noticed Rush Limbaugh adopts it. Perhaps that explains a lot of his popularity. Black people are no more likely than others to respond favorably to a "preacher's style," but any political leader would be well advised to adopt the linguistic cadences of his/her audience.

Answer 4

It appears that a lot of people, are more readily moved by emotion than by reason.So the answer is yes,and they will favor Obama based on the same principle.

Answer 5

yes, they got fire.