Why are Young People Leaving the Black Church?
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People recognize game. I don't follow religious doctrine and dogma but some churches are an oasis of hope in the community they serve.
Good churches keep their doors open, look after the elder members, mentor the youth members, help with scholarships, help with member's utitility bills/rent/mortgage, neighborhood charity, registering voters, and are politically/socially aware and active in the community they reside in.
What turns people off is:
1.) Inappropriate sexual behavior of clergy, staff, and members. People fucking everyone else's wives and husbands, not to mention the gayness.
2.) Money being collected so Pastor can preach about prosperity preaching while the members don't see the prosperity they are providing to the pastor through their tithes and offerenings.
3.) Churches who always tell their members to have faith in a corrupt system while there are no boots on the ground helping to bring about and effect change. In other words churches have to be active in society especially black ones.
4.) For black churches especially for crying out loud, get rid of all white pictures of Jesus and other biblical figures. Having white iconography subconsciously programs black people into thinking white(people) are good and godlike.
Good churches keep their doors open, look after the elder members, mentor the youth members, help with scholarships, help with member's utitility bills/rent/mortgage, neighborhood charity, registering voters, and are politically/socially aware and active in the community they reside in.
What turns people off is:
1.) Inappropriate sexual behavior of clergy, staff, and members. People fucking everyone else's wives and husbands, not to mention the gayness.
2.) Money being collected so Pastor can preach about prosperity preaching while the members don't see the prosperity they are providing to the pastor through their tithes and offerenings.
3.) Churches who always tell their members to have faith in a corrupt system while there are no boots on the ground helping to bring about and effect change. In other words churches have to be active in society especially black ones.
4.) For black churches especially for crying out loud, get rid of all white pictures of Jesus and other biblical figures. Having white iconography subconsciously programs black people into thinking white(people) are good and godlike.
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This...
Interesting that you posted this video.
I had a student yesterday ask me about blacks, Christianity and the relationship with slavery. The look on her face when my colleague and I started dropping gems was priceless.
I way very proud of her inquiring mind. She was really interested in black history. She has such a thirst to learn and wants to know where to start. I told her to start with The Miseducation of the Negro. She came up to me today and told me she went and bought the book. I had a proud teacher moment right there.
I also told her to be as critical of black history as she is to white history. Information is never to be taken as is. Always have to search for more to have better understanding of things.
But I hope I didn't cause any friction at home with her parents because of her questioning Christianity. I did wonder about that, but it's ok to seek your truth and I do hope that I'm guiding her on a righteous path. But the inevitable anger that follows when learning the truth and finding out how badly you've been lied to is what I'm waiting on.
You fellas be careful. This sista may end up being dangerous
. Inquiring mind, will to learn, and amibtious. I didn't even mention she was a cutie. I have no desire to break any ethics with my students. I'm an educator and young folks rely on me to provide them with stable and valuable guidance. I take that very serious.
I had a student yesterday ask me about blacks, Christianity and the relationship with slavery. The look on her face when my colleague and I started dropping gems was priceless.
I way very proud of her inquiring mind. She was really interested in black history. She has such a thirst to learn and wants to know where to start. I told her to start with The Miseducation of the Negro. She came up to me today and told me she went and bought the book. I had a proud teacher moment right there.
I also told her to be as critical of black history as she is to white history. Information is never to be taken as is. Always have to search for more to have better understanding of things.
But I hope I didn't cause any friction at home with her parents because of her questioning Christianity. I did wonder about that, but it's ok to seek your truth and I do hope that I'm guiding her on a righteous path. But the inevitable anger that follows when learning the truth and finding out how badly you've been lied to is what I'm waiting on.
You fellas be careful. This sista may end up being dangerous
. Inquiring mind, will to learn, and amibtious. I didn't even mention she was a cutie. I have no desire to break any ethics with my students. I'm an educator and young folks rely on me to provide them with stable and valuable guidance. I take that very serious.
The world has definitely changed. A lot of the black youth are not interested or fear what they don't understand. In a microwave society, youngbloods want to see quick results, or they don't fuck with it. They are not interested in the social interaction, moral teachings/bible lessons, or consequences "reaping what you sow" discussed in black churches. The average young black person is not thinking about life on this planet being temporary like a long dream, and eternity will be spent in another physical state.
A lot of people wait until crisis or suffering comes, realize they ain't living right, then try to hide between the church pews later in life. Black youth only live for "today".
I understand both sides, and been on both sides.
A lot of people wait until crisis or suffering comes, realize they ain't living right, then try to hide between the church pews later in life. Black youth only live for "today".
I understand both sides, and been on both sides.
I’ve been thru with church for a long minute and have studied the history of Christianity as a tool to pacify slaves and later, free men and women.
Still, the scenes in ‘The Birth of a Nation’ where the preacher Nat Turner was sent to calm down slaves with the words of the Bible; that was some more eye opening, “how the fuck are black folks so bamboozeled still” scenery.
Still, the scenes in ‘The Birth of a Nation’ where the preacher Nat Turner was sent to calm down slaves with the words of the Bible; that was some more eye opening, “how the fuck are black folks so bamboozeled still” scenery.
Same here. Got into philosophy and saw how pretty much everything in Christianity came from other, older pagan religions and traditions.
Like what? I'm genuinely interested, as my daughter asked me a similar question.
I done came across hateful, critical, judgemental, intolerant just straight up trife people in church. Ive seen everything I needed to see and have heard everything I needed to hear.
I like that Willie D spoke on the hypocritical nature that some older folks can have.
I like that Willie D spoke on the hypocritical nature that some older folks can have.
http://www.truthbeknown.com/ <------- This site got me started. I was reading all of this shit like a maniac.
I agree with what 4 Dimensional said. You need to take it in by steps. Miseducation of a Negro is a great start. From there any book on the history of black people is up to you and what you seek.
This is a great book. I have it in my collection
Holy Lockdown: Does the Church Limit Black Progress? Why are there many churches, yet major problems in Black communities? Why are Blacks amongst the most Jesus-Praising people in the world, yet the most fragmented and economically dependent? Is there a correlation between high praising and low productivity? Holy Lockdown addresses the paradox that exists within the Black community. One that reflects the abundance of Black churches coupled with the abundance of Black problems. There are approximately 85,000 predominately Black churches in this country, meaning, we could have 1,700 Black churches in every state! Holy Lockdown takes a critical and long overdue look at the psychological impact the church and sermonic rhetoric has made on the Black collective, and it explores the possibility of the church as being a contributing factor to many social problems facing Blacks.
About the Author
Jeremiah Camara is the author of the books Holy Lockdown: Does the Church Limit Black Progress? and The New Doubting Thomas: The Bible, Black Folks, and Blind Belief. He received national attention as a frequent guest on the Michael Baisden Show and Lib Radio. Camara continues to speak nationwide about the perils of blind belief and religious preoccupation. Camara, was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1989, he created a video documentary titled Psychological Wars, which examined subliminal messages in sitcoms, cartoons and commercials that negatively impacted the psyche of African Americans. The documentary was endorsed by noted Black educators Na im Akbar and Jawanza Kunjufu. Camara was once a member of one of the largest Black churches in Cincinnati, Ohio. Baptized at an early age, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, shortly after high school, where he began his quest toward a deeper understanding of spirituality. While in Cleveland, he began to diligently study the Bible and gave serious thought to becoming a minister, or at least living an active life in the church. During that time, he attended a Baptist church at least two or three times a week. Like many, he felt the church could provide him with the substance he was missing in the way of answers, meaning and purpose in his life. There came a time, however, when he began to distance himself from the church not because of a particularly bad experience or negative incident, but because he had begun to expose himself to other forms of thought, spiritual concepts and ideas. I began to see the church as just one source of knowledge. The diversity of the world and its kaleidoscopic array of infinite ideas and wisdom would not permit my spirit to be confined only to the teachings of the church. It also disturbed me deeply to witness Blacks praising so much, but producing so little, says Camara. Camara returned to church, but this time as an investigator. Visits to churches of varying denominations brought to light a common thread linking the vast majority. Mostly all, in his opinion, were preaching a gospel of powerlessness. Following a long investigative hiatus, he rediscovered this same theological impotence when he moved to the Atlanta-metro area, where he quickly discovered that church was big business. He knew then the time had come to write a book shedding light on the many psychologically crippling aspects within the church. Camara adds, African Americans have been theologically conditioned to rely upon supernaturalism and divine intervention to solve problems. In the long run, this has hampered the ability to think logically and practically when it comes to addressing critical issues. The time has come to sober up and reevaluate our relationship with religion.
Age is a factor for certain understandings.
For this particular student, she is either 18 or 19, so I can speak to her differently versus my own daughter who is 9.
But we spoke about the links between Christianity and slavery and how it was used to indoctrinate slaves to obey their masters. Also how it was used as a tool to justify cruelty to slaves. We also spoke of Christianity not originating in Africa and how most African ethicities did not practice the religion as it is practiced today.
We also spoke on the reasons why Caribbean islands and South America speak Spanish/Portuguese and practice Catholicism. We spoke about colonialism and how blacks around the world suffer similar obstacles.
My colleague and I was bouncing info from each other so it was probably an overwhelming experience for someone that was starting to inquire about this stuff.
I agree this makes sense.
I never fucked with religion even as a kid. I've seen too many hypocrisies coming from religious people.
I agree,but they're far and few between.
You have some pastors not wanting to bury some members because they missed a tithe or won't help them in a time of need.You mean to tell me I gotta give you 10% of my hard earn money yet you won't help me....And,then you some of these pastors that's always tell us to forgive and pray bullshit,whenever a white person kills one of us.You will never hear a Jew say "We should forgive" Hitler for what he did yet these black pastors
At least,we know the moon exist,then again we got people that think the earth is flat..
I agree,but they're far and few between.
You have some pastors not wanting to bury some members because they missed a tithe or won't help them in a time of need.You mean to tell me I gotta give you 10% of my hard earn money yet you won't help me....And,then you some of these pastors that's always tell us to forgive and pray bullshit,whenever a white person kills one of us.You will never hear a Jew say "We should forgive" Hitler for what he did yet these black pastors
At least,we know the moon exist,then again we got people that think the earth is flat..
Great point. Everyone is on different levels age and experience wise. Too much info at one time can overwhelm an inquiring mind. This is why steps are necessary.
IMO the triology of books every black beginner should have is: Miseducation of The Negro, Up From Slavery, and The Isis Papers after having these books under your belt you will have the beginnings to put the black boot stomp on racsim and whites supremacy.
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4 Dimensional...I respect what you bring to the table on the board..I would also ask that you be careful...In an earlier post you stated that it could cause friction in the home. That could also include the parents contacting the school to "discuss" you trying to "indoctrinate" their child...
I'm a Christian, but I also love to learn the history of religions...from what I've gathered over there years...the main difference of the 3 major religions(not counting hinduism or buddhism) is the role that Jesus played...we have evidence that Jesus was a real person...
Christians believe: He's the Messiah and through him we have everlasting life
Islam believes: He was a prophet..
Jews Believes: He existed but he's not the Messiah...
I would like to know yall's thoughts on this...
I will add these books to the many books I need to read...I'm in my 30s but as long as I can see and hear, i can learn something..
That is why I had to mention what an ideal church is supposed to do. I have seen and heard of the same things you speak about, so I know where you are coming from.
Real black churches don't fuck with a white Jesus. If you encounter that, challenge them.
That is actually one of the theories about the longevity of Christianity. Some scholars think that because the early Christians were living for the afterlife and not actively trying to rebel against the state like other groups they were allowed to exist relatively undisturbed.
If you really want to get into the historical Jesus, you should start with reading some Tacitus. He was a Roman historian and wrote about Jesus. The book Zealot is also pretty good.
Depending on who you talk to he is either a demi-god, a king, or a revolutionary.
That's about it. People just growing up. It's the fucking 21st century and people following primitive bullshit.
I swear AI will have such contempt for humans. What's deep is when black folks realize that no matter which religion slave masters were following, that is the one that would have been followed by the slaves(see Islam during trans-saharan slavery). If whites had a 'church of the butterfly' during slavery, best believe the black church today would be worshiping butterflies. And doesn't make one difference if you change the color of the butterflies from white to black. Still bullshit.
I heard the historical one was not actually name Jesus because the letter "J" sound does not exist in the ancient Hebrew language(Aramaic). His name was Yeshua Ben Pandira from the Gnostic teachings. I know of him as the black revolutionary who opposed Roman rule and domination over his people.
Noted on the trilogy of books. Thanks, fam. I like that line up.
Thanks for the warnings. And it didn't dawn on me what I did until AFTER the conversation, so I felt a little worried about that because my intentions is to not cause any friction like that between family. At the same time, she came to me with questions, so her mind was already wondering.
I had to go through it myself with my own mother when I denounced following Christianity. Now we have an understanding of one another. I take my students practice of faith seriously, so I mean no harm when I give information. My main purpose is to give perspective and an open mind to things instead of blindly maneuvering through life without questioning way to certain things.
I think you are safe fam
. Colleges are supposed to be a place of thinking and learning new and diverse ideas and ways of thinking. The only way I see conflict is if you are at a Seminary College, or High School where minds are still developing. Upon entering college you supposed to be exposed to new knowledge and if someone ask you as a professor it is your duty to educate. The main thing is keeping it simple for the beginner and teach them to do their own research as well, not just take your word for it.
Understood...the thing about it is that this life or death for us...You either believe Jesus is Lord or your cast into the fire of eternal damnation..theres no in between....It's ironic talking about Religion and Christianity on a Porn board..lol
I think you are safe fam
That's would I hope students are getting when the come to my class. We have some fairly interesting discussions about a lot of things. It's where I learned about the meaning people place on things, the mythologies we create and letting go of certain things that may hold us back as individuals.
I also remind them I don't know a lot. I keep myself humble because I want to learn from my students as well whenever I see it possible.
Understood...the thing about it is that this life or death for us...You either believe Jesus is Lord or your cast into the fire of eternal damnation..theres no in between....It's ironic talking about Religion and Christianity on a Porn board..lol
Lol. I feel you though. I couldn't live with those two extremes. It was too much pressure for me. lol. I like to do sinful things. As well as good.
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