(Copy into reply and answer)


1. What has been the most positive effect of the church in the black
community?




2. What has been the most negative effect of the church in the black
community?




3. Why do African Americans statistically outnumber whites and
Hispanics in strength of belief?




4. What is the main reason African Americans attend church: (Put an X
by TWO (2) choices)

A. The message of hope and love

B. Entertainment

C. Fellowship and music

D. To know more about God

E. To be politically correct

F. Because everyone else does

G. Because they love the Lord


5. Who are the most influential in the African American community? (Put an X by TWO (2) choices)

A. Political leaders

B. Athletes

C. Black Business men and women

D. African American Scholars

E. Popular Music Stars

F. Religious Leaders

6. Who do you trust the most: Rate the following by putting a number
from 1-6 next to each with 6 being the highest or the most trustworthy.

A. African American Politicians

B. African American Rappers

C. African American Preachers

D. African American Teachers

E. African American Athletes

7. In your opinion, what makes for a good church in the African American community?


8. Given a choice, which would you rather attend?

A. A church with a good preacher, but mediocre choir and message

B. A church with a strong message but a weak preacher and choir

C. A church with a good choir and a mediocre preacher and message

D. A church with no choir, but with a strong message and preacher

9. In your opinion, what percentage of people do you believe are actually touched by the spirit during church services?

A. 90%

B. 10%

C. 50%

D. 25%

E. None

10. Put an X by all the things you believe to be true.

A. Ghosts

B. Psychics

C. Card Readers

D. Spells

E. Hexes

F. Angels

G. Devils

H. ESP

I know this is a touchy subject--but--hey!--I wouldn't be being me if I didn't occassionally stir the pot--Amun-Ra :D

This is only for opinion and opinions all count the same--ain't no right or wrong answers here--just opinion

Ra

:)

(Copy into reply and answer)


1. What has been the most positive effect of the church in the black community?

Strength in unity


2. What has been the most negative effect of the church in the black
community?

Stupidity in unity



3. Why do African Americans statistically outnumber whites and Hispanics in strength of belief?

I don't think they do, they just say they do, and what they say is not enought to actually determine that they do.



4. What is the main reason African Americans attend church: (Put an X by TWO (2) choices)

B. Entertainment
not listed Socializin!

5. Who are the most influential in the African American community? (Put an X by TWO (2) choices)

A. Political leaders

B. Athletes

C. Black Business men and women

D. African American Scholars

E. Popular Music Stars

F. Religious Leaders
I do not think that the black community is influenced greatly by any particular thing. We are probaly more into trying to influence than to be influenced

6. Who do you trust the most: Rate the following by putting a number
from 1-6 next to each with 6 being the highest or the most trustworthy.

A. African American Politicians<b>(Professional Liars)</b>

B. African American Rappers<b> (Pimped idiots)</b>

C. African American Preachers <b>(Shoddy-assed hustlers)</b>

D. African American Teachers<b>(Empty headed beaureaucrats)</b>

E. African American Athletes <b>(knuckleheaded jocks)</b>


7. In your opinion, what makes for a good church in the African American community?


8. Given a choice, which would you rather attend?

A. A church with a good preacher, but mediocre choir and message
B. A church with a strong message but a weak preacher and choir
C. A church with a good choir and a mediocre preacher and message
D. A church with no choir, but with a strong message and preacher

Churches have messages, that can be differentiated from preachers?
I would go to a church with a intense bible study and a decent Sunday School

9. In your opinion, what percentage of people do you believe are actually touched by the spirit during church
services?

A. 90%

B. 10%

C. 50%

D. 25%

E. None
Touched by what spirit? They probaly just touched

10. Put an X by all the things you believe to be true.

A. Ghosts

B. Psychics

C. Card Readers

D. Spells

E. Hexes

F. Angels

G. Devils

H. ESP

There is the possiblity that all exist and that is what I beleive, that it is quite possible, but I do not directly ascribe to any of them.

I loved your descriptions of the rappers, politicans and preachers--wow--Amun-Ra :toast:

1. Uplifting and reaching out to its' people and welcoming those that no one else would
2. disregarding issues in the black community as it chooses to--in other words, not adapting GOD's words to the times
3. Do we ACTUALLY outnumber others or just in theory? If so, I believe it has to do with 1) clinging to the belief that our strong faith will overcome our current and past situation and 2) continuing to believe because our ancestors did
4. A-message of hope F-because everyone else does
5. If influenced at all, I would say A & F (my age community) --younger community B & E
6. A-3
B- It's a draw
C-2
D-1
E -It's a draw
7. A church that tells the WHOLE story..breaks it down according to message and makes it real and relevant to what went on then and what is going on now... A church that is not afraid to take on issues that may offend for fear of losing money or membership..A church that teaches its people ways to uplift themselves spiritually and economically, because I believe I serve a God who desires me to have strength in all ways and all things with HIS guidance..
8. A church with a strong message is all it takes for ..the actually "preaching" is just semantics for me..
9. I have no idea
10. I don't discount any of these, although none has been "true" for me to date.

I appreciate your candor--I will be posting the results of this page and three other places where I posted the same questions and let everyone see them--I haven't compiled them yet. I had a total of 87 respondents

Amun-Ra

;)

For what it is worth....My 2 Cents

1. What has been the most positive effect of the church in the black
community?

Being able to gather together people to support one another



2. What has been the most negative effect of the church in the black
community?
The ablility to pull the wool over peoples eyes and lead them blindly down an unrighteous path.



3. Why do African Americans statistically outnumber whites and
Hispanics in strength of belief?

We don't; we are just more divided.


4. What is the main reason African Americans attend church: (Put an X
by TWO (2) choices)

A. The message of hope and love

B. Entertainment

C. Fellowship and music X (To meet potential bed partners)

D. To know more about God

E. To be politically correct

F. Because everyone else does X

G. Because they love the Lord


5. Who are the most influential in the African American community? (Put an X by TWO (2) choices)

A. Political leaders

B. Athletes X

C. Black Business men and women

D. African American Scholars

E. Popular Music Stars X

F. Religious Leaders

6. Who do you trust the most: Rate the following by putting a number
from 1-6 next to each with 6 being the highest or the most trustworthy.

A. African American Politicians 1

B. African American Rappers 5

C. African American Preachers1

D. African American Teachers 5

E. African American Athletes 3

7. In your opinion, what makes for a good church in the African American community?
Drama.. That is what most of them are there for...

8. Given a choice, which would you rather attend?

A. A church with a good preacher, but mediocre choir and message

B. A church with a strong message but a weak preacher and choir

C. A church with a good choir and a mediocre preacher and message

D. A church with no choir, but with a strong message and preacher X

9. In your opinion, what percentage of people do you believe are actually touched by the spirit during church services?

A. 90%

B. 10% X ( I would really say 1% really get a message)

C. 50%

D. 25%

E. None

10. Put an X by all the things you believe to be true.

A. Ghosts

B. Psychics

C. Card Readers

D. Spells

E. Hexes

F. Angels X

G. Devils X (Jinn, Demons)

H. ESP

1. What has been the most positive effect of the church in the black community? It brings us together as one in equality and sometimes respect. Teaches and uplifts the human brain..

2. What has been the most negative effect of the church in the black community? When a church is more interested in their people's financial matter rather than their religious state. The way they shy away those who do not believe the same as they do. And the misconception given off at times by many of their own beliefs.

3. Why do African Americans statistically outnumber whites and
Hispanics in strength of belief? Can't really answer that because I didn't know that.

4. What is the main reason African Americans attend church: (Put an X
by TWO (2) choices)

C. Fellowship and music

G. Because they love the Lord


5. Who are the most influential in the African American community? (Put an X by TWO (2) choices)

C. Black Business men and women

F. Religious Leaders

6. Who do you trust the most: Rate the following by putting a number
from 1-6 next to each with 6 being the highest or the most trustworthy.

A. African American Politicians 2

B. African American Rappers 2

C. African American Preachers 3

D. African American Teachers 5

E. African American Athletes 2

7. In your opinion, what makes for a good church in the African American community? One that excepts all.. for who they are and is will teach the word without extreme compensation. One who lives and thrives off Gods Word and is not hypocrytical by the end of the service. Where everyone knows everyone and respects each other, get along and helps out in their own community surrounding their church.. Investing in their commmunity and their church.. because I look at i like this.. if the community can invest in the church.. the church should be able to invest in the community. And that befits our society...

8. Given a choice, which would you rather attend?
None of the above... I'd rather attend a church with a preacher with good heart and understanding of the word that he is about to preach and will relay in a way i can understand... And a choir that can blow and get my flood flowing as the spirit moves me...

9. In your opinion, what percentage of people do you believe are actually touched by the spirit during church services?

D. 25%

10. Put an X by all the things you believe to be true.
The rest...I have not seen with my own eyes so I can't really call it.. I think anything is possible... And will leave that question open to possibilities...
A. Ghosts

B. Psychics

C. Card Readers

D. Spells

E. Hexes

F. Angels

G. Devils

H. ESP

One thing that seems to be coming through clearly is that we don't have much trust for our preachers and politicians--Ra

By giving our people hope, faith , and encouragement by sharing the gospel of Jesus christ.

members who claim to be christians slandering one-another,
when they should be praying for one-another instead. Thereby Causing a division within the church which does not represent Christ well.

Let's get some meat on this answer. Perhaps, one negative effect could be that religion often encourages magical thinking and less self-dependence while people wait on God.

A positive could be that church or religion encourages individuals to care more about others than just themselves.

Give me some meat! I can see that you have the knowledge--share it with us!

Ra

Hey Ra, please to meet ya. You want meat:you got hamburger. Obviouly,There are many positive and negative effects of the church, the most positive being that it improves our natural sinister behavior by instilling within us a belief in God and enables
us to view life from Gods perspective. It's doctrine teaches us that we were created for a purpose,our instinct tells us that it's true. It is this desire to fullfill Gods purpose that brings out the best in us.
Church teaches us that God want us to put him first and
self second, that it is he who gives us life and not ourselves. It also teaches us that without faith it is impossible to please him and this faith is charactized living the life our disclipline teaches....not talking it. It is this "living the life" or attempting to that makes us human beings. Without this effort there would be no order and we would cease to exist.
Heaven and hell is a powerful motivator. Most beleive, and no one wants to suffer eternally, everyone wants bliss. This factor causes us to adopt a behavior that pleases God,thereby avoiding obliteration. The positive effect of the church is that we exist.

I like to see people come out and say where they stand and you just did that--Bravo! There is absolutely nothing wrong with having an opinion and I think that too often we don't let it be known where we stand. The black church has does many positive things for the black community, especially during the time of slavery and immediately thereafter and even to this day, it continues to play a positive role in the lives of some. However, my research shows me that the church has been of little to no value in curbing bad behavior in our communities.

Just a side note: Nearly 35% of black Christians are what is termed "unchurched" meaning that they never attend church except for wedding, funerals, Christmas and Easter. The majority (55%+) of the black unchurched are male as the black church is now dominated by women except in the leadership, which is nearly all male. Nevertheless, the black community is probably the most religious community in the United States if not on the face of the planet, but there is a wide disparity in belief and behavior.

With such a high rate of belief in the community it would seem that behavior would fall in line with the dominant principles of the prevailing religion which is Christianity, but even a surface look at what is preached and what is practiced is the difference between day and night.

There is no less incest, assault, robbery, illegitimacy, adultery, gambling, drinking, dope smoking, fornicating, stripping, lying, cheating, killing, rape, gossiping, cursing or even fudging on income taxes because of church influence. It appears that most people figure they aren't going to die immediately, so they figure they got time to "get right" with God. I could mention that 90% of the US prison population is Christian, but it is not a fair correlation. As 85% of the population claims to be Christian then it makes since that the higher number of people in prison would be Christian--doesn't it? Alternatively, I could say that since 15% of the population isn’t Christian that the problem lies with them with would be just as erroneous.

The truth is that over the centuries religion has had little effect on stopping men and women from doing whatever they please, but fore the black community I must say the black church has at least been in the forefront of fomenting civil and human rights issues and has done a good job when no one else would stand.


Ra


:)

You just reminded me of another article I wanted to do concerning ESP, psychics, etc. There seems to be a great deal of interest in it and I have some interesting research on the topic--again--thanks for replying--Amun-Ra


;)

Originally posted by Amun-Ra
You just reminded me of another article I wanted to do concerning ESP, psychics, etc. There seems to be a great deal of interest in it and I have some interesting research on the topic Just peeking in Amun-Ra to say that I'm looking forward to this article! Will it discuss voodoo too?! I started this thread (http://www.destee.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4848) on African Religion / Faith and the little research I've done indicates it embraces voodoo, psychics and the such ... anyway ... looking forward to this one for sure!

African religion that we know the most about came mainly from the gold coast and the Yoruba people. Interestingly enough, there are many parallels between popular religion and early African religion--I will have it out there soon. By the way, Voudon (Voodoo) is also practiced worldwide and had not died out as many believe.

Ra

Speak to us, Sista Rosetta...

My answers:
1. What has been the most positive effect of the church in the black
community?

KEEPING BLACK FOLK TOGETHER AT LEAST ONE DAY PER WEEK (AT LEAST IN BODY).


2. What has been the most negative effect of the church in the black
community?

LIKE ROSETTA STATED, SELLING THE WHITE SUPREMACIST'S AGENDA TO UNWITTING, VULNERABLE MASSES OF AFRIKHANS WHO HAVE BEEN SEVERED FROM TRUE KNOWLEDGE AND THE TRUE NATURE OF THE SUPREME SPIRIT.


3. Why do African Americans statistically outnumber whites and
Hispanics in strength of belief?

HOW DO YOU OBJECTIVELY MEASURE "STRENGTH OF BELIEF"? IF AFRIKHANS IN AMERICA OUTNUMBER WHITES AND HISPANICS IN THEIR CHURCH MEMBERSHIPS, THEN THAT IS BECAUSE (I REPEAT) WE HAVE BEEN SEVERED FROM OUR ORIGINAL SPIRITUALITY, AND ARE MORE STARVED (UNLIKE OTHERS) FOR SOME KIND OF CONNECTION TO THE CREATOR VIA CONGREGATION IN A SO-CALLED HOLY PLACE.


4. What is the main reason African Americans attend church: (Put an X
by TWO (2) choices)

A. The message of hope and love

B. Entertainment

C. Fellowship and music

D. To know more about God

E. To be politically correct X

F. Because everyone else does X

G. Because they love the Lord

THOSE ARE THE MAIN REASONS, ALTHOUGH OTHER OPTIONS APPLY. I AGREE THAT SOCIALIZING IS ONE COMMON REASON, AS IS THE MISINFORMED BELIEF THAT THEIR SOULS WILL BE SAVED IF THEY JUST STAY IN CHURCH.

5. Who are the most influential in the African American community? (Put an X by TWO (2) choices)

A. Political leaders

B. Athletes X

C. Black Business men and women

D. African American Scholars

E. Popular Music Stars X

F. Religious Leaders

AS A WHOLE, THOSE TWO ARE THE MOST INFLUENTIAL. SPORTS FIGURES AND POPULAR MUSIC CELEBS DISPROPORTIONATELY INFLUENCE CHILDREN AND ADULTS ALIKE IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY, UNFORTUNATELY.

6. Who do you trust the most: Rate the following by putting a number
from 1-6 next to each with 6 being the highest or the most trustworthy.

A. African American Politicians 4

B. African American Rappers 5

C. African American Preachers 3

D. African American Teachers 2

E. African American Athletes 1

F. African American Political Prisoners 6

ANY AFRICAN AMERICAN WHO IS JAILED FOR THEIR POLITICAL BELIEFS (MUMIA ABU-JAMAL, ETC.) CAN BE TRUSTED. ALTHOUGH MANY ON THIS BOARD ARE AS GUILTY AS WHITE RACISTS OF PUTTING ALL RAPPERS IN ONE BOX, MANY RAPPERS PUT OUT MESSAGES THAT WE ALL SHOULD HAVE SENSE ENOUGH TO PAY ATTENTION TO. E.G., DEAD PREZ, LAST POETS, KRS-ONE, POOR RIGHTEOUS TEACHERS, QUEEN GODIS, NZINGHA, MOMSUG DOJO, DOPE-A-DELIC, REBEL LION, PROPHETS OF RAGE, ETC. I BELIEVE SOME AFRICAN AMERICAN POLITICIANS CAN BE TRUSTED (MAXINE WATERS FOR EXAMPLE). A FEW PREACHERS CAN BE TRUSTED--SOME OF THEM HAVE MIND-BLOWING MESSAGES OF BLACK LIBERATION (WENDELL ANTHONY IN DETROIT, CLARENCE L. JAMES IN PHILADELPHIA, ETC.). A FEW TEACHERS ARE REALLY THERE TO TEACH OUR CHILDREN THE TRUTH, NOT THE LIES THAT THE WHITE SUPREMACIST EDUCATION SYSTEM WANTS TO INDOCTRINATE THEM WITH. PROBABLY A SMALL NUMBER OF ATHLETES CAN BE TRUSTED. PROBABLY SOME OF THEM VALUE THE BLACK FAMILY AND GIVE BACK TO THE UNDERPRIVILEGED COMMUNITIES.

7. In your opinion, what makes for a good church in the African American community?

ONE THAT IS NOT PATRIARCHAL, DOES NOT SPEND MONEY ON MATERIAL OR SHOWBOAT AMENITIES. ONE THAT HAS A PREACHER WHO HAS STUDIED A WIDE VARIETY OF FAITHS AND DOES NOT TRY AND BRAINWASH THE CONGREGATION INTO BELIEVING EVERYTHING THAT WHITE FOLK HAVE TAUGHT HIM BY WAY OF HIS ANCESTORS, WHO WERE FORCE-FED THE WHITE SUPREMACIST'S VERSION OF CHRISTIANTIY, THAT WAS PASSED DOWN THROUGH BLACK GENERATIONS, ONE WITH A PASTOR WHO ACTUALLY KNOWS WHO KING JAMES WAS.

8. Given a choice, which would you rather attend?

A. A church with a good preacher, but mediocre choir and message

B. A church with a strong message but a weak preacher and choir

C. A church with a good choir and a mediocre preacher and message

D. A church with no choir, but with a strong message and preacher

(THIS IS OBVIOUSLY THE CORRECT ANSWER). YOU CAN HAVE A GOOD PREACHER (MEANING HE CAN REALLY STIR UP FOLK) WITH A WEAK MESSAGE (HIS SHOWBOAT PREACHING IS BEREFT OF A SPIRITUALLY SUBSTANTIVE MESSAGE)--THE MESSAGE IS TRITE AND SUPERFICIAL. THEN, YOU CAN HAVE AN AWESOME MESSAGE, BUT THE PREACHER LOSES FOLK BECAUSE HIS TONE IS MONOTONOUS, AND HE IS NOT OSTENTATIOUS LIKE MOST PREACHERS. MOST PREACHERS TRY AND DO STAND-UP COMEDY WITH THEIR MESSAGES (LIKE TO HAVE THEIR CLOWN SUIT ON IN THE PULPIT), AND TRY AND APPEAL TO PEOPLE'S PREJUDICES ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE. THEY TRY AND USE CATCHY WORDS AND PHRASES AND LOTS OF ANIMATION IN THEIR VOICE AND BODY LANGUAGE. MOST BLACK FOLK CONSIDER THEM TO BE "GOOD PREACHERS".

9. In your opinion, what percentage of people do you believe are actually touched by the spirit during church services?

A. 90%

B. 10% X

C. 50%

D. 25%

E. None

THEY DON'T USUALLY HEAR ANYTHING THEY HAVEN'T ALREADY HEARD BEFORE, SO WHAT COULD BE SO PROFOUND THAT THEY FEEL DEEPLY TOUCHED? THOSE WHO ARE ACTUALLY TOUCHED, I BELIEVE ARE TOUCHED BY THE PREACHER'S SPIRIT, NOT THE SPIRIT OF THE THE CREATOR. MOST ARE THERE TO WORSHIP THEIR PASTOR, WHO IS THEIR GOD, NOT THE CREATOR ITSELF.

10. Put an X by all the things you believe to be true.

A. Ghosts (I BELIEVE THAT THE SPIRITS OF THE ANCESTORS ARE REAL AND DWELL AMONG US)

B. Psychics

C. Card Readers

D. Spells X

E. Hexes

F. Angels

G. Devils

H. ESP X

I appreciate you stopping past and taking the timeto comment--it is very helpful.

Amun-Ra

;)

My pleasure. Amani na baraka.

I am finishing up my book "Black and Not Baptist" and I need a few insights and thoughts from those who might like to participate.

Amun-Ra
:cool: