"Semi" still makes it rhetorical. This is why I asked how you felt about all religions to clarify because it was all but obvious in your question.
I can't catch something that is not there. Stating "Although Black/African people have many issues with which we need to deal" and ignoring that one of the main issues is the very one I am trying to address (i.e. self-hatred vs. "evil, mind-controlling organized religion"). We have no excuse in 2006 to continue to deflect the responsibility for our own self-hatred.
That depends on who you consider to be "core practicioners." And yes, there are people who make that argument. Usually those people don't have a white Jesus on their wall.
If we go to the root of it I think we'll find white supremacy and racism, not religion. There was a Supreme Being before there were white folks, so look to the new man on the planet if you are looking for the culprit and not religion. I do agree that some religious doctrine is oppressive, especially when that doctrine teachers you that the color of your skin is a curse and therefore you are destined to be a slave (which is not the case with Islam btw).
I agree, it is not the case for most, and I would like to think I am in the group that questions and challenges.