Why Is It That Blacks Seem So Spiritual?

[metamorfhosis]

Hello-

I am watching a little of the Stellar Awards on BET and was noticing how spiritual the audience is. I know it's a gospel awards show but it reminded me of black awards shows in general.

Now I know you have seen someone like Lil' Wayne or Ray J. put out a song about hitting it and then get an award and thank GOD. My oh my! On the other hand, you might see a white person getting honored and I can count on just about one hand how many whites thank GOD. Now they might do it when they get home but that doesn't seem sincere. It's like you don't want anyone to know you are saved, or you are ashamed of GOD, or it is a "political" move.

I have been to a white church before. It's a whole lot eh-"quieter" than the black church. But you know one could seem a little "cold" at church and have a pure heart verses the sister who claps her hands, dances in the spirit, cries, runs etc. who is a devil.

But I will say this. After attending a couple of white churches and noticing some on tv; the black folks REALLY give it up for GOD. Why is that?

[Supergirl]

I think it's our heritage. Most of us were raised in church because our parents were raised in church and there parents, and so on and so forth. I've heard that it stems from being enslaved and slaves felt like GOD was ALL they had, their only hope.

I'm sure there are other cultural influences that contribute to this as well.

And I must add, that it's not necessarily spirituality. Sometimes it's habit. Sometimes people shout in church or lift their hands out of sheer habit. The organ hits a certain note and a "GLORAY" comes out of some folks' mouth automatically. :lol:

Those rappers that thank God--I think most of them are sincere, they just don't realize that they look kind of foolish talkin' out of both sides of their mouths. :ohwell:

[kayte]

I know what you mean..metamorfhosis... I think ..
trying hard not to generalize here...but it seems to me.. I've witnessed ..not that one ethnicity is more spiritual than another per se?

but pehaps African Americans seem much more openly demonstrative..of it...from spirituality being presented as I guess an innate expressive means of communication to God.. and being modeled with this paradigm
when we were very young

Call and response is such a rich part of our culture....I would suggest even origins from drumming in villages where messages were sent and responded to ....and in slavery the coded messages in music,and vocal expression, poetry,bliblical verses,storytelling...et al

so because gospel, jazz,dance,stepping,oratory,preaching,is so intertwined with..like EVERYTHING art expressive ......it IS almost innate.....
And I was raised African American Baptist and then in early middle school years..predominantly White Lutheran..........talk about culture shock ..LOL

In my current church we once had a guest preacher Tony Campolo (..I've mixed feelings abt him )

but he said a few times( I am badly paraphrasing ) that the congregation it was TOO WHITE BREAD..some thing like that
he went on....you all need to go to Harlem and get real religon they would have been amening by now and dancing in the aisle..NOW can I get an amen? a halfhearted amen later and he shook his head..LOL....and everyone laughed...

and today we had Dr James A Forbes..who integrated music poetry bible
the congregation ...was A-live....today
So different styles ...your point about comparing ..which one is holier is a good one....
I cannot claim to be a civilized sinner...not me ..I am awful,
God knows.. See and I was raised under both traditions ... LOL
God knows our heart ..even if the expressions vary:)

PS
I will never forget one year when Whitney Houston very humbly gave thanks for a Grammy or something
FIRST thing..... Thanks to God from whom ALL my blessings flow and while her background with mother Cissy was gospel......she had that point become a pop icon and it was a huge beautiful message to hear her speak with such simplicity and sincerity

[FoxyScholar]

I think kayte touched upon an important point when she said "openly demonstrative"....

It's interesting you would start this thread because I was just wondering about Muslims and their consistency in their five daily prayers... to the point where they will pause from their jobs (corporate workplaces, even?) to attend to their prayers....

Are Christians that consistent in prayer?

Apologies if my questions are off topic....

[HeChangedMyName]

I think it just has a lot to do with out culture. Even from Africa, we were an openly expressive people. We demonstrated gratitude and sorrow with celebration. As black Christians, we carry that in our DNA and it is almost natural for some of us to praise and be sprititual, knowing that there is a God that we worship who is above all our natural circumstances and whom we give praise and thanks to him, we want others to know who our God is.

[kayte]

Saw this online devotion today and it immediately reminded me of this thread:grin:
by the way..this was written by a white minister

"Boots, or no boots"
In pre-Emancipation days it was common practice for white people to occupy the main floor of a church while African-Americans were assigned to the balcony. Every Sunday a black man called Frank would interrupt the sermon by praising God out loud from the balcony. Irritated, Frank's boss promised him a pair of new boots if he'd stay quiet. So Frank made up his mind not to utter a peep. The following Sunday the pastor spoke about all the wonderful gifts God gave us through His Son Jesus. Frank struggled to stay quiet, but inside he was shouting, "Hallelujah...Praise the Lord." Still, he kept his lip buttoned, thinking about the new boots. But eventually the Word of God connected with the Spirit of God that was within him. Unable to contain himself he jumped up and shouted, "Boots or no boots - I'm gonna praise the Lord!"

We sit in church every week with our mouths closed, maintaining a façade of respectability and decorum. Not in the New Testament times! When Jesus "came near...the whole crowd...began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: [saying] 'Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord'...the Pharisees...said to Jesus...'rebuke your disciples!'... he replied, 'if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out'" (Lk 19:37-40 NIV). Isaiah said, "The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees...will clap their hands" (Isa 55:12 NLT). Stones! Mountains! Trees! Are you getting the message? God's Word says, "Let every living, breathing creature praise God."

[Caramela]

Just because the black person, Lil Wayne - used in your example, gives a shout out to God doesn't make him holy or spirtual. Was he really thinking about God when he wrote the lyrics to some "L-l-l-l-lick me like a lolipop" ????
Is he saying "Thank God" in front of a bunch of people because it looks good or is he saying it because he really means it? He can appear holy by thanking God for his award, but honestly, it might mean absolutely NOTHING to God. The scriptures even talk about this... Read Matthew 15:8 8This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

[HISdaughter]

I kind of understand what you saying...honestly, I think it just depends on where you go. The church I go to now is a mixed church, people of all ethnicities go there. White, black, hispanic, asian. All races are represented very well, not little specs of black, or hispanic here and there, all of the races are represented pretty equally. Which I think is a beautiful thing. So with that said, the church is pretty spiritual. The white people get just as loud and active as the blacks, hispanics, etc. Jumping, dancing, crying out to God, kneeling on the ground, walking around while in deep prayer during morning prayer service, etc. So I think it just depends on where you go, how the individual person worships God, etc. Not necessarily on race. My old church back home is mostly black and some people would get somewhat loud and what not during service. But yea, honestly they are quieter and more reserved than the church i've been attending since coming to college.

[metamorfhosis]

I think kayte touched upon an important point when she said "openly demonstrative"....

It's interesting you would start this thread because I was just wondering about Muslims and their consistency in their five daily prayers... to the point where they will pause from their jobs (corporate workplaces, even?) to attend to their prayers....

Are Christians that consistent in prayer?

Apologies if my questions are off topic....


Hi FoxyScholar:

I was having a discussion with someone about whether Christians are
disciplined last week. It seems like Muslims are more disciplined (praying many times a day, don't eat unclean food--pork, etc) However, Muslims might pray five times a day, etc. BUT what's in their hearts AND we all know if they don't know JESUS then..........

John 14:6 (New International Version)

6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

There are Christians who think they know JESUS who won't get into heaven. After all the years of going to church 3 times a week, BUT we know:

Matthew 7:22-23 (New International Version)

22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

My aunt told me about my Grandmother when she was dying. She was fading in and out of consciousness and said,


"It's


hard


to


get


in


here."


And then she died.

Hmmmmmmm......

[metamorfhosis]

kayte;

I love your example. Got to love Frank!! :grin:

[metamorfhosis]

Just because the black person, Lil Wayne - used in your example, gives a shout out to God doesn't make him holy or spirtual. Was he really thinking about God when he wrote the lyrics to some "L-l-l-l-lick me like a lolipop" ????
Is he saying "Thank God" in front of a bunch of people because it looks good or is he saying it because he really means it? He can appear holy by thanking God for his award, but honestly, it might mean absolutely NOTHING to God. The scriptures even talk about this... Read Matthew 15:8 8This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

Hi Caramela:

I have noticed that more blacks thank GOD during awards ceremonies than whites. But I guess you are saying that they might as well not say anything at all if they don't have a pure heart.

Although Lil Wayne sold 1 million copies of his latest cd the first week, I don't know why he has had such success.

Good point Caramela!

[metamorfhosis]

I kind of understand what you saying...honestly, I think it just depends on where you go. The church I go to now is a mixed church, people of all ethnicities go there. White, black, hispanic, asian. All races are represented very well, not little specs of black, or hispanic here and there, all of the races are represented pretty equally. Which I think is a beautiful thing.

msshortysweets:

I have not worshipped with a multi-cultural congregation. It must be really beautiful. My cousin took a picture of her singles group at her church. She sent me the picture and I told her that that is what heaven will be like. It was so diverse. What a beautiful picture!

[BrooklynSouth]

Great responses.
Our African roots saw God in everything not just a once a week tip of the hat so we praise the Lord by calling out loud because we know he is EVERYWHERE! Now, if we'd only remember our lost culture,truly believe in our hearts, lead Godly lives we'd once again be the chosen people. The book of DEUTORONOMY has been my night time reading for a week now and I love every word. {I've a long road to this myself.}

[Caramela]

Hi Caramela:

I have noticed that more blacks thank GOD during awards ceremonies than whites. But I guess you are saying that they might as well not say anything at all if they don't have a pure heart.

Although Lil Wayne sold 1 million copies of his latest cd the first week, I don't know why he has had such success.

Good point Caramela!

Right... why bother thanking God to make yourself appear holy in the presence of others but your lifestyle and actions otherwise have NOTHING to do with God?
Furthermore, the bible also speaks about having this passion to worship God, but doing it according to tradition or personal feelings versus according to what the bible says. Read Romans 10:2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge Romans 10:3For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

[Valerie]

I think it's our heritage. Most of us were raised in church because our parents were raised in church and there parents, and so on and so forth. I've heard that it stems from being enslaved and slaves felt like GOD was ALL they had, their only hope.

I'm sure there are other cultural influences that contribute to this as well.

And I must add, that it's not necessarily spirituality. Sometimes it's habit. Sometimes people shout in church or lift their hands out of sheer habit. The organ hits a certain note and a "GLORAY" comes out of some folks' mouth automatically. :lol:

Those rappers that thank God--I think most of them are sincere, they just don't realize that they look kind of foolish talkin' out of both sides of their mouths. :ohwell:

Yes and we are passionate about God. God, Jesus and the Heavenly host are so realm and we are people of the earth.

[Naemone]

We are the true natural branches. Let HIM show you and then it will all make sense.

Here are a some things:


Our struggle as a people, us not knowing who we are, or not knowing our history. Read Deut about the blessing and the cursing. We would be taken aka slavery and we are dispersed across the earth. We have from america, to south america, the islands to europe and australia, black folks are everywhere. Other cultures don't realize why we are there. Most people have came by choice to certain areas, we were taken, it wasn't by choice. We are all over and most of the time it wasn't very pleasant but necessary. We are the only people that have this unique testimony. Others might, but not for this length of time( I am talking before U.S. Slavery longer than 400 yrs) this goes back to Egypt.

Also we might not as a whole have a lot of material wealth but we have natural gifts. Musical talent (the world calls it soul), strength, caution(or discernment, think about just our kids who are "street smart" and at young ages), the power to endure, etc, gifts only GOD can give. He has given us the strength to endure. If it wasn't for HIM we couldn't have made it, but HE allowed us to make it for a reason.

Other races of people do get to enjoy our talents that we have from GOD. From music to sports, but we don't own it, besides the players, other people profit from our natural talents. We influence the culture but are not profiting as a whole. Why? Like I said others don't have this unique testimony for this length of time like we do, it is all in planned, and things are starting to change.

I don't want to get all deep right now into other attributes like: hair like sheep's wool, but us not understanding it right now. Other hair can be compared to goat's hair( not trying to be disrespectful) it grows down. There is a difference for a reason. Natural rhythum, our ability to speak plain so others understand.
Wisdom, like some of our ancestors who didn't go to school and learn the worlds knowledge, but still had much wisdom and knowledge that only GOD can give, creativity(spoken word, rap, etc.)

Through all we have been through we still have those talents and other race's see these talents as well. All people have talents but it seems like we have more. It just start's to get plain.


Remember there will be a people who say they are Jews and are not. ISRAEL will not realize they are ISRAEL(lost ISRAEL) until GOD reveals it. Not all ISRAEL is ISRAEL though, by that I mean just because you are part of the natural branches doesn't mean you are spiritual. Spiritual ISRAEL is from the heart and includes all races of people who GOD, OUR FATHER, created before the foundation of the earth. That is the true ISRAEL, I am just saying we are the natural branches.(descendents of ISRAEL)

[vivmaiko]

I do believe it has to do with suffering. I may be wrong but it is my opinion. When people suffer they either grasp onto faith or throw it out the window. The two extremes.

I believe this because I saw it a lot in Kenya where I grew up. Sometimes, when you barely have anything in life, you tend to be more in touch with what is really your only hope, and most of the time, it has to be something/someone that is not of this world, because at that point, this world is a source of despair and misery.

Black people have seen so much suffering, wherever you go in this world.

[Nefertiti0906]

I think it's because of the African ancestry. Africans are a VERY spiritual people and it's incorporated in every parts of their lives. Even before Christianity was introduced to Africa they were very spiritually aware.

[metamorfhosis]

Through all we have been through we still have those talents and other race's see these talents as well. All people have talents but it seems like we have more. It just start's to get plain.

I don't know if we have more talents. We seem to be stronger in certain areas such as in the arts and sports (without getting too specific--or stereotypcial) Whites are excellent planners and entrepreneurs. And other races have their strengths.

Do you remember when Reggie White (former NFL defensive end for the Philadephia Eagles) made some controversial comments about the different races and their strengths? He had a point.





I think it's because of the African ancestry. Africans are a VERY spiritual people and it's incorporated in every parts of their lives. Even before Christianity was introduced to Africa they were very spiritually aware.

Hmmm I was thinking lately about some people saying that the Bible justifies slavery and yet it seems like there are more blacks who are Christians than any other religion.





I do believe it has to do with suffering. I may be wrong but it is my opinion. When people suffer they either grasp onto faith or throw it out the window. The two extremes.

I remember when 911 happened. Boy church was full that Sunday! I guess people were searching for answers and in about a month, business was back to usual.

I have an aunt who wants her sons (over 30) to go to church "just in case something happens" :bricks: . Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with going to church but GOD doesn't give out "insurance policies".