Anyone else find it odd that African-Americans are so religious?

I find it odd that anyone would be so devoutly religious.

You actually answered your question with your aunt's quote...she worries for your soul. It struck me as odd, also. Many years ago I had the opportunity to meet the Rev. Jesse Jackson and I asked him about this. His response was the promise of the after life where blacks would be free and as equal as whites (and others). Based on the troubles and strife endured, heaven is a relief; a reward. A Black Baptist minister also echoed these sentiments, stating that religion -- and the understanding Jesus just may have been a black man -- gives the Black person hope. That Baptist minister also told me, anectdotally, the reason why it is so prevalent for Black people to say "aks" or "ask." Supposedly is is from learning the books of the bible through this little poem -- Mathew, Mark, Luke for John, Acts the Romans where he's gone.

The lure of a God is strong, it gives people hope. Logic and religion don't in hand in hand, and centuries of indoctrination are hard to combat. The people who persecuted our ancestors will be blamed and God praised for emancipation. All of this despite the fact that the Bible advocates slavery. Christianity is still causing havoc in Africa, it has a strong hold on people - as has Islam. Fear and superstition are powerful exploitative tools.

I date a black guy and I think it is just the opposite. He is not religious, his family says they are, but I don't recall them going to church.

I think your family doesn't understand and b/c you have announced you are a non-believer. Therefore, family or not I would br worried about your soul. It is pretty clear in the bible King James version that there is a greater power than us out there. If you don't believe anythinmg else you have to accept that you are not the "Mighty God" and that without a higher power the world simply wouldnt turn as it does

You should check out Greydon Square. Black atheist hip-hop artist.

EDIT: Yeah man, I'm a regular visitor on his ustream show

Na, not really. It is a coping mechanism in many respects. Also, if you are 25% Native (Cherokee/Sioux) and your mom is half Native, you should be enrolled. That degree is pretty high to just throw out as a claim without actual tribal affiliation. Just sayin'...

You have to separate CHRISTIANITY from Christians.

Of all the benefits to mankind Christianity has to be the greatest! It reunites us with Christ-God, and enables us to attain to everlasting glory in the Lord.

One correction - if I may - seek out "St. Moses the Black".

This Saint was a 2nd ~ 3rd century Ethiopian Saint.... Christianity had come to Africa LONG before the 18th and 19th centuries.

i.e. Christianity is NOT a "white-mans" religion, but the revealed Son of God (Jesus) Incarnate in the Flesh and His Mystical Body the Church.

The Orthodox Christian Patriarchate of Alexandria (of which Ethiopia and St. Moses was a part) exists to this day!

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who feels this way. People in America most exploited and ruined by Christianty are the most religiously active Christians. It's apart of whitewashing, I believe. Also, cultural pressure.

1) Anyone else find it odd that African-Americans are so religious?

No. Non African-Americans also tend to be very religious. In fact, Americans in general tend to be very religious.

2) so I find it VERY odd and even more disturbing that so many people flock to the very religion that exploited and destroyed them.

You might want to read up on the history of Christianity regarding its attitude toward the trans-Atlantic slave trade. You might also want to remember that abolitionism was a Christian-based movement.

Religions - usually - don't destroy people. Other people are usually the culprits.

- Jim, http://www.bible-reviews.com/

Not at all. Most minorities are very religious. Especially African Americans from the south.

Embrace your atheism and don't worry about what other people think.

Afterall, you are the only thing that matters anyway.

Hope that help.