The Black Church: How Black Churches Keep African American Women Single and Lonely
Black Churches – Full of Foul Frauds and Fiends?
Black women have an inordinate amount of faith in both Black men and Black churches. My position is that such blind and unwavering faith in either is misplaced. It is my belief that the Black church, structured around traditional gender roles which makes women submissive to and inferior to men, greatly limits females. Single Black women sitting in church every Sunday are being subtly brainwashed, soothed and placated into waiting without demand for what they want to magically come to them. Who is doing this to Black women? The male standing at the front of the Church in the role of spiritual leader, that’s who!
Black women should abandon Black churches and focus more on themselves, their needs and those of their children than those of Black men or a religion which Black men use to castigate and control an entire race of women.
Single Black Females in Church
Black females have long been considered the backbone of the Black community and the cornerstone of their families and churches. But what is the real price Black women have paid to wear this crown of fool’s gold?
An examination of any congregation of the average Black church shows that single Black females fill the pews. Results of a recent study “African Americans and Religion” by the PEW Research Center’s Forum on Religion and Public Life found that “African Americans are markedly more religious on a variety of measures than the U.S. population as a whole.”
Almost 90% of Black Americans express “absolutely certain belief in God” compared to just over 70% of the total U.S. population. Two other important statistics gleaned from this survey: (1) 80% of Black Americans report that religion is “very important” in their lives as compared to 57% of the general U.S. population; and (2) 55% of Black Americans report that they “interpret scripture literally” as compared to 32% of the general U.S. population.
The PEW study also reported that “Men are significantly more likely than women to claim no religious affiliation. Nearly one-in-five men say they have no formal religious affiliation, compared with roughly 13% of women.”
The survey shows a distinct correlation between religion and social attitudes amongst African Americans. “African Americans who are more religiously observant (as defined by frequency of worship service attendance and the importance of religion in their lives), are more likely to oppose abortion and homosexuality, and more likely to report higher levels of conservative ideology.”
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Deborrah
Veteran social researcher, relationship advice columnist, author and radio host. Author of hundreds of articles on American and black culture, gender issues, singles, dating and relationships. Author of "Sucka Free Love!" , "The 24 Types of Suckas to Avoid," "The Black Church - Where Women Pray and Men Pray," and "Why Vegan is the New Black" all available on Amazon.Com. Her unique voice and insightful commentary have delighted fans and riled haters for 20 years. Read her stuff on SurvivingDating.Com and AskHeartBeat.Com.
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Category: Society and Culture, The Black Church
TD Jakes openly admitted on national television that the core group that the church needs to focus on is blackwomen in terms of “FILLING UP SEATS”. This is a “Business Concept” born by the Federal Government reducing aid to the churches. This is not an attack.The CHURCH is running itself like a business and this is the way it is to be evaluated.
After having read the comments below my message is the same. THE BLACKMAN IS NOT IN THE “CHURCH”
1)The Church wants their “Customers”(blackwomen) isolated to keep their coffers filled. 2) Many blackmen have fallen away from the church so THAT IS NOT WHERE YOU GOING TO FIND ELIGIBLE BLACKMEN.
BLACKWOMEN:The church is isolated you from the blackman in an attempt to try to force the blackman in to coming back to the church. Where are the blackmen? THERE EVERY WHERE YOU WOULD NOT EXPECT THEM TO BE! I guarantee they will be receptive towards you if you do not mention anything about the “CHURCH”.
I believe in God as well. My husband is a deacon in the church and the stuff he spew and do not live up to is amazing to me. He is a pathological liar a cheat and he tears me down with his arrogance every chance he gets all in the name of the WORD. He sees the words in the BiBle put repels them like teflon. I see so many of his church members do the same. Yoke mean to me, someone that is headed in the same direction as you. You may take different routes but nevertheless you trying to get to the same place. After being married to this man for 23 years and taking his bullshittery, I am open to the world and all type men (race, religious, non-religious) Just want one that believes that they are not the most powerful deity in the world.
Well my heart is heavy for the young girls going in this the year 2013A.D. They have to deal with so much on the streets. What are they learning about being independant & self-supportive? Are they being etified to strive in academics, put themselves & their education at the top of their long term goal list? Are they being encouraged to have ambition & being told they can shoot for the stars & achieve their dreams with hard work & dedication? I sure hope so.
The greatest one yet….yes, we must definitely HELP OURSELVES! God doesn’t gives YES to every problem
@ Mace….omg, I’m gonna lol for uh long time…thinking abt yo comment….too dang hilarious!
@ John….Indeed it is….never read comments this dang good. Wow ppl sho can b down right cruel! If it ain’t about u….don’t take offense! This article is only explaining things that blk women have experience n blk churches and I believe it does go on. I thx God that I’ve never experienced it my church….not sayin it’s not their….I have never been a follower and if I don’t agree on alot of things, I juz don’t involve myself n it.
I Luv me, much respect for myself…..Doing me!
Well said!
Lol too!
Pow!
@ Razzy, that’s one of the main problems “White Pastor” Omg don’t allow me to get started. Why would white pastor have your best interest n mind….juz speakin out loud….smdh
Lol…on point!
Well said, Deborrah! Everyone is not strong to understand that they r being TAKEN. This world is made up of weak, confused, strong & controling MANIPULATORS! We have more followers than leaders. And y is this? I don’t have a accurate answer but I do know if we had more leaders, we would have more responsible ppl, & less poverty existing (if most of us knew how to go and get what we are entitled to}. I deal with mind games daily as a parole officer but its all good bcuz I learn what I need from them, n order to stay on top. Give them praise if its earned and snatch credit back if rules r not followered. So Game is shuffled with a winner staying focus and its me….Paycheck & lively hood is my priority when my con artist try and manipulate me for his gain. Lol…hope I wasn’t off topic….