Amen!

the very concept of a separate "Black Church" is institutional racism.

Daniel in the Lion's Den:

When I stated I understood, which is the feeling of some who hold onto the fact that African Americans have been oppressed for at least 400 years which is true. God's word states over and over that if Jesus sets you free you are free indeed Spiritiual bondage is worse than physical bondage. Didn't Jesus come to set the captives free, to bind up the broken-hearted for those who mourn. Our Lord is the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last. I interepret God's word to state our "was" is in His hands and He wants us to trust Him; that He will get us pass our past pains and hurts but if we continue to mourn and grieve over our past, it doesn't allow Him to do the work in our lives; it's a stronghold that exalts itself over God;: our pain becomesAN IDOL. It's about trusting Him not our emotions or feelings or our heart. We can stand firm that behind the scenes He is working out everything for His good pleasure. Ephesians 4:1-6 talks about Unity of the Body; 1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Angela

You said:

"I understand what you're saying but don't we all serve the one true God and when I hear that the black church is somewhat different..."

I wonder what you mean by "somewhat different." Different than what? Do have a standard that it differs from? How do you know what is the standard from which all else is different? Maybe the one that is different is more true, and your standard is really the thing that is "somewhat different."

Just trying to get you to think, a little. That's all.

I did attend a Southern Baptist Church as a kid. That Preacher scared me. And those Alter Calls took a leap of faith themselves, really scary being a sinner in public. Full body immersion Baptism, have to think about that one too. Or a promise in the good book that people will become baptised with the Holy Spirit, I wonder. Luckily the Sunday School teachers made a difference to me.

So I was thinking, that Book has not been upgraded with a major acceptable version since the last state/church union produced the King's James version. It just helps to relate those stories to modern day times I think. Here's something I have been working on in the tradition of Shakespeare:

Our Padre Art, whose crib be in Heaven, Shout out to his name...

1

Once you believe you are oppressed it is difficult to consider yourself mainstream or an equal part of the society you live in. It becomes a self fulfilling prophesy. During King's day blacks were oppressed in many places and ways. Laws existed to oppress blacks in schools, at the workplace, at the stores and in the neighborhood. The oppression was real and the black church and King held out hope and put themselves in the line of fire to work for the oppression to end.

And it did end, in 1964, officially anyway. What many cannot understand though is that preachers like Wright are continuing to preach what they said back in those oppressive days. Is the black kid born in Silver Spring that disadvantaged compared to the white kid born in Silver Spring? Or the asian kid, indian kid, latino kid, or kids of mixed race? They all go to the same schools, live in the same neighborhoods, can buy the same things from the same stores with parents working side by side in the same companies, and yet preachers like Wright tell blacks they are different, oppressed, and have reason to fail.

After the Hebrews escaped the Egyptian slavery they spent 40 years roaming the desert. How long will preachers like Rev. Wright keep his people roaming aimlessly in the middle of wealth and bounty?

Ms. Sanders wrote, "Historically, African American spirituality is rooted and grounded in the belief that God hears the prayers of the oppressed."

This may or may not be true but one thing we do know for sure is that whatever the roots of African American spirituality are, God has NOT acted on the prayers of the oppressed.

Injustice is everywhere, and there are no signs of justice ruling the universe anytime soon. God simply has not answered the countless prayers for justice and mercy.

And here is the other point: whatever Rev. Wright seeks regarding justice, this does NOT mean that the US Government invented AIDS to torment Africans; it does NOT mean that Israel and South Africa plotted to build an "ethnic bomb" that would target Arabs and Africans; and so on.

Rev. Wright may seek what he believes is justice, but it does not change the fact that much of what he believes is not true and in fact, a bit whacky, not unlike Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell and other ideologues.

And most of all, Rev. Wright's belief that the attacks on him are an attack on ALL black churches is just more evidence of some kind of paranoia, and that he's lost touch with reality.

And how on earth can he feel justified in harming Barack Obama's candidacy in this way?

Pastor Sanders,

I understand what you're saying but don't we all serve the one true God and when I hear that the black church is somewhat different, I don't understand. Doesn't Gods word say: 3Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. 5Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. 8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel; and how about Proverbs: 3-5; 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 7.Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. I'm an african american evangelical christian and attend a predominantly black church and we speak about renewing our minds each day, having a godly sorrow for our sins that lead to repentance and a clear conscience, loving God with all our hearts, minds, soul and strength and loving our neighbor as ourselves. When I go to church, I want to hear the teachings of Christ how we are to live out our daily lives, in submission to His will in reverence, holiness and honoring Him not about politics. If we are really surrendered to Christ, what can anyone do to us; Is God not in control? Some of what I heard (and I'm not generalizing) is murmuring and complaining and scripture tells us plainly what happened to those who murmur and complain. He is sovereign. Are we trusting in Him or ourselves or puffing our selves up and not glorifying Him. Please help me to understand. We are not victims. If any is in Christ, we are the Children of the Most High God. Lastly, If Christ is in us who can separate us from His love.