At BN, our mission is to build community and provide support for Blacks and allies who have shed all to most belief in a god and religion. But one major concern to many of us is how much the Black community still tightly holds on to Christianity. While the general nonreligious demographic is on the rise in the U.S., the numbers in our communities are significantly lower in comparison.
Though we acknowledge the roles that the church has played in the support for many in the Black community – the doctrine, with passages such as “Slaves, obey your masters”, the language of submission, and the constant appeal to divine intervention among many Black Christians has rendered this a crippling agent for our community, while at the same time, being weaponized against us. It really is time for us to have serious discussions about whether the belief systems we have been raised with are, today, aids and abets a system of white supremacy, and are also a hindrance to our liberation.
On July 16th, 2020, BN hosted the first ever Black Family Discussion. Featuring some very noted historians, theologians, and organizers, we dissected the Christianity’s role in establishing oppressive and racist systems in America, how this still affects us today, and how we can work towards a better future.
As anti-racism becomes a focal point, it is apparent that something as foundational as faith could be predisposing us to more oppression, and for longer periods of time. There can no longer be virtue in suffering, and waiting on a god to “save” us. It’s about positioning, power, and working together.
Parts 1 and 2 of the Black Family Discussion are available here.
Walk by Sight, NOT Faith!
Sincerely,
Mandisa Thomas