Despite the edict that church is supposed to be separate from state, the intersection of religion and politics has never been more clear than during the Bush administration. We've learned that the more religious the American, the more likely said American is to vote Republican. That's unless, of course, you're a religious African American. But we knew that, too. Blacks in the U.S. vote overwhelmingly for Democratic candidates, whether they're ministers or atheists. But it's still interesting to see how the devout Christians, united in their religious beliefs, split dramatically when you factor in race and politics and how the cultural community and the religious community can clash.
A new poll finds that blacks are the most consistently religious and religiously active group in the country. Eighty-five percent of black protestants say religion is very important in their lives and more than half of them attend services at least once a week. Groups that polled similarly — Mormons and Evangelical Christians — were much more likely to vote Republican than Democrat. Jews who attend weekly services are also less likely to vote Democrat than Jews who do not go to temple.
Meanwhile, 77 percent of black Protestants, church-going or not, vote Democrat, a tradition that is rooted in the black church's historical role in the civil rights movement. According to Cornel West, race-related issues trump many religious blacks' opposition to some liberal platforms.
This staunch support exists despite some black churches' conservative views on social issues like abortion and same-sex marriage. While the survey finds that those with high levels of religious commitment tend to oppose abortion and public acceptance of homosexuality, black Protestants remain steadfast Democratic voters. West and others believe that this is because for members of black churches and of the black community in general, "issues of economic and social justice tend to supercede issues of abortion and same sex-marriage."
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I always thought it ironic that people would embrace and celebrate a religion and a book that justified enslaving, discriminating against and murdering them.
Human nature is certainly bizarre.
The Bible did not justify the enslavement of Africans. It was used to do so. The Bible has been used to justify man atrocities, and still is.
Abolitionist Christians believed that the Bible outlawed slavery.
Similarly, the Soviets and the Chinese used their disgust at religion to crush and kill religious people.
@Blake
@Abelincoln
It can be and has been used for both.
That's something I've always liked about the Black religious community, that I'm not at odds with most people politically, even though I'm very liberal socially.
See one of the scriptures that folks used to justify slavery below:
22Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
Colossians 3:22
But as with any historical text; you gotta check the historical context. In these times persons were enslaved when they could not repay their debts similar to endentured servitude. Further, no matter the debt every 7 years ( I think) it was year of jubilee and all debts were forgiven. Another of the things you have to check is context as well. See the rest of the scripture below:
23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
I don't have all the answers but here are a couple more things to consider.
Hmmm, the most religious tend to be the stupidest….hello? Drug for the masses.
My denomination has a fair number of fiscal conservatives. Ah, to be one of the last beacons of wealth in this society. I respect that they vote self-interest. I can't be mad at that.
My mom is very conservative socially and her radio programs (Focus on the Family) are all about the republicans. I'm not entirely why that's the only time she turns it off. I'm also not entirely sure why she votes Democrat when she is as conservative as she is. Her beliefs and culture clash at times. For example, in her/our culture, it's pretty much expected that one would abort an unhealthy fetus. In her denomination, abortion is wrong 100% of the time. Generally speaking, culture trumps religion though she'll still swear that she's pro-life.
Blake, you obviously have NOT read the Bible very carefully, or you wouldn't be making such ignorant statements.
The Bible most certainly justified slavery. Only a blind man could deny it as you have just done.
Oh, and btw, Communism was in itself, a religion, which was the reason they suppressed all other religions.
You need to do a little more research and reading before posting unfounded bs on these threads, dude. Not all of us are as ignorant of the facts as you seem to be.
religious people are douche bags anyway. it amazes me how people can be so self deceiving and/or stupid to believe that those century old texts with obviously fantastic content are an accurate account of the history of the world/mankind.
…and why are people really getting int the slavery discussion again. soooo black cliche. if you quote it the right way, you can make the bible justify anything.
Josh, man you are so eloguent…
the douche bag comment certainly makes me concede my point immediately.