What It's Like Being Black And Non-Christian | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

What It's Like Being Black And Non-Christian

The minority within a minority.

48
What It's Like Being Black And Non-Christian
Amazon

When I was a kid, going to church on Sunday morning was a weekly routine for my family. In fact, I’m reasonably confident that you’d be hard-pressed to find a Black family for whom it wasn’t. Many of my peers and I share memories of waking up early, putting on our best clothes and getting in the car to go worship God and celebrate our present joy (or the joy that is to come). For a little more than a decade, my grandmother’s church in rural Oxford, North Carolina, was our preferred locale. As I got older, and my mother, sister and I moved to Durham after my parents’ divorce, we made the weekly pilgrimage to grandma’s church. Soon, that became a burden and we tried on several churches until my mother found the right fit. She eventually settled on World Overcomers in Durham, where I would come to distance myself from Christianity as a whole.

Generally, the church fascinated me, especially praise and worship. Mostly because a substantial piece of the congregation was over 60 years old. Many walked with canes or some other assistance, yet somehow found the strength to jump and dance when the spirit hit them. People were often moved to tears, and given to effusive, cathartic outbursts. That fascination turned to discomfort upon the start of the sermon. Pastor after pastor spoke of a loving God, the type of love that made people express themselves so powerfully; simultaneously, I learned that same God punished Eve and all women forever, flooded the world and destroyed cities that he deemed sinful. I was further unnerved by repudiation of the LGBT community, the treatment of women in the church, and the conflation of one's value with how much they accepted Jesus Christ. One is nothing without God. This dissonance barred me from feeling what other attendants were feeling. I wanted to jump. I wanted to dance. I wanted to cry; an undeserving recipient of an inscrutable love. And I wanted to love God, but I could not reconcile what I was being told about him (or her), with the contrary evidence I was presented from the Bible and the conduct of church folk.

Christianity and the Black experience are inextricably linked. The church has been a cornerstone of the Black American expierence for generations. It was invaluable in the quest for civil rights, and a place where Black people could find the inner strength to continue in the face of senseless violence and discrimination. I was always taught and shown that Black people are Christians. Period. As I distanced myself further and further from the church, I felt less connected to my own people. I was hesitant to talk about religion and God with my friends and family. I knew I would be shamed, possibly shunned. Not believing in the Christian notion of God, or any God at all, is often seen as something for white people.

We must take care not to put ourselves in a box. Admonishing people for not subscribing to our often narrow definitions of Blackness only serves to further divide us. Placing limits on the breadth of human beings does not allow us to be who we truly want to be. In a country that is becoming increasingly non-religious, it is vital that one does not immediately dismiss another for lacking the same belief system. Religion is only a small part of who we are. An understanding must be gained between pious Black people and those not so pious, so that we can all exist honestly, without fear of exile.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

13718
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

5986
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4437
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

3906
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments