Abstract
Compares differences and some similarities in ritual & belief in non-Christian (African) and Christian (Baptist) religion. Examines the cultural differences related to these religions for Africans and African-Americans. Historical Baptist ties to slavery. Imposition of Christianity on slaves. Nature of worship. Survival of African religioius spirit and experience in religioius beliefs of African Americans in the U.S.

From the Paper
"There are important differences in ritual and belief between the non-Christian religion (African) described in Marimba Ani's Let the Circle Be Unbroken and the Christian religion (Baptist) described in Albert J. Raboteau's Slave Religion. The most obvious difference is that the Baptist religion has Jesus Christ at its center as God in human form, while the African religions had a number of gods. However, the greatest difference is found in the cultural differences related to those religions. The African religion is a part of a cultural tradition reaching far back in the history of Africans and African-Americans. The African religion symbolizes freedom and independence. The Baptist religion, on the other hand, symbolizes, at least in part, a brief history tied in with slavery and dependence on a culture which was foreign to Africans. In part, the Baptist religion was ..."

Abstract
This paper analyzes and reviews Melva Wilson Costen's book "African American Christian Worship," which explores the cultural and historical roots of African American religious expression. According to the review, Costen achieves her aims most particularly because she identifies her selected group primarily and dominantly based upon their Christianity rather than their race. She therefore defines a unique, beautiful and empowering culture encapsulated in the intercession of Christianity and African American heritage. The book is intended for a universal audience. The paper concludes by stating that African American Christians can take particular pride in their accomplishments as reflected in Costen's work.

From the Paper
"The author's core purpose is captured in the opening of the text, which describes a unification of purpose for those African American who are gathered together in the spirit of Christianity throughout the United States. Based on the understanding that the African American experience is a unique historical perspective and recognizing that cultural characteristics have tended to shape many of the forms of worship there applied, Costen's text is informed by the purpose of describing an encompassing identity for the African American Christian."

Tags:bias, prejudice, spirituality

Abstract
This paper provides summaries of the following three books:
"Practical Theology for Black Churches Bridging Black Theology and African American Folk Religion" by Dale P. Andrews, "Black Church Beginnings: The Long-Hidden Realities of the First Years" by Henry H. Mitchell and "Manana Christian Theology from a Hispanic Perspective" by Justo L. Gonzalez.

From the Paper
"While Christianity is understood by many in a general sense, it becomes increasingly clear as one considers different ethnic churches, that race and ethnicity play a significant role in the way Christian theology is practiced. In "Practical Theology for Black Churches Bridging Black Theology and African American Folk Religion" by Dale P. Andrews, "Black Church Beginnings: The Long-Hidden Realities of the First Years" by Henry H. Mitchell and "Manana Christian Theology from a Hispanic Perspective" by Justo L. Gonzalez, the authors examine the way in which Black and..."

Tags:black, churches, african, american, christianity, hispanic, theology, spirituality, mitchell, Gonzalez, andrews

Abstract
In this paper, the writer discusses that the premise of political economy for the black church within Linden and Carter's articles provides a model for realizing the depth and scope of white hegemony within the Catholic Church. The writer notes that in America, the issue of racism has often been a construct of the Catholic Church, especially in the theological perspectives brought forth by African American theorists. The writer discusses that the issue of a multifaceted political and economic evaluation of American society pinpoints that many different levels of institutional racism that has been a tragedy for both white and black morality within Christian policy.

Tags:church, African, religion

Abstract
This paper argues that African-American churches served as the foundation for the African-American struggle for civil rights during the 20th century. The author traces the history of the churches, focusing on their importance socially as well as spiritually to the community. The author is somewhat critical of mainstream Christianity and its exclusion of Blacks. The paper concludes by citing major Black religious figures in America and acknowledging that religion has impacted African-American history from a highly diverse set of directions.

From the Paper
"Still, the notion that the Christian Church has been a leading force in the movement towards social change for the African American has not gone unchallenged. Some have contended that the Christian Church as acted as an opiate for generations to the African American people. One critic stated, "Instead of cursing the white man, [blacks] shout at the Lord. Instead of kicking whitey, [blacks] kick over the pew." Those who believe that the African American Church acts as an opiate to the black sub-culture contend that it induces many individuals to appeal to God for social change, when, more realistically, they should be acting to bring about social change themselves; in other words, they believe that the church provides an outlet for black people's frustrations, so they can be directed away from actions that might elementally undermine the current radicalized American social system. Eventually, a scientific study conducted by Gary Marx in the 1960's attempted to find any correlation between the level of religious fervor of black Americans and their associated beliefs regarding the Civil Rights movement: "Specifically, Marx established that in his sample, the greater the subjective importance of religion to black respondents, and the more often they went to church, the less militant they were in support of the civil rights issues." Even more recent theorists have agreed with the assessment of the role of the African American Church in social activism; arguing that it is centrally a device for passivity and control."

Tags:African-American, religion, Christianity, civil, rights, segregation, racism

Abstract
Since the fifteenth century, when explorers first began to discover Africa's wealth of natural resources, European nations conquered and colonized African territories. The imperialists exploited resources while putting little back into the country in terms of industrial development, health and educational facilities, or stable political systems. Believing their ways superior and fearing cultures and religions they did not understand, they brought missionaries to spread Christianity and rescue Africans from traditional beliefs they considered ignorant and superstitious. As a result of European intervention, with Africans forced to accept Westernization, much of the native religion and culture has been lost forever.

Tags:colonization, african, culture

Abstract
This paper discusses African and Native-American religions and the student's opinion of the textbook, "Introduction to World Religion".

From the Paper
"African and Native American religions have both similarities and differences between themselves. African religiosity acknowledges the reality of God but does not define God. If anything, it confesses that God is unknowable. God, however, is viewed as Creator of everything and the Africans believe that there is only one God, so African religions are monotheistic. There is also a belief in spiritual beings such as nature, spirits that are personifications of heavenly or earthly objects, and phenomena such as the..."

Tags:African religion, Native American Religion, Christianity

Abstract
This paper examines the growing role of African-American churches in disseminating educational materials and running programs about HIV/AIDS prevention. Church involvement is seen as especially relevant in light of the disproportionate number of African Americans afflicted with HIV/AIDS. The paper goes on to discuss the importance of churches in African-American culture and the potential they have for reaching large numbers of members through new initiatives. The author suggests that churches may not have become involved with AIDS ministries until recently because there may be a reluctance to discuss issues related to sexuality. The paper concludes that African-American churches serve as an incredible resource to reach many African Americans with HIV/AIDS and to work toward prevention as well.

From the Paper
"Given the overwhelming, increasing burden of HIV/AIDS in the African American community, particularly among African American women, greater emphasis has been placed on involving African American churches and the faith community in HIV/AIDS prevention and education services. Traditionally, the African American church has played a pivotal role in the African American community. African American churches have promoted educational opportunities, economic growth, and civil rights,3,4 as well as served as a source of refuge, empowerment, social development, and information for members of the African American community.4 Also, African American churches have more recently become actively involved in health education and prevention concerning diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer."

Tags:Christianity, ministries, women, condoms, drug use

Abstract
This paper examines what it considers to be the biased portrayal of minorities, specifically African-Americans and Muslims, in the news media. The paper is written as part of an anthropology class project with numerous references to works and concepts mentioned in the course. It further addresses how in the author's opinion, CNN makes an effort to be fair in its representation of ethnic minorities. This is contrasted with the author's view of Fox news. Then, the paper cites the work of Christiane Amanpour, which it finds highly professional and unbiased. Finally, the paper explores how Muslims are represented in the British media, especially following the terror attacks of 9/11.

From the Paper
"African Americans and Muslims are the ethnic groups least likely to receive unbiased coverage from Western news media outlets. In particular, television news coverage of Muslim issues is often tainted with cliched stereotypes and unfair generalizations - due in part to an apparent lack of cultural knowledge by reporters and in part by the built-in post-September 11 biases against Islam. For African Americans the news media on too many occasions offers inappropriate and/or inaccurate reports that have hurt blacks' racial and cultural image and their desire to be respected as an upwardly mobile cultural group of successful individuals and families. "

Tags:Etienne Balibar, ethnicization, CNN, Christiane Amanpour, British Muslims

Abstract
This paper offers an historic background of African-American church denominations. This paper examines specific denominations that have had a great impact on the African-American community. Specifically, the paper explores the use of music, known as Gosepl music, in Church ceremonies and prayer.

From the Paper
"The African American church is centered on a wealth of tradition. The founder of the church was Richard Allen. Allen was in the forefront of the Abolitionist Movement; the church was an important station on the "Underground Railroad" as well as a recruiting station during the Civil War. The establishment of a unified denomination during the Abolitionist Movement was advantageous to African American people. After the founding of African Methodist Episcopal, several African Americans gradually left because of opposing views. The African American Church is no longer one, but instead many."

Tags:gospel, prayer, christianity, south, baptist, episcopal, catholic