Yes, there are MANY integrated and diverse religious traditions as well as places of worship? However, in the United States racial groups tend to cluster along color lines?
Speculate on why we remain separated by race within worship?
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Kudi
ReplyDeleteI believe that we remain separated by race within worship because of homogamy. We tend to feel more comfortable with people who we have similar characteristics with.
Sadly, we remain seperated by race because many of the religious teachings are ignored when they have to be applied. For example: I am a Christian. I believe that all humans are equal and according to the bible we all come from one man, Adam. If all Christians believed this, why would anyone feel more comfortable with anyone else? Would not everyone feel that they were brothers, sisters, cousins. This is not however how many feel. They believe that they are somehow superior than another race or that they feel more comfortable with their own race. I believe there is just one race. The human race.
ReplyDeleteBecause of prestigious still remains in the world we live in. There are many of us who are not prestigious and believe that each one of us are from the same race, human. But then there are those of us who believe that no matter what race they are, they are better than the next race. But we all are going back to the one who put us here no matter what god we believe in
ReplyDeleteIn response to Kudi...This is very true, but when will it all come to an end.
ReplyDeleteRebecca G69
ReplyDeleteI think this war between races and religion has been going on since the beginning of the time of where religion came upon the human race. In reality, we the human race, are all equal because there is fact the all Homosapiens (us) are all related and came from a certain region of the world. But no one really searches the science facts because people will always believe what they have been taught by their religion. It is sad that people are constantly biased against other religions and do cruel things. We cannot except any other religion other than one has been taught and one will speculate the other religions and think that isn't right. Personally, there will be more mixed races that we will not be able to figure if that person is white or black or asian. I hope in later years people will get over that fact.
Rebecca G69
ReplyDeleteIn response to...AnnL 49
I totally agree with the fact people will always think one is better than the other. We are all human and all related. No matter if one believes in a god or not. We are all the same. We all need to except that fact.
I think that race and religion are separated by worship because just like in this society, people have different opinion on how race is define. It's just like religion and how people have different aspect of what is religion
ReplyDeleteMarsha Vernet
Rob t....People tend to clump together with the same similarity with this in mind people same that racialism is a thing of the past, but it is alive and well but just in disguised in other ways. Racialism will never go away because people are scared of the what if.
ReplyDeleteLelia C.
ReplyDeleteI believe we remain seperated by race within worship NOT because we think one color is better than the other but because we are more comfortable with what has always been the same. It is difficult to change unless one decides to make that change. Our religious beliefs would be meaningless and we all would be hypocrites if we believed we are seperated based on the color our skin. We are made in His image...all of us.
Denell B-70
ReplyDeleteI believe that we remain separated by race within worship because of the three elements of religion; beliefs, practices, and moral community. We are all reared with different beliefs and morals and feel as though the way we worship is the “right way” which is an emotional comfort.
Denell B-70
ReplyDeleteIn response to Rob t,
People do tend to clump together with the same similarity because it is a comfort. In everyday life and in the work place people feel as though they have to tolerate others. But in religion they feel that they have the right to stay in their “clump” comfort zone.
Tracey D (67)
ReplyDeleteI can only speculate that race has remained seperated over the years because we start out going to church based on the church our parents took us to (and it is generational) and our church family becomes like a second family and leaving it would be an uncomfortable transition. I do know of churches in more diverse parts of the state (such as larger counties; Gwinnett for example) where the seperation has begun to be less obvious, all types of races going to the same church. It is just different preferences, likes and dislikes.
Patti S 70
ReplyDeleteI believe there is separation by race within worship because of preference. I believe people associate with people they can relate with and with whom they share common interests. I believe we are all created equally by one God. We are his children and are free to worship because we live in the United States.
Patti S 70 in response to Keith R67
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that the principals of Christianity have to be applied. I also believe there is one race! The human race! We should all try to preserve life at it's best.
Jason H-67
ReplyDeleteI think that we are seperated because for most of us our place of worship have been a part of us since we were kids. More often than not, people generally do not like to learn to much about other cultures, especially on the religion aspect. Therefore, it's much easier to stick to what we already know and are most comfortable with.
Jason H-67 responds to Denell B-70
ReplyDeleteI think that Denell is spot on. We tend to feel as if our way is the right way and if something is comfortable to us regardless of what it is, we rest on that in a heart beat!!!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Kudi.....
ReplyDeleteI agree with your initial statement that we tend to feel more comfortable with those who share common characteristics with ourselves.
I would note that your line of questioning seems to be exclusive to the United States, as in "However, in the United States racial groups tend to cluster along color lines?" Do you mean to imply that the U.S. is racial-oriented RELATIVE TO the other countries of the world? Really? So, say, the Japanese or Nigerian people are relatively color-blind compared to the people of the United States?.....if that was your implication, then I would take issue with that. I would argue that the average American is at least as tolerant of others as the average citizen of most countries of the world. Why, we even recently elected a gentleman belonging to a minority to the highest office in the land.....how many western European countries or African countries, much less Arab countries, can say the same?
ReplyDeleteChurches, synagogues, temples and mosques are composed of people. People tend to gravitate toward other people who are like themselves, because that is where they feel most comfortable, safe, and in control. It may be that cultural differences play just as much a role as differences in skin color.
Attempt to establish a Christian church or Jewish synagogue or Zoroastrian temple in Saudi Arabia, and you will be surely jailed and very possibly killed by the ruling Islamic government. Relative to this example of overt brutal discriminatory repression, I'd say that the issue of African Americans tending to go to churches populated with other African Americans is rather small beans, and I'm damn thankful to live in a country where we have the luxury to even consider this an "issue".
I also agree that individuals feel more comfortable with others that have similarities to them, may it be race, religion, beliefs, morals, practices, characteristics, etc. I personally don't feel one religion is better than the other, we don't know who's right, but we all know there is only one God. It is very sad that we let ourselves be seperated in so many ways.
ReplyDeleteDomenic R.72
ReplyDeleteSpeculate on why we remain separated by race within worship.
I think that we remain separated by race within worship because we usually go to the church we were raised in. I think that it depends on where you grew up as well. If you go to a Catholic church in Atlanta, there would probably be different race vs. going to a Catholic church in New Orleans. Race within worship goes way beyond the color of someone's skin. The book makes it sound like these religions are all U.S. based religions. Most are, but some of the religions we practice are from our ancestors before Christoper Columbus discovered the U.S. New members of the United States either picked a current religion or formed their own.
In response to Mark S.72
ReplyDeleteLove your comment. I don't know what the U.S. has got to do to get past their issues, but compared to other countries were so far ahead of the game.
Maria S
ReplyDeleteSpeculate on why we remain separated by race within worship?
I would think because we live our live in such way. The church is just another institution that we attend to enhance our spirituality... But just like everything else, it is segregated. Our schools are most definetely segregated by race and social economic status. So from very early in life we learn this art of living together without being together. Not one race is more guilty of this than another. We are all going to go to church where we feel the most confortable at. And since we were little we were most confortable with what we knew...I have been on a spiritual search for while; I have visited different churches and met many wonderful people in all of them, and I can honestly say there is absolutly a specific kind of person in most of them. Either white, black, latino, poor, rich,or middle class. Is it the church doing this? I do not believe so. I think the church wants as many members as possible... More money, more growth, more followers, more money, etc. But unfortunally for the church, people like to go to worship with their own people, not necessary with people of the same race... but if we think about even our neighborhoods are segregated... and dont most of us worship with the people that live close by. I think that before we see changes in the many churches in america... then we must change in our society in general.
People who have the same beliefs and likes tend to stick together. This is why they are separtated and unless there is going to be world peace and everyone is going to come together, then it will stay separtated.
ReplyDeleteMauriceR
ReplyDeleteNo matter the country, race within worship remains separated, because of the examples of our forefathers and most of those who brought religious traditions or practices to the masses. Historically, racism, sexism, xenophobia, and indifference have caused the cultural divide among race and religion in our societies. Too often, most worshipers infused their own politics, morals, traditions, prejudices, biases, and racial based ideology under the guise of “God told me…, God meant this …, or God said....”-- interpreting their holy texts to benefit their skewed views rather than the truth.
For example, according to the Bible the Apostle Paul (through his letters to the early Christian church) warns Jews and Christians to watch out for any type of racial divisive teachings; which are false theologies and have been going on before his time and will continue. Unfortunately, most worshipers could not, did not, and presently do not read or seek religious truths and knowledge for themselves.
Andrea B. (67)
ReplyDelete“Speculate” is correct, because the answer to this is as varied as saying why people think the way they do; but, I’ll give it a go. I think that it all stems from the fact that during the time of slavery we were segregated, even with respect to worship/religion. Our separation at that point was not along religious lines (we weren’t simply grouped by religious denomination – Baptist and Protestant), it was by race. I believe the divide was, and still is, more a sociological issue than a religious one (the same God was worshipped by both the slave and the slave owners). The sermons were structured to meet the needs of the audience, (eg. the slaves were told of God’s promises of deliverance; while the slave owners were getting words of encouragement). Though many different denominations and doctrines were spawned over the years, there has not been as much social change between the races; hence the divide still exists.
Andrea B. (67) in response to Domenic R. 72
ReplyDeleteDomenic, I agree with your statement about the origin of some of the religions being practiced today, some are from our ancestors. But, because the segregation that exists here is not consistent with the same religions in different parts of the world; I believe it is because of the origin, development and structure of our society that makes us do it. “We usually go to the church we were raised in,” that is true; but why were we raised in that church? And why wasn’t that church integrated to begin with? I believe our history started with a segregation that continued through generations.
Sharise H. 70
ReplyDeleteMaybe I don't see what most people do because outside the Baptist and Catholic religions I see a huge mix of nationalities. Jehovah Witnesses, who are Christians, share a diverse congregation. I was suprised to learn that an African American man I dated was Jewish. I was simply ignorant to the fact that a black man would be Jewish. This really helped to enlighten me to see beyond what I thought I knew.
HERB-67
ReplyDeleteAs a species, we take comfort in what is familiar and are more than willing to fear the boogeyman that lurks in the shadows.
@Jason H-67
ReplyDeletefrom HERB-67
Agreed. I would take it a step further by adding that eliminating ignorance with knowledge fosters understanding.
MaryO-70
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting questions. Just yesterday my daughter and I went looking at churches for her upcoming wedding, (our church rents a warehouse for our services) We had a meeting with a Missionary Baptist Church. I guess maybe I am ignorant but I didn't even think about churches connected to race. This particular church had a black congregation. It didn't seem to be an issue on either their part or ours to use the facility for our wedding. In answer to the question I guess maybe it has to do with demographics, I am from the north which seems to be much more Catholic and less protestant than the South. I was raised in a church where you were to be subdued in your worship and religion was a private matter, although thankfully I no longer hold to that belief. Perhaps people of different races have different cultural ways to worhsip and feel more comfortable in that setting.
Mary O-70
ReplyDeleteIn response to Erika D
I completely agree that people with the same beliefs like to remain together.
I would agree with most of the previous posts, in saying that people with the same cultural or ethnic backgrounds will tend to stay together. You could say this is related to social norms mentioned in Ch. 2, that people have their idea of what they think is "right" and will usually stick with other who feel the same way.
ReplyDeleteI believe we tend to be more comfortable with people that have the same culture, traditions as us an example is that I have attended the worship preaching in a Hispanic community where time of service is not factor for them, these people can worship for three to four hours. I also attend worship in the American services where time of service is an important factor, this doesn't mean their worship is not honest. Difference in culture matters when it comes to worship because of time, music, and language and this is why there are clusters in society but not based on color.
ReplyDeleteBrisa L. 70
ReplyDeleteI believe we tend to be more comfortable with people that have the same culture, traditions as us an example is that I have attended the worship preaching in a Hispanic community where time of service is not factor for them, these people can worship for three to four hours. I also attend worship in the American services where time of service is an important factor, this doesn't mean their worship is not honest. Difference in culture matters when it comes to worship because of time, music, and language and this is why there are clusters in society but not based on color.
Brisa L.70 in response to Lelia C.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Lelia, color does not matter and that our customs are different and that we feel more comfortable with people that have same culture as we have.
In my opinion there are couple of possible reasons. I think a person's religious preferences are usually based on how they were raised and what their parents beliefs are, so those beliefs are taught to the children and then continued in generation after generation.
ReplyDeleteI think maybe a persons race and culture play a part in how and where they worship. Traditionally white Americans are more reserved int their worship styles so they attend churches that fit that style.
In recent years I have personally attended non-denominational churches, and have seen a gradual change in the "norm". In these churches you find all races, and religious backgrounds. Most of the time in this type of church background does not matter. Every one's goal is the same....they are there to worship.
Dana M. 70
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion there are couple of possible reasons. I think a person's religious preferences are usually based on how they were raised and what their parents beliefs are, so those beliefs are taught to the children and then continued in generation after generation.
I think maybe a persons race and culture play a part in how and where they worship. Traditionally white Americans are more reserved int their worship styles so they attend churches that fit that style.
In recent years I have personally attended non-denominational churches, and have seen a gradual change in the "norm". In these churches you find all races, and religious backgrounds. Most of the time in this type of church background does not matter. Every one's goal is the same....they are there to worship.
Dana M 70
ReplyDeleteIn response to many.
I agree with every one else. Where a person chooses to worship most certainly a comfort thing. That is a very personal part of a persons life and most people want that type of comfort level so they feel the freedom to focus on worship.
MSherer-69
ReplyDeleteI do believe that the reason race is still seperated in religion is because of the comfort factor. It seems like we are all affraid of change in our own little ways. However I do not believe it is because of any kind of racism between these groups, just some very strong similarities that continue to bring these groups together.
Octavius G.
ReplyDeleteI think it comes from the origin of racism. Since racism has been an issue from the beginning, it does not exclude the places of worship.This has been instilled in our minds that we are better when we segregate ourselves based on our race. For that reason it has spread even to the places of worship where ironically we preach and believe God is one and same. Wonder why we can't be one even in the presence of God?
MSherer.69 response to Lelia C
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lelia completly, we all feel more comportable around people we have a lot in common with. One of the biggest factors in worship is fellow ship with one another, and the more we have in common the easier that becomes.
Tonia D 15
ReplyDeleteI feel that people remain separated by race within worship, mostly because it is comforting to be around others who are similar, As many have stated before me, it is the similarities that bring the groups together. No body wants to feel uncomfortable. It is human nature to want to "fit in" with others like us and not to be judged.
In response to KeithR67....
Agreed. There is only ONE race. The human race! We are all human regardless of the color of our skin. Sadly, this is probably never going to be accepted.
We all like normalcy, even in religion. We might not have as big of a problem going to school with one another, but we don't like worshipping with eachother. A lot of it has to do with values. From my point of view, churches that have a primarily black audience tends to be different from one that is primarily white.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Tonia D 15,
Exactly. People want to be around other people that are similar. They do want to fit in and not be judged.
Latanya K-95
ReplyDeleteOur seperation by race within worship stems back centries ago when racism and segregation was a major part of our lives. For as long as i can remember my mothers mother's, mother's churches were all predominatly filled with black people. We modeled what our ancestors did. We jump up and down in praises and we shout out when we agree with what the pastors saying. AMEN, Preach pastor Brown! You'll know what i'm talking about. We have a certain way on how our church's function. I have been to a few causaian church's and i don't believe i've ever seen anyone jump up and down with the holy ghost like they do in an african american churches. I can remember the first time that i visited an all caucasian church and i felt as if i were in the twilight zone. It was very different and i felt out of my element. I stuckout like a sore thumb.I felt like a slave on a plantation, lol. Either though they didn't treat me like that, I still felt out of place. I can also picture a caucasian person who for the first time in their lives visiting a black church,they must have thought we were crazy.. I can't speak for all the races in ref to the matter but what i do know, is that we all go where we feel most comfortable and what and who we can identify ourselves with.
Latanya K-95 In response to Mary O-70
ReplyDeleteI completly undersatnd your statement. "I guess maybe I am ignorant but I didn't even think about churches connected to race." You thinking wasn't ignorant at all. We've never looked at color in the church or identified it with racism or anything else, it was just church and it was open to whoever walked through the doors. We just happened to have more blacks than any other races attend. So we got accustomed to who attended. We may serve the same God, but at times a little differently. Alot of that has to do with our ancestors and what we take from their customes to incorporate it into our era and i belive that's where some identify it with racism.
Linuel S67
ReplyDeleteI think that different racial groups mainly stick together because they generally like common things, have common interests and beliefs etc... It IS a comfort thing. Which I don't think is a bad thing. For instance lets take away the color and insert culture. Two same color, different culture groups at the same church would be very similar to two different color, different culture groups. they would both tend to cluster with people of similar beliefs and interests. Would that make a racist of their own race? Could the same be said about age? When at a family gathering the teenagers tend to group with the other teens and the older people tend to group with the older people.
In response to Jason H67
I agree that there aren't many who like to explore different religions. Things we learn in childhood are generally comforting to us. It doesn't mean that we can't like other people and respect their beliefs, it just means we prefer our own.
Elizabeth V.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it has to do with geographic location. We live in nieghborhoods that are self segragated, our schools for the most part are segragated, whether because of economy or relatability these are choices that we each make for our families. If you attend a church that is close by your home than chances are it will be filled with your neighbors,whom are probably of the same race as yourself.
Domenic R.70
ReplyDeleteIn response to many...
Things are different in the south compared to New York City. I wonder what their Sunday's bring in. Some of the reason different races go to different services, is the same reason different age groups go to different churches. I prefer a more traditional service, where someone younger than me may prefer contemporary.
La Tonya C. 67
ReplyDeleteMost often when this question is raised in group settings the over whelming response is, its where they are most comfortable. Our previous reading has pointed to demographics as another possible contender for the separation. But, I imagine it’s because it’s harder to be that Angelic spirit on Sunday, when the commandments/ testaments of one’s religion instructs them on how they should govern themselves by loving thy neighbor/ brother. Think about it, every Sunday gazing upon those whom we felt we were better than, deserved more than, or never managed acknowledgement of their existence. A weekly Atonement were we are held spiritually accountable for practicing discrimination, intolerance, and the unwillingness to discover and respect the equality in someone who looks nothing like you. If Sunday or any other day of worship became a true test of looking directly at the man in the mirror for who he truly is, and his ability to change, would take away from the warm fuzzy feeling that we seek from our spiritual hour- of- power and self-reflection. Honestly, I think it’s, much, much easier for the current scheme of congregations to receive the lesson of the commandments/ testaments, when all around seems right in the world, they believe the same, their tolerance for one another is profound, and looking at their brother or sister to the left/right of you and declaring their love and Gods love for each other is most sincere and they see no need to change; Which is unfortunate, because when you look around on Sunday mornings and see the white church on the left and the black church on the right when they release for the day they don’t even acknowledge each other. How can anyone practice this Sunday after Sunday for years sometimes decades and think that this behavior is satisfactory in anyone’s sight.
La Tonya C. 67 in response to KeithR67
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comment. No one person is greater than another, especially by race. I mean, it sounds completely and utterly ignorant to not like a group of individuals because of the shade of their skin. We may have advancements in medicine & technology, but we lack the fundamentals when I comes to human behavior.
I believe we separate ourselves, but not intentionally. I think we separate ourselves in a sense of comfort.
ReplyDeleteSparkle R.
ReplyDeleteWe stay segretated because that's how us as people feel most comfortable. To go to church and be surrounded by people of your kind. It might not be intended, but it's just happens.
Isabelle 44
ReplyDeleteI believed that we separate ourselves because we feel more comfortable with the people of our race and understand where we come from and have the same culture . That why most people married among themselves to fell more close to their culture and food too and have the same way of raising their kids.
well i think we will always continue to have war among religions. i dont know why. people just seem to go straight to conflict over something you cant prove which is whose god is better. that is what it comes down to in my eyes.
ReplyDeletein response to
Rebecca G69
i agree many people, once they find religion they dont part with it and they stick with what theyre taught. and for the who mixed race thing well it will be so let it be.
Daquan F-70
ReplyDeletePeople tend to go where they feel more comfortable. Whether people admit it or not, you will most likely be comfortable with your own race. This can be blamed on a persons adaptive unconscious. They may be choosing their place of worship based on race and not even know it.
In response to Dana M. 70
I agree with you, a person's religious preferences are usually based on how they were raised and what their parents beliefs are. With that said, since the United States was segregated in the past, beliefs are probably more similar with ones own race.
I dont believe it is really a division within the church but that the congregation most of the time reflects the area the church is in...in Marietta there is a mix and you will find a mixed congregation but in jasper it is mostly whit so the churches are filled with mostly white people
ReplyDeleteSharise H. 70 in response to La Tonya C. 67
ReplyDeleteI agree with both you and Keith. Unfornunately, racism is still very prevalent in our world. I believe people need someone to blame and dislike which somehow keeps them from taking a look at themselves. Another great comment was how we as humans choose certain things subconsciously. Music we listen to and where we worship simply because it falls in line with who and what we are accustomed to being around.
Octavio P- 41
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, religion has become whatever we want it to be for “ME”. As long as it doesn’t interfere with what I want to do, or the way I want to live, it works for ME. I go to a church where a couple weeks ago I had to set one of the “servers” straight in the middle of the service. I did it with the respect that he didn’t have for the place where we were. I understand that, as long as I have to deal with people, I will be dealing with someone as imperfect as I am. Did he do what he did to make me feel out of place? I’m going to speculate and say, yes. Did he make me feel out of place? Definitely no. I ’m like everyone else; welcome to celebrate in God’s house, just because it’s His house. I realize where I am and religion doesn’t change that fact. Though, it should. But even more important, I will never stop being who I am, because someone else doesn’t accept who I am. My faith is not something that I abandon because I didn’t feel welcome by other people in a home that doesn’t belong to them. I don’t go to church to socialize; I go there to give thanks to God for all he brings to my life, including people like that man at church that made me realize, how much more walking I must do before I could reach the place where He wants me to be.
sarah b 16
ReplyDeleteI believe the reason why segregation of religion remains among colored lines is because of the way we are raised, and what we are customed to. What we grow up around seems like norms to us, and everything else is just "wierd". So we tend not to venture out of our boxes or comfort zones. Therefore only in the last couple of decades have we began to try to step away from segregation but somehow (maybe its nature) we seem to step right back into it. I believe as time goes on the segreagation of religion will not closely run along colored lines because our culture is becoming more and more diversed and mixed as more and more individuals are stepping away from the "norms" and creating their own.
sarah b 16
ReplyDeletein response to keith r 67..
that is a great thought.. there is only one race "human race" sooo true. So many people do not feel this way and they do feel superior..but dont our bodies function the same and dont we still want and need basically the same things..I just cant understand why someone could hate another human being just because of their appearance.. i find the difference among us all shows the beauty and complexity of the human race.. (and i believe Gods creations) and the studie of science and genetics.. its amazing and fascinating.
Jasmine Jackson 67
ReplyDeleteI honestly dont see this from a racism standpoint. I see it as a cultural type thing. African Americans are known for worshipping in an exciting way, caucasians are more conservative worshippers, etc. I just believe it depends on how you want to worship. My church is very diverse: blacks, whites, hispanics, and Indians. Everyone is just excited to be in the same building praising God.
jasmine jackson 67
ReplyDeleteIn response to Daquan F70
I completely agree that people tend to go where they are more comfortable and that usually is with your own race. In my opinion, If you choose a church BECAUSE its prodomenantly a certain race, you are going to church for the wrong reason. BUt, yes it all depends on the environment that you are comfortable in.
Octavio P-41 in response to Octavius G
ReplyDeleteOctavius,
Good point. It’s a shame to see how racism is masked behind the fabric of such a sacred institution. I must say that some people don’t have the most remote idea of what the teachings of God are. A while ago, I was talking in one of the blogs about how we could find good decent people distant from what we call civilization, people that would never learn about who Jesus was, the prophets, or anyone that represents any established religion around the world. For example, natives of the New World had to be evangelized and brought out of their savage ways. In the process, how many got slaughtered by their saviors? If we only understood that there are many doors that lead to the same ending. Or should I say beginning?
Thomas L 67
ReplyDeleteBecause we are born into it. Our parents brought us into that kind of environment. As long as I can remember, Ive felt right with the religion I`m with.
Thomas L 67
ReplyDeletein response to
Rebbecca 68
I agree just let it be. Everyone should respect who they follow, we are our own people.
Gina W.62
ReplyDeleteI believe race and religion come hand and hand. It definitely goes back historicaly to what race worships what religion. I think race drifts towards different relgions for example a lot of hispanic people are catholic and Aferican americans are muslium. You dont see alot of muslium caucasians.
In response to Jasmine Jackson 67
I also agree with you my church is very diverse as well. I dont think its a racis I jst think it has to do with culture.
Every kind of group has different values. Religion is definitely one of those groups, and while these days many people of different races are like, there is usually some ideals that many people within a race share in a certain way with one another, that are different outside of that race. This is why, although christianity seems to be the most popular religion in this country, there seems to be a great population of a certain race connected to a certain denomination of that. Races are also definitely clustered along different lines of separated deeper denominations, with slightly different values/beliefs. Also, when people of a certain racial classification in the U.S. immigrate in, they come from different countries that seem similar, especially in language, to Americans, but are classified together even though the cultures may be very different. For instance, we classify people in categories, such as "Hispanics/Hispanic-Americans" and "Middle Easterners," but the different countries/regions within the countries they come from may have completely different cultures and religions, but since many Americans see most people from the Middle East as "looking alike," they place most of them within one race. Therefore, one "race" from different but similar areas equals the appearance of them all being in one race and religion, even though there are deeper cultural meanings within different denominations.
ReplyDeleteIn Response to Jasmine Jackson 67, I do agree. The split in religious ways of worshipping is something to think about. You are right that they WAY of worshipping is often different among different races. Different churches serve different ways of worship that different races prefer, therefore certain races gravitate toward certain churches/types of churches because of how things are done there. The people who run the church may even have been taught slightly different stories of a religion, and therefore, particular messages sent in different churches may diversify one religion even more.
-Niyah Miles
I believe that people are always more comfortable with people they share a common interests with wether that be color or religion, therefore even in a place that is non denominational people are going to stay close to what they know.
ReplyDeleteLAFARAH P
ReplyDeleteI believe that people are always more comfortable with people they share a common interests with wether that be color or religion, therefore even in a place that is non denominational people are going to stay close to what they know. November 20, 2011 4:46 PM
Ryan H, 69
ReplyDeleteI think the reason why religion in the United States is separated by race is mainly tradition. Religious tolerance is not a new concept, but it was rarely offered by societies in the past. America did display religious tolerance earlier than many other societies, but racial acceptance was much slower than other parts of the world. Although Christianity was the dominant religion for most races they did not worship together because of racial segregation. Once these race lines were muted the separation along with the religious traditions that developed was so ingrained that it did not go away.
Samisha S-67
ReplyDeleteI believe that most people are use to the norms and stay in their comfort zone. Most of the time your religion is forced on you at birth. You believe in what your family believe in and their traditions. I was brought up singing in church, so I do not know any other way. I think people stay where they feel comfortable.
Samisha S-67
ReplyDeletein response to LAFARAH P...
I agree with you totally. People stay where they feel comfortable and go by what they know. I believe race and religion go hand in hand.
Ryan H, 69
ReplyDeleteIn response to Jasmine Jackson 67
"I honestly dont see this from a racism standpoint. I see it as a cultural type thing."
Culture might be the reason why racial separation is still apparent, but racism is definately what started the separation.
Renee A 67
ReplyDeleteInteresting topic, my husband and I were just talking about today. Maybe if we knew more about different religions we would understand the seperation of color and worship. It seems traditional that colors do stay together but are we not welcome in other places of worship? I do think it is a cultural issue and the way you were raised. But shouldn't it be ok if we want to attend other places of worship since we are there to "worship".
Porsha P 69
ReplyDeleteI believe we are seperated by race within worship because of slavery. In the early 1900s almost everything was segregated in the U.S. Racist people used the bible to justify slavery and all sorts of evil things. Blacks were not allowed to worship with white people. Many black people did not want to worship with people who had a racist mentality. People felt comfortable worshiping God with like minded people. I think that people perfer to worship God with people they are comfortable being around with outside of church.
Porsha P 69
ReplyDeleteIn reference to Rebecca G69
We are one human race. Hopefully everyone in the world will understand that oneday. I believe it has to changed in the church. Churches need to make it a priorty to make people feel welcomed regardless of race.
Frank J 67
ReplyDeleteI think the main reason that churches are more or less still segregated is due to upbringing. We are creatures of habit. Most people, who haven't left their hometown, go to the same church their parents and grandparents went to. I don't think it's necessarily done to stay away from the other race, it's more so a traditional thing. The exceptions would be the churches in the U.S. that don't speak English like in my hometown in TN there are Korean Baptist churches that only speak Korean or while i lived in California there were Catholic churches that only spoke Spanish. So the demographic of the local area has a lot to do with the racial divides as well.
In response to LeeAnn V
ReplyDeleteI agree with your view of the area in which the churches are located have a part to play. I don't think it's intentionally segregated on purpose. We have a diverse congregation in my church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It's great to be able to learn about other nationalities and ethnic backgrounds within our own church.
Meghan Williams
ReplyDeleteLike many people have already said i think that they are separated due to tradition. People have been going to the same churches there parents have gone to and its just comfortable for them. also some churches offer specific languages like at my church we have a Spanish sermon, but i think that my church is very diverse culturally, i see people from all different races, i go to a catholic church.
Megan G-70
ReplyDeleteI think it all goes back to where our ancestors went to church and how religions were back then. We all pretty much go to the churches that we grew up going to with our parents...or atleast remain in the same religion that we grew up as. So when you think about why religion and churches are still somewhat segregated I think it is because of the times...thats how things were then. At the same time I think it is stupid. I am catholic and i was taught that all people are equal no matter that their race! Were all human, thats all that really matters.
David G.
ReplyDeleteI can only speak authoritatively on the racial separation in christian churches. We are forbidden from racism. The early Christian church already looked at this issue, and confronted it where it was a problem. They, at that early stage aknowledged that there were going to be 'cultural' differences between congregations, but that equality would be the rule. If we aren't following this rule, we are probably in sin.
This is an interesting question. I believe that it has a lot to do with our family influence. I believe that a lot of us are pressured by our parents and even grandparents to practice the same faith and even at the same locations as our elders. I am glad to attend a catholic church where I am a minority, I see many people from many ethnic groups. It is interesting though, how most protestant churches that I have been to have the same race and the same ethnicity.
ReplyDeleteSandraS/69
ReplyDeleteYes I believe that there still churches that still are seperated by race, but I believe it has to do with family upbringing and also how long ago the church was established. It is also with what people are comfortable with,the traditions, the culture, etc.
George M 67
ReplyDeleteI think that worship STYLE may be a big issue. I grew up going to church and church would last ALL DAY....a regular service could be up to 3 hours. Some Caucasian churches have 45 minute service. A lot of African american churches pride themselves on a great choir , a good organ player, a loud and boisertous pastor. Its a cultural difference. Culture plays a big part in the segregation of churches.
Susette R.-67
ReplyDeleteI believe segregation by color in religion has a lot to do with cultural upbringing and the history of our religions. Nowadays I actually believe there is more of a mixture and openness in accepting other cultures and races as a part of a religion. For example, I know white americans who are buddhist or muslim and I know African Americans and Indians that are Christian. I believe it is more segregated in other countries but because America is such a melting pot, I don't think that it is as bad here.
In response to George M 67-
I agree that the style plays a factor and what you say is true about African American services vs. others, but I think that becomes more of a personal preference rather that a color or race segregation.
I think we remain separated because we like to stay in a comfort zone. we feel comfortable with people that are similar to us.
ReplyDeleteMegan C.
ReplyDeleteI believe a large part stay seperate due to tradition. If a person has grown up going and part taking in a certain place of worship it becomes comfortable. Not that it is necessarily right but it is all realtive. It is what that person believes and prefers to live life around. That why I believe there is still seperation.
I agree that people do tend to clump together with the same similarity because it is a comfort. Since of the discrimination that existed in the past we have become comfortable around those like us, this is probably the reason why the United states is divided by color lines.
ReplyDelete