Previous studies investigate whether spirituality aids African Americans in coping with the complexities of life when confronted with a host of issues such as higher levels of poverty, health issues, and incarceration. However, few studies have examined the consistency of spirituality across multiple parameters. This study examines spirituality across gender, city, and the interactions of gender and city. Findings indicate the consistency of spirituality within the African American community supporting the role of the church for males and females in both rural and urban settings.
The pivotal role of religion and spirituality in the lives of African Americans marks this ethnoracial group as a particularly important target for attention in research on the psychology and sociology of religion. In this chapter we endeavor to achieve three ends: First, we briefly review literature on meanings of religiosity and spirituality among African Americans. Second, we review the literature on the link between religiosity, spirituality, and health among African Americans. Finally, we examine findings regarding the pathways by which religion and spirituality may achieve its ends.
Discipleship Formation in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in the 21st ...Jonathan Dunnemann
This qualitative case study sought to discover if the African Methodist Episcopal Church is intentional in the discipleship formation of its members. My study examined five African
Methodist Episcopal Churches in the Midwest and included 60 clergy and non-clergy participants. I conducted one-on-one interviews with the clergy and I held focus groups of seven to ten participants with the non-clergy. Also as part of the study, I observed weekly worship services, adult Sunday school classes, and mid-week Bible studies at each of the five churches. The major findings revealed discipleship formation is not a one-time event, but a journey with four components: 1) the participants understanding and definition of discipleship as journey, 2) discipleship formation journey aids inside the church, 3) discipleship formation journey hindrances inside the church, and 4) discipleship formation journey aids outside the church. I
analyzed the findings using four theoretical frameworks: 1) myths, rituals, habits, and the sacred; 2) critical pedagogy; 3) black liberation theology; and 4) transformational leadership. Analysis of the data revealed the foundational Christian education programs within the church are struggling with being relevant to people’s everyday lives. Second, role models play an important part in discipleship formation. Third, because of time constraints, church leaders do not get to focus on their discipleship formation so they can be role models and help others on their journeys.
Whither Shall We Go? The Past and Present of Black Churches and the Public Sp...Jonathan Dunnemann
The author asserts that "the Black Church should remain engaged in the public sphere for two reasons: first, black churches are operating in the absence of state welfare rather than as an alternative to it and second, black churches are among the few institutions providing race-specif remedies that have been abandoned in a colorblind era.
Sankofa Institute providing education program for ministry among African Amer...Jonathan Dunnemann
The Sankofa Institute provides an opportunity for men
and women in South Texas to receive academic training for
pastoral ministry close to home and earn master’s or doctoral
degrees approved by the Association of Theological Schools.
Protestant as well as Catholics have earned degrees at Oblate
for many years; now, for the first time, students will have an
option to choose courses with a focus on African American
studies.
Strengths Building, Resilience, and the Bible: A Story-Based Curriculum for A...Jonathan Dunnemann
Depression is the leading cause of illness and disability in adolescents worldwide. Resilience training, founded on principles of positive psychology, is correlated with lower depression and
substance misuse in U.S. adolescents and military personnel. However, resilience training has focused primarily on secular interventions using western material. Religion is strongly correlated
with lower depression and also with well-being in developing countries. Ninety percent of adolescents live in developing countries, and at least two-thirds are oral learners who prefer
learning through stories and drama. This paper proposes a Bible story based curriculum that trains students in problem solving skills, character strengths, and both spiritual and secular
research-tested principles for resilience and well-being. The Bible is available by audio recording in 751 languages and offers a broad base of archetypal stories for teaching resilience. The
program is easily reproducible, culturally adaptable, respectful of all religions, and specifically crafted for oral learners. Through audio recordings to maintain fidelity, train the trainer programs
for dissemination and support of national and community leaders, the proposed curriculum for Global Resilience Oral Workshops (GROW) has potential to lower depression and lift well-being
in adolescents around the world.
Transformative Pedagogy, Black Theology and Participative forms of PraxisJonathan Dunnemann
"This formative analysis is... on the significant developments in religious education by and for Black people, principally in the US. ..., I describe my own participative approaches to Black theology by means of transformative pedagogy, which utilizes interactive exercises as a means of combining the insights of the aforementioned ideas and themes into a transformative mode of teaching and learning."
"..., I have attempted to combine the radical intent of transformative education arising from the Freirerian tradition with Black liberation theology in order to develop a more participative and interactive mode of theo-pedagogical engagement that moves intellectual discourse beyond mere theorizing into more praxis based forms of practice.
Capitalizing on my African American Christian Heritage in the Cultivation of ...Jonathan Dunnemann
This project addresses what I perceive to be an opportunity for some aspects of
African American spirituality to become more holistic. It is noteworthy that many
African American communal worship experiences are powerful and dynamic. I
hypothesize that many African American Christians can enjoy an even more enhanced
spiritual experience by integrating contemplative spiritual disciplines into present
dynamic communal practices for spiritual formation.
The pivotal role of religion and spirituality in the lives of African Americans marks this ethnoracial group as a particularly important target for attention in research on the psychology and sociology of religion. In this chapter we endeavor to achieve three ends: First, we briefly review literature on meanings of religiosity and spirituality among African Americans. Second, we review the literature on the link between religiosity, spirituality, and health among African Americans. Finally, we examine findings regarding the pathways by which religion and spirituality may achieve its ends.
Discipleship Formation in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in the 21st ...Jonathan Dunnemann
This qualitative case study sought to discover if the African Methodist Episcopal Church is intentional in the discipleship formation of its members. My study examined five African
Methodist Episcopal Churches in the Midwest and included 60 clergy and non-clergy participants. I conducted one-on-one interviews with the clergy and I held focus groups of seven to ten participants with the non-clergy. Also as part of the study, I observed weekly worship services, adult Sunday school classes, and mid-week Bible studies at each of the five churches. The major findings revealed discipleship formation is not a one-time event, but a journey with four components: 1) the participants understanding and definition of discipleship as journey, 2) discipleship formation journey aids inside the church, 3) discipleship formation journey hindrances inside the church, and 4) discipleship formation journey aids outside the church. I
analyzed the findings using four theoretical frameworks: 1) myths, rituals, habits, and the sacred; 2) critical pedagogy; 3) black liberation theology; and 4) transformational leadership. Analysis of the data revealed the foundational Christian education programs within the church are struggling with being relevant to people’s everyday lives. Second, role models play an important part in discipleship formation. Third, because of time constraints, church leaders do not get to focus on their discipleship formation so they can be role models and help others on their journeys.
Whither Shall We Go? The Past and Present of Black Churches and the Public Sp...Jonathan Dunnemann
The author asserts that "the Black Church should remain engaged in the public sphere for two reasons: first, black churches are operating in the absence of state welfare rather than as an alternative to it and second, black churches are among the few institutions providing race-specif remedies that have been abandoned in a colorblind era.
Sankofa Institute providing education program for ministry among African Amer...Jonathan Dunnemann
The Sankofa Institute provides an opportunity for men
and women in South Texas to receive academic training for
pastoral ministry close to home and earn master’s or doctoral
degrees approved by the Association of Theological Schools.
Protestant as well as Catholics have earned degrees at Oblate
for many years; now, for the first time, students will have an
option to choose courses with a focus on African American
studies.
Strengths Building, Resilience, and the Bible: A Story-Based Curriculum for A...Jonathan Dunnemann
Depression is the leading cause of illness and disability in adolescents worldwide. Resilience training, founded on principles of positive psychology, is correlated with lower depression and
substance misuse in U.S. adolescents and military personnel. However, resilience training has focused primarily on secular interventions using western material. Religion is strongly correlated
with lower depression and also with well-being in developing countries. Ninety percent of adolescents live in developing countries, and at least two-thirds are oral learners who prefer
learning through stories and drama. This paper proposes a Bible story based curriculum that trains students in problem solving skills, character strengths, and both spiritual and secular
research-tested principles for resilience and well-being. The Bible is available by audio recording in 751 languages and offers a broad base of archetypal stories for teaching resilience. The
program is easily reproducible, culturally adaptable, respectful of all religions, and specifically crafted for oral learners. Through audio recordings to maintain fidelity, train the trainer programs
for dissemination and support of national and community leaders, the proposed curriculum for Global Resilience Oral Workshops (GROW) has potential to lower depression and lift well-being
in adolescents around the world.
Transformative Pedagogy, Black Theology and Participative forms of PraxisJonathan Dunnemann
"This formative analysis is... on the significant developments in religious education by and for Black people, principally in the US. ..., I describe my own participative approaches to Black theology by means of transformative pedagogy, which utilizes interactive exercises as a means of combining the insights of the aforementioned ideas and themes into a transformative mode of teaching and learning."
"..., I have attempted to combine the radical intent of transformative education arising from the Freirerian tradition with Black liberation theology in order to develop a more participative and interactive mode of theo-pedagogical engagement that moves intellectual discourse beyond mere theorizing into more praxis based forms of practice.
Capitalizing on my African American Christian Heritage in the Cultivation of ...Jonathan Dunnemann
This project addresses what I perceive to be an opportunity for some aspects of
African American spirituality to become more holistic. It is noteworthy that many
African American communal worship experiences are powerful and dynamic. I
hypothesize that many African American Christians can enjoy an even more enhanced
spiritual experience by integrating contemplative spiritual disciplines into present
dynamic communal practices for spiritual formation.
African American spirituality provides a rich lens into the heart and soul of the black church experience, often overlooked in the Christian spiritual formation literature. By addressing this lacuna, this essay focuses on three primary shaping qualities o f history: the effects of slavery, the Civil Rights Movement under Dr. Martin Luther King’s leadership, and the emergence of the Black Church. Lour spiritual practices that influence African American spirituality highlight the historical and cultural context of being “forged in the fiery furnace,” including worship, preaching and Scripture, the community of faith and prayer, and community outreach. The essay concludes by recognizing four areas o f the lived experiences of African Americans from which the global church can glean: (1) persevering in pain and suffering, (2) turning to God for strength, (3) experiencing a living and passionate faith, and (4) affirming God’s intention for freedom and justice to be afforded to every individual.
This study explores adolescent religious commitment using qualitative data
from a religiously diverse (Jewish, Christian, Muslim) sample of 80 adolescents.
A new construct, anchors of religious commitment, grounded in interview data, is
proposed to describe what adolescents commit to as a part of their religious
identity.
Translating Spiritual Ideals into Daily Life: The Eight-Point Program of Pass...Jonathan Dunnemann
An inspirational passage turns our thoughts to what is permanent, to those things that put a final end to insecurity. In meditation, the inspirational passage becomes imprinted on our consciousness. As we drive it deeper and deeper, the words come to life within us, transforming all our thoughts, feelings, words, and deeds.
“Luke Embrace Your Destiny” is a sermon written by Rev. Tony Williams a longtime friend and Holy Cross College brother which he delivered on Sunday, January 20th 2019 at First Calvary Baptist Church 400 Long St., in Salisbury, NC 28144 to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s 90th birthday.
IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science is a double blind peer reviewed International Journal edited by International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR).The Journal provides a common forum where all aspects of humanities and social sciences are presented. IOSR-JHSS publishes original papers, review papers, conceptual framework, analytical and simulation models, case studies, empirical research, technical notes etc.
African American spirituality provides a rich lens into the heart and soul of the black church experience, often overlooked in the Christian spiritual formation literature. By addressing this lacuna, this essay focuses on three primary shaping qualities o f history: the effects of slavery, the Civil Rights Movement under Dr. Martin Luther King’s leadership, and the emergence of the Black Church. Lour spiritual practices that influence African American spirituality highlight the historical and cultural context of being “forged in the fiery furnace,” including worship, preaching and Scripture, the community of faith and prayer, and community outreach. The essay concludes by recognizing four areas o f the lived experiences of African Americans from which the global church can glean: (1) persevering in pain and suffering, (2) turning to God for strength, (3) experiencing a living and passionate faith, and (4) affirming God’s intention for freedom and justice to be afforded to every individual.
This study explores adolescent religious commitment using qualitative data
from a religiously diverse (Jewish, Christian, Muslim) sample of 80 adolescents.
A new construct, anchors of religious commitment, grounded in interview data, is
proposed to describe what adolescents commit to as a part of their religious
identity.
Translating Spiritual Ideals into Daily Life: The Eight-Point Program of Pass...Jonathan Dunnemann
An inspirational passage turns our thoughts to what is permanent, to those things that put a final end to insecurity. In meditation, the inspirational passage becomes imprinted on our consciousness. As we drive it deeper and deeper, the words come to life within us, transforming all our thoughts, feelings, words, and deeds.
“Luke Embrace Your Destiny” is a sermon written by Rev. Tony Williams a longtime friend and Holy Cross College brother which he delivered on Sunday, January 20th 2019 at First Calvary Baptist Church 400 Long St., in Salisbury, NC 28144 to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s 90th birthday.
IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science is a double blind peer reviewed International Journal edited by International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR).The Journal provides a common forum where all aspects of humanities and social sciences are presented. IOSR-JHSS publishes original papers, review papers, conceptual framework, analytical and simulation models, case studies, empirical research, technical notes etc.
Cultural Diversity Assignment EDUC 2120Research one cultural.docxdorishigh
Cultural Diversity Assignment EDUC 2120
Research one cultural group from the list in class. Find out about their family structure, foods, political organization, social preference (how they interact with one another, thoughts about respects, etc.), school environment, traditions, etc. Use the questions below to guide your search(es). Submit a document including this information and how that culture is similar and different from yours to the Dropbox. Be prepared to share in class on Thursday.
The U.S. Government defines the following ethnic groups:
African American & Africans
Asian Americans & Asians
Hispanic & Latino Americans
American Indian & Alaska Native
Pacific Islander
White
Other cultural groups include:
Cambodian
Ethiopian
Kenyan
Russian
Somali
Vietnamese
Hmong
Indian (from India)
Indonesian
General
1. What are the values of the different groups within the community?
2. How do various members of each cultural group define health and illness?
3. What are some of the more common health beliefs and practices of various members of different groups in the community, both in general and with respect to the specific problem?
4. What are the predominant family structures within the community’s different cultural groups? Are they hierarchical, patriarchal, two household, single parent household, female head of household, extended, nuclear, etc.?
5. What are some of the traditional roles of different family members in these different groups, particularly where health care is concerned?
6. Who are the formal and informal leaders of the groups of community and what role do they have in the area of health education/promotion?
7. How many and which languages or dialects are spoken? Is there a common language understood by all? Is there a written language?
8. What are the formal and informal channels of communication within and between different groups?
Diet
1. What are the traditional foods and what role do these different foods play in health, religion and school activities?
2. How has the diet here in the U.S. changed over time as compared to that of the country of origin?
3. Is there access to those foods that constitute the traditional diet? If so, are they affordable and accessible to this particular community? If not, are there acceptable and affordable substitutes?
Religion and Spirituality
1. What are the different religious/spiritual practices within the different cultural groups in this community? Are they segregated from others of the same faith? Do any practice their religion in secret?
2. How is their practice of a specific religion influenced by their culture? Is it practiced differently from that of a different culture within the same faith?
3. What is the size of membership and who are they?
4. Who are the religious leaders and what is their role in the larger community?
5. Are there conflicts within or among the various religious groups?
6. What involvement do various religious groups have i.
Running head SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION MODULE SIX .docxtoltonkendal
Running head: SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION: MODULE SIX
1
TEXAS RULES AND LAWS 4
SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION: MODULE SIX
5
Sociology of Religion: Module Six
Student's Name
Institutional Affiliation:
Sociology of Religion
In lesson six the most interesting module that I read was the one about the current issues in marriage of families and their religions. In addition to this, I enjoyed learning about the module about the good, bad and ugly in terms of religions’ social aspects. To understand the philosophy of religion properly, this two aspect need to be studied in depth and the relationship between them understood. This paper is therefore written to help in understanding this relationship between the religion and family and the social aspects of religion as indicated in the modules six as well as the further readings given in class. **More content relating to final 2 requirements***
To begin with, the first reading that interested me considers the connection between religion, and family development designs. The family development examples of individuals from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with its solid family-focused philosophy, were contrasted and those of Roman Catholics, Protestants (partitioned into liberal and moderate gatherings), and individuals with no religious inclination (Jordan, 2015). It was found that individuals with no religious inclination are less inclined to wed, more prone to separate, more averse to remarry after separation and have tendencies to have littler families than individuals from the changing religious gatherings.
At the point when contrasted with alternative religious gatherings, Latter-day Saints have bigger families, the most astounding rates of marriage and fruitfulness, and the least separation rates. Catholics likewise tend to separate less and remarry after separation less often than Protestants. Potentially no other societal foundation has a nearer connect with religion than does the family (Smoak, 2015). Late changes in family arrangement have tested Judeo-Christian morals concerning family life (Idler, 2008). Postponing marriages, rising separation rates, and learning within family estimates all run counter to the conventional prenatal, prenuptial position of most Christian religions. In light of this, changes in the regular family-lifecycle occasions the normal individual can only hope to understand, the diligence of the connection amongst family and religion remains an essential issue. In reality, the impact of religion seems, by all accounts, to be fading (Buchdah et al., 1997). Keeping in mind the end goal to comprehend the part of religion in the public arena, it will be important to keep checking the connection amongst religious and family-arranged conduct.
The modules likewise consider the interrelationship amongst religion and family by choosing a religion wi ...
Religion, Culture, and Nursing Chapter 13 Patricia A. Hanson a.docxaudeleypearl
Religion, Culture, and Nursing Chapter 13
Patricia A. Hanson and Margaret M. Andrews
Dimensions of Religion
Religion is complex and multifaceted in both form and function. Religious faith and the institutions derived from that faith become a central focus in meeting the human needs of those who believe. The majority of faith traditions address the issues of illness and wellness, of disease and healing, of caring and curing (Ebersole, Hess, & Luggan, 2008; Fogel & Rivera, 2010; Leonard & Carlson, 2010).
Religious Factors
Influencing Human Behavior First, it is necessary to identify specific religious factors that may influence human behavior. No single religious factor operates in isolation, but rather exists in combination with other religious factors and the person’s ethnic, racial, and cultural background. When religion and ethnicity combine to influence a person, the term ethnoreligion is sometimes used. Examples of ethnoreligious groups include the Amish, Russian Jews, Lebanese Muslims, Italian, Irish, or Polish Catholics, Tibetan Buddhists, American Samoan Mormons, and so forth. Faulkner and DeJong (1966) have proposed five major dimensions of religion in their classic work on the subject: experiential, ritualistic, ideologic, intellectual, and consequential.
Experiential Dimension The experiential dimension recognizes that all religions have expectations of members and that the religious person will at some point in life achieve direct knowledge of ultimate reality or will experience religious emotion. Every religion recognizes this subjective religious experience as a sign of religiosity.
Ritualistic Dimension The ritualistic dimension pertains to religious practices expected of the followers and may include worship, prayer, participation in sacraments, and fasting
Ideologic Dimension The ideologic dimension refers to the set of beliefs to which its followers must adhere in order to call themselves members. Commitment to the group or movement as a social process results, and members experience a sense of belonging or affiliation.
Intellectual Dimension The intellectual dimension refers to specific sets of beliefs or explanations or to the cognitive structuring of meaning. Members are expected to be informed about the basic tenets of the religion and to be familiar with sacred writings or scriptures. The intellectual and the ideologic are closely related because acceptance of a dimension presupposes knowledge of it.
Consequential Dimension The consequential dimension refers to religiously defined standards of conduct and to prescriptions that specify what followers’ attitudes and behaviors should be as a consequence of their religion. The consequential dimension governs people’s relationships with others.
Religious Dimensions in Relation to Health and Illness Obviously, each religious dimension has a different significance when related to matters of health and illness. Different religious cultures may emphasize one of the five ...
In many communities churches are a primary partner in community health. By uniting the best practices of public health and congregational-based principles emphasizing wellness, wholeness, prevention, and education, churches can influence people's values and life choices, and enable them to assume responsibility for their own health. A survey conducted by the Congregational Health ReSource, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health Office of Minority Health and Public Health Policy, will report the findings from four rural communities that participated in a pilot congregational health assessment.
In many communities churches are a primary partner in community health. By uniting the best practices of public health and congregational-based principles emphasizing wellness, wholeness, prevention, and education, churches can influence people's values and life choices, and enable them to assume responsibility for their own health. A survey conducted by the Congregational Health ReSource, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health Office of Minority Health and Public Health Policy, will report the findings from four rural communities that participated in a pilot congregational health assessment.
Many churches with health ministries understand the concept of congregational health. For those churches that don't already have health ministries, this concept provides a way of improving the health of church members without increasing the existing workload of leadership. When introduced to the idea of congregational health, most churches are eager to begin developing health ministries. How can we leverage churches as a force multiplier to decrease gaps in health equity, develop partnerships, and educate the public?
"The rise of black power had a profound effect upon the appearance of black theology. When Carmichael and other radical black activists separated themselves from King's absolute commitment to nonviolence by proclaiming black power, white Christians especially members of the clergy, called upon their black brothers and sisters in the gospel to denounce black power as unChristian. To the surprise of white Christians, the National Committee of Negro Churchmen (NNC); later to become NCBC) refused to follow their advice and instead wrote a "Black Power Statement" that was published in the New York Time, July 31, 1966.
The Theology of Spirituality: It's Growing Importance Amid the Transformation...Jonathan Dunnemann
Abstract: This article raises issues surrounding the theology of spirituality as a relatively new theological focus. It argues that, faced with a changing world and numerous new (or perceived as new) phenomena, the theology of spirituality, as a scholarly area examining spiritual experience, is becoming a branch of
theological research of increasing importance. The first part of this article focuses on the ever-growing areas of interest found within the theology of spirituality, a growth stemming from the core of the field itself (agere sequitur esse). The second part emphasizes the newer areas of interest within the theology
of spirituality. These new horizons arise from the pluralism of theology itself and the criteria used in differentiating theological disciplines, such as ethno-geographic, doctrinal, and ascetic-practical concerns. In particular, amid a fast-changing world in which information and mutual contact have become incredibly accessible, the interpenetration of cultures and traditions can not only be of great value but also carry the dangers of a chaotic eclecticism. As this accessibility becomes ever easier and more pervasive, contemporary human beings can thus become confused, not only about their worldviews but also concerning their spiritual and religious beliefs. Thus, research into the theology of spirituality is becoming increasingly more important.
Using an interdisciplinary approach and a phenomenological, hermeneutic, mystagogical methodology, this paper explores how children describe the deep fruits of meditation in their lives. Seventy children, aged 7 to 11, from four Irish primary schools were interviewed; all had engaged in meditation as a whole-school practice for at least two-years beforehand. The study sought to elicit from children their experience, if any, of the transcendent in meditation. It concludes that children can and do enjoy deep states of consciousness and that meditation has the capacity to nourish the innate spirituality of the child. It highlights the importance of personal spiritual experience for children and supports the introduction of meditation in primary schools.
ASSESSMENT OF CHARACTER STRENGTHS AMONG YOUTH: THE VALUES IN ACTION INVENTORY...Jonathan Dunnemann
Raising virtuous children is an ultimate goal not only of all parents and educators but also of all societies. Across different eras and cultures, identifying character strengths (virtues) and cultivating them in children and youth have been among the chief interests of philosophers, theologians, and educators. With a few exceptions, these topics have been neglected by psychologists. However, the emerging field of positive psychology specifically emphasizes
building the good life by identifying individual strengths of character and fostering them (Seligman, 2002). Character strengths are now receiving attention by psychologists interested in positive youth development.
Historical criticism attempts to read texts in their original situations, informed by literary and cultural conventions reconstructed from comparable texts and artifacts. African American interpretation extends this approach to questions about race and social location for the ancient text, its reception
history, and its modern readers. It arose as a corrective and alternative to white supremacist use of the Bible in moral and political arguments regarding race, civil rights, and social justice. Accordingly, African American interpretation has combined the
insights of abolitionists and activists with academic tools to demonstrate how biblical interpretation can function as an instrument of oppression, obfuscation, or opportunity. Of course, most of these developments have occurred in the larger framework of American Christianity. Yet, its analyses reach
beyond that specific setting, touching on the connections between the Bible and race in public discourse generally, whether in government, academia, or popular culture.
Appropriating Universality: The Coltranes and 1960s SpiritualityJonathan Dunnemann
The role of the Black Protestant Church has figured prominently in scholarly discussions of African American music culture, and to some extent its importance has been explored with respect to jazz. However, with the exception of the Nation of Islam, the influence of Eastern religious practices among black Americans has not been significantly researched nor have adequate connections been made between these spiritual pursuits and the musical innovations they inspired. Nevertheless, since the mid-’60s, black American artists have explored Yoga, Hinduism, various sects of Buddhism, Ahmadiya Islam, and Bahá’í. The
aesthetic impact of these pursuits has been multi-dimensional and far-reaching. In their study of Asian philosophy and religion, jazz musicians have been exposed to the sounds and musical processes they have discovered in the cultures from which these traditions have emerged. One can hear this influence in musical borrowings, such as the use of traditional instrumentation, the reworking of melodic material from folk and classical genres, and the incorporation of indigenous
improvisational and compositional techniques. Though less audible, Eastern spiritual traditions have also exerted a more abstract philosophical influence that has shaped jazz aesthetics, inspiring jazz musicians to dissolve formal and stylistic boundaries and produce works of great originality. Contextualizing the spiritual explorations of John and Alice Coltrane within American religious culture and liberation movements of the 1960s, this essay explores the way that
their eclectic appropriation of Eastern spiritual concepts and their commitment to spiritual universality not only inspired musical innovation, but also provided a counter-hegemonic, political, and cultural critique.
Who Is Jesus Christ for Us Today?
To say that Jesus Christ is the truth of the Christian story calls for further examination. It is one thing to assert that the New Testament describes Jesus as the Oppressed One who came to liberate the poor and the weak (Chap. 4); but it is quite another to ask, Who is Jesus Christ for us today? If twentieth-century Christians are to speak the truth for their sociohistorical situation, they cannot merely repeat the story of what Jesus did and said in Palestine, as if it were selfinterpreting for us today. Truth is more than the retelling of the biblical story. Truth is the divine happening that invades our contemporary situation, revealing the meaning of the past for the present so that we
are made new creatures for the future. It is therefore our commitment to the divine truth, as witnessed to in the biblical story, that requires us to investigate the connection between Jesus' words and deeds in firstcentury Palestine and our existence today. This is the crux of the christological issue that no Christian theology can avoid.
Development of a Program for the Empowerment of Black Single Mother Families ...Jonathan Dunnemann
The most rapid growing family type in the United States is the single parent family. It is the dominant family type in the African-American community. According to the United States Bureau of the Census (2010), 69% of all Black children are born to single mothers. Single mother families are at a dramatically greater risk for drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, suicide, poor educational performance, teen pregnancy, and criminality (National Center for Health Statistics, 1993).
Black Males, Social Imagery, and the Disruption of Pathological IdentitiesJonathan Dunnemann
Throughout the history of the U.S., racialized groups have often had their experiences profoundly shaped by social imagery in ways that have created tremendous hardships in the quest for
self-actualization and a healthy sense of self.
The purpose of this article is to shed light on the manner in which Black males have been one of the primary victims of negative social imagery and how the remnants of these constructions continue to have contemporary influences, ....
The Relationship Between Spiritual Engagement and Authentic Leadership: Explo...Jonathan Dunnemann
Spiritual engagement is defined as a complex spiritual transformative process of spiritual practices and the attitudes
and beliefs that motivate spiritual disciplines and are consequently enhanced by the practices (Roof, Bocarnea, & Winston, 2015). Data were collected from a diverse sample of 65 leaders who self-reported spiritual engagement and 266 associated followers’ perceptions of the leaders’ authentic leadership using previously validated instruments including the Authentic Leadership Questionairre (Walumbwa et al., 2008) and the Spiritual Engagement Instrument (Roof et al., 2015).
Mystic as Prophet: The Deep Freedom of Thomas Merton and Howard ThurmanJonathan Dunnemann
Perhaps the rarest of all human beings is the mystic as prophet. There are few who have successfully combined a life of contemplation with a prophetic call to social justice. Howard Thurman (1900-81) and Thomas Merton (1915-68) are two such individuals. As beacons of light in a world clouded by violence, war and racial bigotry, this African-American minister, and this Trappist monk, have illumined the way for many.
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
Why is this So? ~ Do Seek to KNOW (English & Chinese).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma teaching of Kamma-Vipaka (Intentional Actions-Ripening Effects).
A Presentation for developing morality, concentration and wisdom and to spur us to practice the Dhamma diligently.
The texts are in English and Chinese.
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
2 Peter 3: Because some scriptures are hard to understand and some will force them to say things God never intended, Peter warns us to take care.
https://youtu.be/nV4kGHFsEHw
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way
SBs – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
HANUMAN STORIES: TIMELESS TEACHINGS FOR TODAY’S WORLDLearnyoga
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Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
An Examination of Spirituality in the African American Church
1. NATIONAL FORUM OF MULTICULTURAL ISSUES JOURNAL
VOLUME 9, NUMBER 1, 2012
1
An Examination of Spirituality in the African American Church
LaVelle Hendricks, EdD
Student Affairs Coordinator
Assistant Professor
President of Faculty Senate
Department of Counseling
College of Education and Human Services
Texas A & M University-Commerce
Commerce, Texas
Samuel Bore, PhD
School Counseling Coordinator
Director of Training & Placement
Assistant Professor
Department of Counseling
College of Education and Human Services
Texas A & M University-Commerce
Commerce, Texas
L. Rusty Waller, PhD
Interim Department Head
Associate Professor
Department of Educational Leadership and Development
College of Education and Human Services
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Commerce, Texas
______________________________________________________________________________
Abstract
Previous studies investigate whether spirituality aids African Americans in coping with the
complexities of life when confronted with a host of issues such as higher levels of poverty,
health issues, and incarceration. However, few studies have examined the consistency of
spirituality across multiple parameters. This study examines spirituality across gender, city, and
the interactions of gender and city. Findings indicate the consistency of spirituality within the
African American community supporting the role of the church for males and females in both
rural and urban settings.
Keywords: Spirituality – Blacks – African Americans – Gender
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2. NATIONAL FORUM OF MULTICULTURAL ISSUES JOURNAL
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Black churches have long been the centers of African-American communities, serving as
sites for schools, taking up social welfare functions, such as helping the indigent, and going on to
establish ministries in schools, orphanages and prisons. As a result, black churches have
promoted the building of strong community organizations and have provided spiritual and
political leadership. In his article, “Impact of Church Activities and Socialization on African-
American Religious Commitment”, Wielhouwer (2004) observed that the sociopolitical isolation
of African Americans led to the hierarchal formation centered around the black church.
Wielhouwer (2004) also noted that, as a result, the church became the key social
institution for African Americans and pointed out two key roles for the church: (1) evangelism –
spreading the word about the faith and (2) discipleship – training and equipping believers to
integrate the faith’s teachings into their lives. Wielhouwer detailed three primary dimensions to
religious commitment. These dimensions follow.
Church involvement was defined as the frequency of attendance at religious
services or taking part in other activities at the place of worship, the number of
church clubs or organizations the respondent belongs to or participates in, and
whether the respondents held any positions or offices in the church.
Private devotionalism was defined as the frequency of the respondents’ reading
of religious books or materials, watching or listening to religious programs via
various media, and time engaged in prayer.
Salience included beliefs about the importance of going to church and the level of
religiousness adopted by respondents.
Affiliation was also considered as an important aspect of religious commitment.
Affiliation was based on the question, “What is your religion now?” Wielhouwer (2004)
proposed that even those who do not claim a religious affiliation participate in devotional
activities pray, watch or listen to religious programming, read religious books, and so on, but at a
lower rate than affiliated people.
Spirituality is a common and important element of life and a major strength in Black and
African-American communities. Spirituality has been identified as a fundamental attribute of
African-American family life. The term is defined in various ways, yet generally refers to the
belief in a force greater than oneself. Spirituality engages a trusting relationship with a higher
power to hearten meaning, hope, and purpose in life (Letiecq, 2007). African-Americans
participate in a wide span of religious affiliations. The most common being Christianity includes
National Baptist Conventions, African Methodist Episcopal churches, the Christian Methodist
Episcopal Church as well as mainline Protestant denominations such as United Methodist,
Roman Catholic, and nondenominational churches.
Numerous studies have cited the significant role of spirituality in African-American
communities in providing a framework for meaning and hope. Spirituality maintains
connectedness through a supportive faith community and enhances self-esteem. Spirituality also
opens a sense of comfort and caring from God within the African American population,
increasing the sense of life satisfaction and encouraging health resilience. Like many other races
in this nation, African American communities are faced with issues involving poverty,
unemployment, and drug and alcohol abuse. Whatever the issue may be, people in these
3. LAVELLE HENDRICKS, SAMUEL BORE, AND L. RUSTY WALLER
____________________________________________________________________________________3
communities turn to their spirituality to gain a sense of comfort and assurance for deliverance in
their time of greatest darkness.
Banerjee, Mahasweta, and Canda (2009) of the University of Kansas’ School of Social
Welfare conducted a study that examined the role played by spirituality in the lives of women
participating in a Micro-Entrepreneurial Training Program (MET Program). These participants
overwhelming indicated that spirituality is their major source of strength when dealing with
everyday issues ranging from problems at work to problems in the home, with their families and
with poverty. Including and beyond the issues of poverty, participants stated that spirituality
helped them address various life challenges such as helping them cope with basic needs after
losing employment. Spirituality helped them persevere while seeking food, clothing, shelter, and
re-employment. Spirituality also helped them deal with personal and family crises, face the death
of loved ones and survive health problems.
African-Americans turn to spirituality as a source of strength and guidance for
contending with changes in relationships with their children and spouses or partners, as well as,
to enhance self-esteem and a sense of inner peace. Equally as important, spirituality plays a
major role when developing nonjudgmental and caring attitudes toward others along with
helping to process feelings of anger or frustration (Letiecq, 2007).
African American spirituality does not differ to any great extent whether in the rural or in
the urban area (Letieq, 2007). This finding is consistent with the broader Christian view that
spirituality is the belief in or a deep faith in God, including Jesus Christ, characterized by a
loving relationship with Him, which gives significant meaning, purpose, and direction to life.
Overall, spirituality touches a multitude of areas in the lives of African Americans. Spirituality
empowers them to meet their basic needs of food, clothes, shelter, health, and overall well-being.
Spirituality also protects them, their children, partners/spouses, family and friends in many areas
of life including health and allows them to deal with the world of work.
Churches are extremely important institutions in the black community. As previously
mentioned, most African Americans view their churches as central to their lives whether they are
part of a congregation of 50 or 500. The issues faced by smaller rural congregations are just as
important, yet often more complex than those faced by their larger urban counterparts. Rural
churches face a multitude of issues simply because of their geographical locations. Rural
churches struggle as they strive to meet the needs of more geographically diverse congregations
(Bositis, 2007).
In a population survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2002, several issues
relating to the inclusion of African Americans in mainstream America were brought to light. For
example, 22.7% of them lived in poverty compared to the national average of 11.7% for all races
combined. Health disparities were also significantly greater. A higher incarceration rate among
them was also identified. These differences present significant and unique challenges for African
American communities of all sizes. However, rural communities are especially challenged in
dealing with these issues across wider geographical regions (Bositis, 2007).
Limited revenue is also a major issue faced by rural black churches as they struggle to
provide for their congregations. A significant segment of rural black churches serves
disadvantaged communities with substantial needs that cannot be met solely by the resources
within the community. The majority of these rural churches do not have the social networks to
leverage funding from elsewhere, nor can they leverage too widely from their own
4. NATIONAL FORUM OF MULTICULTURAL ISSUES JOURNAL
4____________________________________________________________________________________________
congregations. Adding to this issue is the fact that almost half of the rural black churches have 70
percent of their members who are economically disadvantaged or working class (Bositis, 2007).
Spirituality for African Americans continues to be a significant part of their lives whether
they live in a rural or urban setting. Researchers have found that spirituality provides a central
organizing framework for how African Americans view themselves, solve personal and
community problems, and connect to each other. Taylor, Chatters, Jakody, and Levin (1996)
found that African Americans attend church services, read religious material, and see comfort
through spiritual activities more often than their White counterparts. Even today, when African
Americans who were “raised in the church” stray from services, the moral values they learned
early on continue to frame their worldview as adults (Letiecq, 2007).
Research conducted at Baylor University’s Institute for Studies in Religion (Bader et al.,
2006) found that 100% of the African American participants expressed no doubt that God exists
and that Jesus is God’s son. This study also identified these participants as holding the highest
and most consistent levels of belief and practices. These practices included praying and reading
Scripture. Blacks today, according to this study, believe God is an Authoritarian, meaning they
believe God is very judgmental and engaged. In addition, this study reported that Blacks are
more likely to have seen “Passion of the Christ” than Whites.
With the numerous challenges faced today by African Americans, spirituality can help
them cope with meeting their basic needs, dealing with health issues and family crises, and with
growing relationships with their children, and spouse or partner. Spirituality will also help by
enhancing self-esteem and developing nonjudgmental and caring attitudes. Accordingly, Ellaree
Hampton, a member of a church in Mayesville, South Carolina was quoted as saying, “We need
black churches like the one I grew up in more than ever” (Fulwood, 1996).
Method
Measures
A variety of self-report measures have been developed to examine people’s religious and
spiritual relationship with God and their own characteristics as individuals who draw their
strength from God. This study used measures contained in the Daily Spiritual Experience Scale
(DSES) developed by Underwood in 2002. The measures assessed two factors experienced by
persons who draw their strength from God.
The DSES is comprised of 14 Likert-type items that measure a range of religious
behaviors previously shown to be associated with spirituality: direct relationship with God and
relationship with God through others. The DSES is simple to use and interpret. Respondents
were asked to make summative judgments about several religious-related factors. This included
the emphasis given to various spiritual-related activities. The variable for direct relationship with
God (DRG) is comprised of the sum of factor scores for ten statements. The variable for
relationship with God through others (RGO) is comprised of the sum of factor scores for four
statements. For the two subscales, respondents rate how often they directly have an experience
with God (divine or holy experience) as follows: 1 = never or almost never, 2 = once in a while,
3 = some days, 4 = most days, 5 = every day, 6 = many times a day.
5. LAVELLE HENDRICKS, SAMUEL BORE, AND L. RUSTY WALLER
____________________________________________________________________________________5
Sampling
The sample for this study consisted of 153 participants from three medium cities in
Texas. Participants represented a broad array of individuals, including traditional-aged,
nontraditional-aged, differing employment status, location, and gender. This sample was 49.7%
male and 50.3% female; 14.4% of participants came from a small size city, 15% from medium
size city and 70.6% came from a large size city. Because of the variety of individuals in the
sample, the data set represents rich demographic characteristics of the sample.
Study Design and Procedures
This study used a survey-research design. Participants received paper-and-pencil surveys
and were asked questions on key variables that included questions related to their level of
attachment to God.
Data Analyses
Once data collection procedures and the construction of various data files were complete,
a variety of analyses were conducted. These analyses included descriptive statistics for the
sample and instrument items, reliability analysis, and one-way analysis of variance. The
descriptive data showed 49.7% of participants were male while 50.3% were female. Of the
participants, 14.4% indicated they came from a small-size city, 15.0% came from a medium-size
city, and 70.6% indicated they came from a large-size city. Response descriptives are provided
in Table 1 and provide item means, standard deviations, along with minimum and maximum
values.
6. NATIONAL FORUM OF MULTICULTURAL ISSUES JOURNAL
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Table 1
Item Mean, Standard Deviation, Minimum, and Maximum Values
____________________________________________________________________________
Direct Relationship with God (DRG) M SD Min Max
____________________________________________________________________________
I feel God’s presence. 5.4 0.71 3 6
During worship, or at other times when connecting with 5.3 0.79 1 6
God, I feel joy which lifts me out of my daily concerns.
I find strength in my religion or spirituality. 5.3 0.70 3 6
I ask for God’s help in the midst of daily activities. 5.4 0.60 3 6
I feel guided by God in the midst of daily activities. 5.3 0.72 2 6
I feel God’s love for me, directly. 5.3 0.69 3 6
I am spiritually touched by the beauty of creation. 5.3 0.76 3 6
I feel thankful for my blessings. 5.5 0.51 4 6
I desire to be closer to God or in union with the divine. 5.4 0.64 3 6
Relationship with God Through Others (RGO)
I experience a connection to all of life. 5.0 0.95 1 6
I feel God’s love for me, through others. 5.0 1.04 2 6
I feel a selfless caring for others. 5.0 1.00 1 6
I accept others ever when they do things I think are wrong. 4.9 1.00 1 6
____________________________________________________________________________
Note: N = 153; SD: Standard Deviation; Min: Minimum; Max: Maximum
The study provided two distinct constructions; Direct Relationship with God (DRG) with a
Cronbach reliability coefficient of 0.93 and Relationship with God through Others (RGO) with a
Cronbach reliability coefficient of 0.77. For the DRG measure, item means ranged from 5.3 (“I
am spiritually touched by the beauty of creation”) to 5.5 (“I feel thankful for my blessings”) on a
scale of 1 to 6. For the RGO items, item means ranged from a low of 4.9 (“I accept others even
when they do things I think are wrong”) to a high of 5.0 (“I experience a connection to all of
life”) on a scale of 1 to 6. DRG means appeared to be higher and include more variance than
those for RGO.
7. LAVELLE HENDRICKS, SAMUEL BORE, AND L. RUSTY WALLER
____________________________________________________________________________________7
Analysis of Variance
First, data were screened to ensure that the assumptions of Analysis of Variance
(ANOVA) were fulfilled. Data screening showed that no assumptions of ANOVA were
violated. A factorial ANOVA was conducted with each of the two factors (DRO and RGO) as
dependent variables while gender and city location were used as the study’s independent
variables. Findings of the ANOVA for DRO are provided in Table 2.
Table 2
Two-way ANOVA Summary Table for DRO
______________________________________________________________________________
Source SS df MS F p
______________________________________________________________________________
Between Treatments 150.56 5 30.1 1.63 0.16
Gender 67.76 1 67.8 3.66 0.06
City 33.08 2 16.5 0.89 0.41
Gender x City 31.57 2 15.8 0.85 0.43
Within Treatments 2,593.33 140 18.5
Total 2,743.89 145
______________________________________________________________________________
The ANOVA revealed that DRO was not significantly different among participants of
different cities, F (5, 140) = 1.63, p = 0.16. Gender was also not significantly different for both
male and female participants students, F (1, 140) = 3.66, p = 0.06. The interaction between
location and gender was not statistically significant, F (2, 140) = 0.85, p = 0.43. RGO was used
as the study’s dependent variable with city and gender as independent variables with similar
findings. The main effects and interaction were not statistically significant.
Conclusions and Recommendations
This study indicates that gender, city, and the interaction between gender and city do not
impact the spirituality of African Americans. These findings support the conclusion that
spirituality in the African American community is consistent across gender and location. While
rural congregations may face challenges based upon location, spirituality of the congregation
does not differ based upon location. While males and females may grapple with a variety of
different issues spirituality does not differ based on gender.
The findings of this study lend credence to the broad reaching impact of African
American churches upon their respective communities. Spirituality continues to play a role that
8. NATIONAL FORUM OF MULTICULTURAL ISSUES JOURNAL
8____________________________________________________________________________________________
cuts across demographics such as place and person. Obviously, the church remains a necessary,
vital, integral, and developing component of the African-American life. Additional research is
recommended to examine differences in DRG and RGO between and among the factors of
gender, location, and subsequent interactions of gender and location.
References
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