I read a report published more than seven years ago that indicated that African-Americans have a strong, traditional faith in God that is deeper than other ethnic groups.
In light of our struggling economy, layoffs and other financial challenges facing America, I wonder if the research data holds true today, in September 2011.
The report, from the Barna Group, an independent cultural analysis and consulting firm that studies values, beliefs and behaviors of Christians, found that African-Americans are the segment of the U.S. population with the most traditional Christian beliefs and practices of any ethnic group.
Blacks, for example, are at the high end of religious activity for Bible reading, praying to God and giving money to churches.
According to the August 2004 nationwide survey of 2,600 adults, African-Americans are more likely to parallel Christian or biblical teachings on subjects such as:
1. The Bible is accurate in its teachings
2. Religious faith is very important in their life
3. They have a personal responsibility to evangelize
4. That Jesus Christ lived a holy life
5. That divorce, except in cases of adultery, is sin.
The report found that, unlike other ethnic groups where the church has served as a launching pad for social change such as the civil rights movement, black churches are a source of strength for its members.
From the report: "Upon dissecting the role of faith in the lives of African-Americans, we discovered that their faith in Christ has empowered millions of blacks to overcome challenges that might otherwise have been debilitating. The local church has been a major source of strength and directive leadership for the black community."
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