In the Receding Shadow of the Plantation: A Profile of Rural Clergy and Churches in the Black Belt

Social Network Theory and Predictors of Religiosity for Black and White Catholics: Evidence of a "Black Sacred Cosmos"?

“…Although there is evidence to believe that social networks are important determinants of religious practices among Catholics in general, the expansive literature on African-American religion provides strong theoretical bases for expecting their influence to be especially powerful among blacks (Frazier 1974;Nelsen and Nelsen 1975;Wilmore 1983;Stump 1987;Ellison and Gay 1990;Lincoln and Mamiya 1990;Sherkat 1990, 1995). This literature documents the historically prominent role of black churches in the community life of African Americans, making special note of the reinforcing relationship between religion and community cohesion.…”

“…According to Lincoln and Mamiya (1988;1990: 7) and Bethel (1981), this cultural form for expressing Christianity can be found among most black churchgoers, regardless of denomination, to this day (cf., Stump 1987;Nelsen 1988). Referred to as a "black sacred cosmos,' this cultural form or religious worldview developed out of the shared group experiences of African Americans who tried to make sense of the ordeals of slavery and oppression.…”

“…If, as Lincoln and Mamiya (1990) argue, the "black sacred cosmos" knows no denominational boundaries, then it is understandable that having a Protestant background is a less powerful predictor of evangelical devotionalism for blacks than for whites. If, as Lincoln and Mamiya (1990) argue, the "black sacred cosmos" knows no denominational boundaries, then it is understandable that having a Protestant background is a less powerful predictor of evangelical devotionalism for blacks than for whites.…”

Earnings’ potential: The consequences of family background, adolescent self-concept, and adult labor force factors

“…Religion has always played a central role in the African American community (Baer, 1981;Grier andCobbs, 1968, 1992;Harris, 1994;Lincoln and Mamiya, 1988). Religious participation has been linked to political activism, educational and occupational attainment, higher self-esteem, and positive mental health (Hatch, 1991;Lincoln and Mamiya, 1988;Nelsen, 1988).…”

“…Religious participation has been linked to political activism, educational and occupational attainment, higher self-esteem, and positive mental health (Hatch, 1991;Lincoln and Mamiya, 1988;Nelsen, 1988). Participation in religious services may be a tool available to the African American family to boost their status.…”