Why are black atheists so rare?

Question

I feel so left out. I haven't met another black atheist. Why are atheists so white?

Answer 1

Black Atheists

Answer 2

there are different reasons but for the black community in the us it has to do with history, psychology and sociology. Historically religion has been the strongest source of hope and inspiration for the black community during a time of hate. From a social perspective the average black american's level of education is not high enough to be able to become an atheist, though it is not a requirement it is certainly a factor. Poverty and injustice also lead to people seeking refuge in religion. From a psychological perspective there are many who do question and even reject the religion but due to social pressure they hide it and "just play along" with rest of the community.



I mentioned only the Black community in the us and not anywhere else since i suspect that is what you were referring to.



btw you are not as alone as you think, half black atheist

Answer 3

In the USA, African Americans tend to be more religious than average. But there are many organizations, like African Americans for Humanism, Black Atheists of America, and Black Skeptics of Los Angeles, that focus on the black community.

Answer 4

My all white humanist group had a black speaker talk about that. Of course I live in the USA, and we know the history. Churches are social centers in a world where no matter what many say, they are not liked by the mainstream.



I don't know why God is so important. If they would have their secular humanist groups meet in churches on Sundays, they would wake up to the fact that their religion is being used against them by our own government. So sad.

Answer 5

Religion and faith have been an integral part of black culture in America. Faith has been the conduit for defeating slavery and promoting civil rights. Many of the prominent and effective civil rights leaders are faith-based. Its hard to separate the message from the messenger, and, though, I'm an atheist, I can certainly see the allure of strong faith in helping to unify a people against a common enemy or systemic oppression.

Answer 6

You are not as rare as you seem to think. Chris Rock, Donald Glover, John Legend, Morgan Freeman, Neil deGrasse Tyson, & Samuel L. Jackson are all atheists...

Answer 7

"The power structure of Southern religion is this intricate cloth woven of suffering and humanity, where the self-serving dictates of the Baptist community created a situation of such overarching despair that the only refuge from it was the religion that started it all. Caught in that vicious dynamic for centuries, ultimately reclaiming it and using the social organisations that it spawned as a source of strength throughout the 20th century, is it really that surprising that so many in the US black community have remained so loyal to it, to the tune of an astounding 85 per cent of non-Hispanic blacks identifying as Christian (Pew Report, 2007)?



"It is not backwards thinking or cultural inertia that keeps belief running that high, it is a historical situation with remarkable and inspiring triumphs against overwhelming adversity at its core. Transitioning away from that place of security and community is incredibly difficult, particularly in an area of the country where the lingering remnants of systemic racism make such security and common identity so important to everyday agency."



-- "The growth of African-American atheism" by Dale DeBakcsy



https://newhumanist.org.uk/articles/4723/the-growth-of-african-american-atheism

Answer 8

It would seem they have more sense than to be atheists. I am white and have many born again black Christian friends. That black church in Chatanooga set a wonderful example for us all.

Answer 9

When someone is beaten with a whip to half consciousness, you'll say anything to make it stop, especially if you're in chains on a cargo ship in the Atlantic on your way to a foreign country and the magic words are "I accept Jesus as my Lord and savior!"

Answer 10

There are many more foolish white people than black people.By white I mean all Caucasians,including from India,Europe and most Spanish speakers as well.

Answer 11

I've met many. Perhaps you're spending too much time in front of a computer pretending to be something you clearly are not?

Answer 12

Atheist community welcomes all,black, white or colored. You will not feel left out on this forum.

Answer 13

We don't know... We have no way to accurately know.



Most atheists, regardless of skin color, are in-the-closet in the USA.



We atheists are more numerous than the polls and surveys announce...

Answer 14

I never gave it much thought, but I'm pretty sure there are lots of black atheists in the closet.

Answer 15

What's your source?

Answer 16

Gods' chosen people were actually 'blacks'. Not the present day Jews.

Answer 17

There's no way to answer this one without being called a racist, but screw it.



Higher general level of education.

Answer 18

Gee, why don't you ask Neil DeGrasse Tyson?

Answer 19

They're out there. Maybe if they see more out, they too will come to tip the scales.

Answer 20

why can't black people learn to swim?

Answer 21

Actually, we're all black, since everyone's common ancestor came from Africa.

Answer 22

Due to the black people lack of intelligence.

Answer 23

Because they are still mental slaves to religion because of slavery.

Answer 24

I met many of them in the Army.

Answer 25

BS. you think gang bangers are believers? they aren't

Answer 26

Maybe they are just smart.

Answer 27

I fuc.ked your whore mother :)

Answer 28

Cause sheep I dunno