Black Spirituality: The Values In That “OP Time Religion”

Abstract

For well over a century, Blacks have sung a Spiritual affirming the value of their “old time religion.” In fact, people of all cultures have been known to recognize Black religious richness. However, apart from relatively distinct characteristics of spontaneity in worship, and mention of fortitude in the endurance of suffering, there has been little specific detail in this praise of our heritage. What on earth is this widely admired phenomenon called Black spirituality? What kind of religion was it that generated the Spirituals in the proverbial “Ol times?” Some careful attention to these questions may well provide models of great value for the present day. It just might be “good enough” for us today as well!

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