A recent New York Times article profiled African Americans who don't believe in God or who have eschewed the faith that many assume is central to the black experience. What does the apparent rise in atheism and agnosticism (pdf) among blacks tell us about the utility of religion for African Americans in today's social and political climate? Interviews with academics, activists and advocates from everywhere on the religious spectrum reveal the diversity of views on this historically fraught — and, for many, highly personal — topic.
For the second in the series, The Root talked to A.J. Johnson, a bisexual African-American woman who is development director of American Atheists, a nonprofit organization that aims to protect the separation of church and state and ensure equal rights for nonbelievers. She describes herself on Twitter as an "atheist/humanist/skeptic" and "professional blasphemer."
Read the other interviews here.
The Root: Are African Americans better or worse off as a result of religion, and why?
A.J. Johnson: Religion might have been useful along the way, but it has become a liability. I believe there is still some good in religion — and there are a lot of good religious people — but the net effect is negative for at least three reasons: complacency, money and truth.
Religion teaches us that God has a plan — after all, he knows everything. This kind of thinking is counterproductive to the advancement of any group and breeds complacency. Furthermore, the belief in a perfect afterlife translates [into] you don't really have to fix the problems in this one.
Tithing is simply paying "God" money for your preacher's new Lexus. We don't have the money to waste for Eddie Long and his ilk to have nice things. We need to invest in our children and our future. Where white people pass on wealth to the next generation, we pass on debt. Yet the collection plate is full on Sunday.
Finally, is it true that a Jewish man that lived 2,000 years ago was the son of God, born of a virgin, and died to save us all from an original sin committed by Adam and Eve? If we believe this story literally, we are fools. If we do not believe it is literally true, how and where do we draw the line?
The natural laws of the universe do not allow for this or any other religious fables to be taken seriously. We seem ignorant for being so adamant about reinforcing the lies of the book that justified our slavery.
TR: Research shows that African Americans believe in God at higher rates than the general population. What explains and sustains the higher rate of spirituality in the black community?
AJJ: I believe it is a combination of access to cognitive resources and social structure. Sadly, African Americans have not had equal educations in this country for a very long time. A strong educational foundation moderates religiosity, and personally, I credit my education for my atheism. [Religion] is also part of our history. To some, I am less "black" because I don't believe in gods; others think we [atheists] are dishonoring our ancestors.
TR: While less than one-half of a percent of African Americans identify themselves as atheists, compared with 1.6 percent of the total population, this group has become more vocal in recent years. What's changed that has allowed blacks to feel more comfortable admitting that they don't believe in God?
AJJ: The Internet is the best thing to happen to atheism since Darwin. Atheists, African American or otherwise, know that we are not alone. Furthermore, those of us who can speak up feel a responsibility for those who cannot. We know that it will be a struggle and are prepared. Because we are standing up, the struggle will be that much easier for the next generation.
TR: What are the best and worst ways that religion factors into African-American political views and political activity? How is faith leveraged to motivate or to manipulate?
AJJ: Where to begin? Personally, I loathe the rampant homophobia in the African-American community. Somehow these people don't understand that they are being bigoted and prejudiced. We use the same book to tell gays they are not OK that says slavery is just fine. Frankly, the hypocrisy is thick!
TR: Could the civil rights movement have happened without Christianity?
AJJ: Definitely! There is nothing good about Christianity that made civil rights possible. In fact, I might argue that without the Bible, the justification for owning people might have fallen apart much, much sooner.
The churches, however, gave African Americans a physical location to meet and the hierarchical infrastructure to organize. That was the real benefit there, not the dogma.
TR: If Christianity — and religious belief overall — declines in the African-American community, how, if at all, will it impact the fight for social justice moving forward?
AJJ: It depends on what replaces religion. Will our community become humanistic and want to reach out to each other and the broader population to effect positive change? Or do we simply become apathetic and depressed because we don't get to talk to ourselves and wail on Sundays? I believe the former is much more likely, but I want to emphasize that it is very important to provide an alternative community for decline of the current system.
TR: If more African Americans are atheists or agnostics these days, what does that say about where we are as a community? What does it predict for the future of black people in America?
AJJ: We can take ownership of our lives and communities in a way that faith-based living never allows. Instead of praying, we will actually problem-solve. Instead of wishing, we will be able to work together to find solutions. I'm very optimistic about this. We don't need God to love one another, and far too often, the belief in God is what prevents us from loving each other in the first place.
Tomorrow: Mark D. Hatcher, CFO of the nonprofit Black Atheists of America and founder of Secular Students at Howard University.
Jenée Desmond-Harris is a contributing editor to The Root.