Do you think religion is capable of changing Black peoples approach to education, community building, respect for self and other; and should it be concerned with this?

This is a positive step toward opening a discussion on a sensitive yet powerful topic that strongly impacts the Black community. Our religious leaders hold one of many keys to the success and failure of our race. We spend countless hours in church participating in church services and church functions. The church should provide a catalyst for success and promote avenues for spiritual strength and respect for all, along with academic and economic success. Thank you for opening up this discussion and carrying the torch of change for all of our brothers and sisters!

Deidre

NO I don't think relgion can do this. Religion is based on a " belief " system. Belief means to not know. To ignore the facts. Belief has not changed us as a people for the better. It has made us lazy, uncooperative, self hating, and ignorant. Take Christianity as it was taught to us. 2000 years ago a young man named Jesus died on the cross for the remission of the worlds sins. Yet sin still exists. Is War not a sin. Is Aids not a sin. Is Deceit, murder, lying, slander, false imprisonment, theft, crime, etc. are these not all sins ? So what is a sincere seeker of the Christian faith supposed to do now?

- Religions are for failures and dropouts. I don't care if you're a successful person, you were the one doing the work, not God,Allah, Buddha, etc. If you're a Doctor now, you stayed up long hours studying, missing meals,failing to get proper rest to make sure you made something out of yourself. Don't say " God gave me the strength to do it ", because now you open yourself up for the reality of , God gave that same strength to the Mass Murderer, The Con- Artist, The car thief, The purse snatcher, The hypocrite , etc. etc. etc.

Religion can not help you," The Helping hand that you are looking for is at the end of your own arm." - Dr. Malachi Z. York