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Black Christians are unable to have an honest discussion about religion

So it’s been two years since I came out as an atheist to my family, and every time they try to convert me I bring up that they wouldn’t be Christians if it wasn’t for the fact that it was beaten into our ancestors during slavery. Then they go straight into hush mode. Which usually happens when it’s brought up. What is even the point of asking why I’m atheist if all you’re going to do is put your fingers to your ears and not listen?

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helenS · 36-40, F

the fact that it was beaten into our ancestors during slavery

Not sure whether that's true or not. I can imagine the slave "masters" (= the hideous monsters who "owned" them) weren't too happy about them becoming Christians, because that puts them on the same level, before God.

bijouxbroussard · F

@helenS It’s fact. African slaves had to give up their names, family ties, their native languages and their religious beliefs and practices. In some Catholic countries (and states here like Louisiana) some combined their practices with Catholic rituals and were able to hold onto some traces of their cultures.
And slavery existed in Biblical times, so slave masters simply used existing Scripture as justification for slavery in the U.S.

Zenyatta · 26-30

@helenS they used black pastors to pacify the slaves, they were allowed to read certain books and preach sermons approved by their masters.

helenS · 36-40, F

@bijouxbroussard @Zenyatta Thank you very much. I did not know.

I'm surprised. I would have thought that a person with a "wrong" faith (as seen by the tyrants) is considered inferior, and makes for a better slave.

For example, Muslim corsairs would capture Christian ships and raid seaside towns in the Mediterranean and Atlantic, in search of Christian men, women and children for slaves, in the past.