The Black Church: The Root of the Problems of the Black Community »

Author Steve Cole takes a very personal look at The Black Church: The Root of the Problems of the Black Community. He notes that he is not a religious scholar or an ordained minister. He was not "called" to the ministry, but does feel that he was called to share with the world his opinion as a Black man growing up Christian. He claims that he is an average Black man who took advantage of the opportunities available and optimized them. He professes to be a spiritual man deeply devoted to contributing to the improvement of the quality of life for all Black people throughout the world. To Cole, this is a self-help book, not a religious book. We, however, cannot make any meaningful changes without God, thus we must address our current religious and spiritual state of being to improve ourselves. Cole asserts that our belief system has failed us. Since a people's belief system is strongly influenced by their religion, then our religion has failed us. Since the Black Church is the instrument of these teachings, the Black Church is essentially the root of the problems of the Black community. He takes us back through history, down the roads of religion and spirituality, across the seas to Africa, and ahead to what the future can and should hold. Cole explains that Blacks, who as a people have been spiritual by nature, seemingly have lost what appeared inherently innate. Blacks have become a religious people, but not necessarily a spiritual people. Cole concludes that if we are to excel and regain self-determination as a people, we must return to our original essence that feeds our spirit and nurtures our soul. Read the book to discover what he proposes as a solution.