Spirituality has played a paramount role in shaping the identity of African Americans, permeating many aspects of life. African American spirituality has its roots in African religious traditions and culture (Boyd-Franklin, 1989), according to which, people are born spiritual beings, and thus, religion and spirituality are an integrated part identity. African religion and spirituality have also influenced African culture, education, social life, politics, and economics (Idowu, 1992). Overall, African spirituality is very communal in nature as noted by John Mbiti, who said, “I am because we are; and because we are, therefore, I am” (1969: 108). Reflected in this quote is the idea that consciousness of oneself stems from duties, responsibilities, and privileges experienced with others.
Role of Faith
African spirituality helped those affected by slavery to nurture and promote a sense of community while under the influence of the white slave owners’ European religion (Battle, 2006)....
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Coffman, K., Aten, J.D., Denney, R.M., Futch, T. (2010). African-American Spirituality. In: Leeming, D.A., Madden, K., Marlan, S. (eds) Encyclopedia of Psychology and Religion. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-71802-6_14
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