I raised this question in another thread but in hindsight it is better suited as a separate topic. The December 2004 issue of Ebony (Star Jones & her husband grace the cover) contains a special section about the Role of the New Black Spirituality. Several AME Bishops are featured (Chappell & McKenzie) and they, along with other prominent black clergy (Suzy Cook Johnson & William Shaw), offer intriguing commentaries about the phenomenon known in some circles as "neo-Pentacostalism". There are also short stories about the rise of mega churches and the role of women clergy. I think this is must reading for every AME member. QED

-- Anonymous, November 25, 2004

Answers

I have the issue and will be reading it next week. Oh, there is so much to read.

Be Blessed al paris

-- Anonymous, November 25, 2004

Bro Dickens,

I did reed the referenced articles. As to what is happening, I agree; whether it is new or spiritual, I'm not sure. I would summarize it as this: "We dance, have a good time, get rid of our inhibitions and let go." But is this of God? Time will tell.

At my last meeting, every preacher had us tell our neighbor what he/she said at about every 3 or four scentences. It happened so much that I could not concetrate on the message. Every few minutes I had to tell my neighbors on both sides something. finally I just stopped, "Telling my neighbor". I resolved that next time I attended worship, I would tell my neighbors in advance to listen carefully and I would also. That way they would not have to remind me nor I, them.

Be Blessed, al paris

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2004

We were at my sister's niece's house for Thanksgiving and I spent more time reading parts of Ebony than I did fellowshipping with others in attendance following a more than abundant meal - for which I was very thankful. There's a lot to read and it does provide good insight.

It's probably among Ebony's all-time best issues and I plan to pickup my own copy as I do not subscribe at present.

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2004

I did read the entire magazine from cover to cover while sitting under the hair dryer at the salon. I thought Ebony posed a very insightful question without actually providing an answer.

Bishop Chappelle was forthright in his commentary regarding church's trying to out hip hop hip hoppers. I must agree with this. There was one church in my city, Louisville, KY, that actually ran a radio ad on the urban hip hop station. The ad encouraged hip hoppers to come get their party on at the church before heading to the club on Friday and Saturday nights. I just thought that was a mixed message.

What stuck with me most was one statement made by Bishop McKenzie. She said this "neo-pentecost" was attempting to save people with their sins rather saving people from sin. This was truly prophetic!

-- Anonymous, November 29, 2004

A good contrast from the Ebony article is found in the latest issue of Essence "Sanctified and Suffering". It is written by Renita Weems. I say this is a more accurate picture of the state of church than the surface mega church crap in Ebony.

-- Anonymous, November 29, 2004

Thanks for the Essence reference. Renita Weems-Espinosa is a gifted writer and scholar. I guess I have to do more than just look at the pictures when I pick up that particular issue. By the way what clebrity is on the cover of the December 2004 issue of Essence? :-) QED

-- Anonymous, November 29, 2004

Nia Long is on the December cover. Yes, there is actually some substance in Essence...LOL!!!!

-- Anonymous, November 29, 2004

TA -

I'll tell my wife to buy the December 2004 copy of Essence since it has educational value :-) I'm sure what I'm about to say will land me in hot water with some but it is undeniable that Nia Long packs substance and style :-) Looks like my journey to Professor Weems- Espinosa's article just took a detour (LOL). As St. Paul lamented in one of his great writings "when I wish to do good.........." QED

-- Anonymous, November 29, 2004

Some of the church members were talking about the December 2004 Ebony, and the referenced article. I have to get up my energy to read Ebony. I'll make sure I pick it up. We did pick up the latest Essence yesterday. There's nothing wrong with looking at the pictures, Brother Dickens. Nia Long does look quite radiant. God bless. A.J.

-- Anonymous, November 30, 2004