Religion
Abstract
There has been some disagreement among scholars as to whether the role religion has played in the development of African American consciousness, sexuality, and politics has been positive or negative. However, the importance of religion and its institutions in the perceptions of community members has been virtually unquestioned. Scholarship has shown that religion has a meaningful impact on the political and psychological consciousness of many African Americans, including young adults, with important consequences for their decision-making processes. This memo highlights some important periods in the development of Black religion, its effects on politics, and its impact on the decision-making of African American young adults with regard to sexuality and sexual practice.
Paula Nicole Booke
Paula Nicole Booke is a doctoral student in political science at the University of Chicago. Her research interests include religion and politics, race and politics, political psychology, and public opinion. Current research examines the relationship between premillennial “end times” theology and anti-globalization, anti-government regulation, and pro-Israel attitudes in American politics.