I see you read my comment. This is a good video. Can you do a video of people weaponizing the black struggle for financial gain? Like Jay Morrison, Patrisse Khan, etc.
Make a video about how black people are drawn in anime. And how black people latch to characters like Piccolo, Uub and Yoruichi, even though they aren't black.
My mom used to forbid me from watching Harry Potter. She even hated Dragon Ball and said it was satanic. She even blames anime for taking away my faith in God. Yet anime is the one thing that kept my desire to live. It taught me more values than she ever did. I am morally righteous *because* of anime. I work out *because* of anime. I chase my dreams *because* of anime.
@@spaceace9103 Hm...Your Lie In April Rurouni Kenshin Clannad The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya Monster Erased Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni Bakuman Made in Abyss Kyoukai no Kanata Durarara
"End at 12 but really it ends that 2" IM DEAD THATS REALLY HOW IT IS HERE TOO When I used to go the pastor would be like: "Oooooh hold on" *organ chord* Imma let yall go *organ chord* But lemme preach *organ chord* For the last time *2x organ chord* OOOOHH FATHER *the whole ensemble starts going up, the preacher starts dancing for two minutes* *repeat five more times* *then silence* Alright bow your heads now Then its prayer then people go up and get blessed THEN its over
Every black church has a "building fund", but no renovations ever occurs. People at our church were so broke/cheap that most of them just touched the offering plate & didn't put money in. You're not really speaking in tongues, unless they bring a sheet & drape it over you. And black churches seem to be a fashion show, especially w/ the older women & their huge hats. I learned a long time ago to be spiritual & not "religious", because religion is all about controlling the masses (all while exploiting folks lover on the hierarchy). If money was removed from church, you'd see how suddenly a lot of these "religious leaders" wouldn't be that religious, or even religious at all. And what use would God have for money anyways? That's only important to "man", which is why the church leaders tend to have the best houses, most expensive clothing, & finest cars.
@@TheStorytellerAJ Nor do they even put a single new shingle on the already existing building. And the "church leaders" never give $ to a member in need, out of their own pockets. They always have to "take up a collection", where the church always gets a cut. But that's the church for you & that's why I'm glad more folks are cutting ties.
thank you for this, i’m 16 and as a christian i’m still learning that the modern church is really not it; very performance-y . i just stick to my personal spiritual journey lmao
Yeah. The girl I dated at the time mentioned not liking the performative nature of the black church. She'd call it "Holy Ghosting" when folks were really getting into it and falling out
My experience I just wanna read my Bible in peace but all that singing dancing and disregarding everything that's in the Bible for the ways of man made me glad I left. I'm a Christian not a churchtian.
In South Africa people used to say Ben 10 is satanic. My 4th grade homeroom teacher condemned a friend of mine for having a file full of printed out Dragon Ball images(they where a huge thing in my school). She was complaining about how Goku is always angry in those images.
@@kenshix7902 I'm glad I watched Dragon Ball on tv before whoever told my grandmother it was satanic said anything. That's somethings my 14 year old cousins to deal with.
Organizing community is vital and religious stories and traditions are so fascinating and beautiful, but I really had to reprogram by brain from growing up in a religious household. idk how to get around the more "cultish" aspects of organized religion, and I think a lot of people have been burned or become disenchanted. That, or became overzealous to the point where faith consumes their entire identity and purpose of being.
All of this. Organised religion is... whew. Its one of those things I don't want to straight up dismiss, but it has caused so much awful stuff and typically used to defend the status quo. I think people need to take taking agency over their own spirituality instead of relying on grand ministers and priests. Be that grounded in organised religion or not. Homogenising spirituality is really silly to me.
@@TheStorytellerAJ You had that pyramid graphic dedepicting hierarchy too. That was completely on point I think. Way too much incentive for social climbing and monopolizing power.
@@TheStorytellerAJ I agree with you on that. A majority of people in church are self-proclaimed Christians who actually know little to nothing about the Bible so they follow these pastors and priests that rely on hyper-emotional signs and manipulation of unfortunate circumstances to draw in more people. If more Christians were actually willing and able to read their bibles, all of these toxic practices that give the religion a bad name, wouldn’t exist or wouldn’t be nearly as widespread as today
Despite my parents being boomers they largely avoided Church more the older we got. They were forced to go as kids and they hated it. Whenever we did go it was because of my Grandmas. The psychological hold of the Church is kind of scary. The members will guilt you for not going to the point where you feel like you'll have to. Don't even get me started on tithes. That money is not for God, it's for a building in this earthly plane. If it's for God, burn all the money and give it to the air. They'll guilt you for that too. This video was like release from something we don't talk about enough. Thanks.
My mom asked me if her church friend was right about Yugioh being demonic, all I had to do was show some angel cards and she understood the fiendish ones were just using an aesthetic
You know those movies in the USA that show black churches? Yeah, that was exactly how most churches I went to were. Literally ate breakfast and dinner at the church some Sundays. So glad when I was finally old enough to spend my Sundays sleeping in and actually taking a day off.
I really appreciated this video. It made me think about why I've developed such an annoyance with "church people" despite myself being Christian. Performance for everyone else around you gets in the way, you absolutely right in my opinion. Great video, gave me something to journal about.
I grew up in an African household that loves Nigerian movies with black magic in them too. But, it's more of a narrative tool than anything else. It's for shock value and to reinforce certain spiritual notions.
@@TheStorytellerAJ Like being a sinner or being around certain people can attract demons or something like that. We don't just watch the usual Nigerian movie, but also horror movies every now and then. We have the free will to do as we wish, but we just need to be careful with what we feed our minds and what we do with our time. There's some opinions I want to give on this video real quick. The church I attend isn't just on Sunday's but it's on everyday, with a scheduled service that you are free to attend whenever you want. It can be an 1hour or just 1hour and 30 minutes. Also, I grew up believing Halloween isn't a Christian celebration, I think it actually originates from Paganism. I don't celebrate Christmas either unless someone makes me. While I come from an African and Christian family I wouldn't say the religion was forced upon me at birth. It was brought up and taught to me but the decision to further explore it was my own choice. Probably why I can't relate with this video, but I understand what you're talking about. There's a lot of churches out there with pastors who make it their mission to make an ass out of themselves just because they do not see what they would like to see. When someone gets the Holy Spirit it doesn't mean their body will move about or some other bizzare thought. That actually sounds like a manifestation of a demon rejecting it and forcing it out of the body. Nonetheless, I honestly enjoyed this video even though the experiences are not like anything I can relate to.
I'm a very shy and introverted person. This video represents why I love and hate Church at the same time. I'm a progressive Christian ironically but I have a hard time completely leaving the black Church. So much of this is very relatable and represents me quite well. Great video!!
Coming from a very conservative, quiet black church denomination (SDA), hearing the speaking in tongues, shouting and dancing part is very weird to me😂 but other that that I totally relate.💕
Oh cool your SDA too. My church actually says that it’s bad to speak in tongues and dance because it’s just a bunch nonsense not the Holy Spirit. That’s only happened to the disciples. Interesting that happened act your church.
I used to be a part of a pentecostal church, and I don't think ive ever heard anyone speak about this topic thats hits home this hard. The social hierarchy that exists in churches like this is absolutely real, and having someone talk about it and address it in this is so validating Fuck me I even remember one sunday where one of the leaders of the church built their entire sermon for that day explaining away the "in crowd vs out crowd" as those who have been anointed with the holy spirit and those who have not. That fucked me up cos all I wanted to be at the time was a good wee christian boy, but because I was not part of the "in crowd" I wasnt really "walking with god" or whatever. Idk if anyone here can relate, but the control over spirituality our church leaders had was fuckin scary at times. Like we used to have these Summer camps that were mostly chill, but everyone knew of the infmous "Wednesday night meeting" cos thats the meetin where church leaders would look around the hall and claim to see "darkness" surrounding certian members of the church and would encourage those people to come forward and have the darkness "delivered from them". All the while the whole church would be shout-praying in tounges. That environment was extremely emotionally predetory, and fucking terrifying of the church leader decided it was you that needed deliverance. And these werent recluses from society. Most of the people in my church were active memebers of the community and the nicest people youd ever meet outside if a religious context. But when people it cane for prayer, these same people could be genuinely frightening But yeah, never seen any video better describe how modern pentecostal churches operate, really amazing stuff here
So everything here is perfect, the commentary, the delivery, the audio gags, and the art. But the guys doing backflip and rolls to indicate frenzy that is the black church during praying are the icing on the cake.
Man I lucked out with my church, they would let kids go play basketball or watch a movie. My mom used to pinch me when I fell asleep but one day she gave up and said well at least you're absorbing some of the word in your sleep.
Yooo I’m so glad you brought this up man. I’ve dated a lot of girls from the church and grew up in it, this one girl told me that she felt “God was telling her to break up with me”. I’m laughing now😂but it hurt like hell at the time
I remember when my religious grandma didn’t want my brothers and I watching Pokémon and Harry Potter. On a serious note, I have a problem with the church because the church is the most judge mental and hypocritical place ever. I will never forget when old ladies were judging me all because I didn’t stand up one time when everyone stood up. Also there is so much misogyny and sexism in the church. Old women were calling young girls “ fast girls “ and it’s because of the church that I blamed myself when my step father molested me. I was afraid on how I would be treated by my family and the church.
This is glorious! Although, when seeing all the Pokémon characters here, I can’t help but to imagine a Pokémon version of the Boondocks in which Huey would be the equivalent of Ash while Jazmine and Caesar would act as Huey’s traveling companions by naturally taking on the roles of Misty and Brock. But instead of cartoonishly falling for every girl that he sees, I can see Caesar as trying and failing to be a suave ladies man for the girls that he meets by using his “Brooklyn charm,” lol. In addition, I’m pretty sure that Tom would have a heart attack if he saw Jazmine wearing a crop top and short shorts, lol.
You've described the Caribbean church experience perfectly here as well I suppose that these behaviours make it easy for black people who move from 1 territory to another to settle in with a support system but certain aspects of the black church are troublesome indeed!
White Hippy here, I grew up in the US as a Roman Catholic and even in my pretty liberal church it was kinda the same way. I'm sure there were plenty of denominational and cultural differences but it is interesting hearing how that kind of clerical power structure breeds all of this posturing.
I've become more detached from the church and it's theatrics and now focus on my own spirituality. it's really sad as they've played such a strong role in my younger years but you put the issues and conflicts in my head into words really well. Hoping the church changes for the better honestly...
This whole video (like many of your others) was really satisfying to hear just cause it articulated a lot of things I couldn't bring myself to or couldn't find the words etc Thank you
For me who grew up Christian. I value my relationship with God more than going to church and even reading the Bible for that matter. I liked speaking to God in the here and now.
Damn, I relate so hard man, I laughed so hard, and i feel like ive recontextualized so much of my memories about church, which ive straight up suppressed.
This is legit fascinating. As an european that had two years of priesthood studies on the catholic church, some of these traits are universal to religious communities (or at least christian ones) whiile others are super insular. The spiritual hierarchies, the bombast and posturing. It's all too familiar. One would think the exaltation of your individual performance (and it is often a performance in every sense of the word) and judging of others falls under hubris, but here we are.
Someone finally said it!!!!! i feel that the church is very manipulative, they bring up things like “honour your husband” as if that’s in the bible (the bible has even been changed so many times, and why should god be all loving yet stop me from doing things he created?). Weekly zoom calls are useless, we talk about the same thing every week, offering is basically scamming everyone there for money to give to the pastor. There’s so much more but i feel like i’ll get slapped by my ancestors which is also a problem - if anyone openly says “church is sorta iffy” you’ll be seen as a devilish child.
i don't think you will get slapped by your ancestors, i mean not the forced into Christianity or the ones who were not christians so i guess it depends on how far you go back in time to determine which of your ancestors would be angry.
For Halloween I had to go to these special church events that enacted the rapture and followed people who got left on earth. No candy whatsoever. I couldn't watch pokemon for some reason and I definitely wasn't allowed to see the Harry Potter movies. Of course I snuck around and watched both anyways. 😂
I had this weird experience with my school church. I was just singing along (keep in mind my voice blends in with others and even then I can't sing for shit) and my teacher is like "You're not singing loud enough. If you don't sing louder, then you get a detention." Hell, my high-school was weird, they would come up with new changes to dress codes and they were just dumb. There were the obvious 'don't wear this skirt', 'don't wear things with these symbols', 'wear a belt' but then they banned this one design for no discernible reason, it had nothing offensive about it. Some of our teachers were fine, but when they were nuts, they were Super Nuts. Art Teacher was mostly fine, the weirdest thing, was when he gave us the "How was your summer? Who are you?" type-sheet, and for no damn reason one of the questions was "Are you Pro-Life or Pro-Choice?" this was supposed to tell you who we were as people, not bring politics into it. There was Science Teacher 2 (I don't remember names, and I don't care), she was a lot more religious, she would talk about God and Christianity like they were superpowers, like she could chuck a car because of her faith in God. And when she was pissed it was this weird scowl that looked like she was going to swallow her own face, with a mad twitching interrupting it. (I tried to stay on her good side because you could feel her anger from across the room). Dean Guy, was the reason the dress code and some other rules changed so frequently, and some rules were just plain stupid. I would carry my books for various periods all at once, and he was like "I could give you a detention for that" (supposedly he was joking, but with him I swear none of his emotions looked real, like he wasn't happy or sad or mad, just stoic). This guy would always go after people for dress code, (you could've set the school on fire, and his ass would be like: "They did it in dress code, my hands are tied.") For one class we'd have to answer multiple choice and put it on this one white-board plaque thing and he'd always misread the b or the d if he didn't like who you were with, he repeatedly did it with only my group. Religion Teacher 2 had this one really messed up moment. We were discussing abortion, and when someone brought up the case involving rape, he was like 'Well still don't open your legs, just let the guy kill you.' Religion Teacher 3, who was just saying be conservative, seriously every lesson of his in some way tied back to that, I was desperate to get to whatever my next class was, just to avoid him. Science Teacher 1 was probably the *WORST*. Now our class was not always well-behaved, people would tap on the desks or random stuff like that, we were pretty loud. However this guy had his bizarre, angry outbursts, he read me the riot act for forgetting to wear a belt once. If you answered a question when he called on someone else or even did so when you raised your hand, he'd go off on a mini rant about how you're not supposed to do that, and if you were an opposite sex student from the one he called he'd go ballistic screaming "ARE YOU JANE!? IS YOUR NAME JANE!? DID YOU GET A SEX CHANGE!?" One of our foreign exchange students had a bit of trouble pronouncing her 'American' name (she was Korean) so he'd constantly emphasize her mispronunciation, loudly in front of the whole damn class. One time he almost forgot to assign us homework, until someone reminded him, the class was pissed, but considering how bonkers this guy was he'd have lost it on us if we hadn't done the homework (even though again he almost forgot to assign it to us, until someone else reminded him). He was later replaced, probably transferred out to somewhere less stressful like prison, his in-class experiments were fun though, still not worth hearing his screaming.
This brought back so many unwanted memories 😭 the hierarchy of the pastors family, that awkward judgement in the air when a white person walks in.... I never wanna go back
This is such an interesting subject for me! I grew up in the deep American south, and when I was real young we went with my grandfather to his (SUPER white) Baptist church. I don't know how much you know about Baptists, but I couldn't describe it without it sounding hyperbolic in how elitist and snotty it is. Then, later, my mother stopped associating with my grandparents as much (they hated my, slightly ethnic, father), so we went to a local nondenominational Christian church that was probably 75% black. I went in expecting basically the same experience! ... Needless to say I was pretty shocked at how different it was! I don't go to church anymore, but I wouldn't mind returning to the later. I would rather chew off my own toes then go back to my grandfather's Baptist church though. One of my oldest memories is staring blankly into the back of a pew for 2 hours in near silence trying not to piss myself cause it'd have been rude to get up and go pee right then.
You made this really really relatable with the yugioh classes breakdown. The irony is that yugioh and magic were considered devil cards. It wasnt like i was walking around with a pocket full of tarot cards lol. I always disliked how they would talk down and belittle gay people in church, i really struggled with that later as it was so much worse at home. Religion really controls people the most in black communities.
There’s so much space for the “black church genre” in media. Personally, I want to see an animated show. Something Hey Arnold like mixed with The Boondocks. Great video, this was my upbringing!
Yooo this is just a mad relefection ofbwhat it was like going to church as a kid myself. This is bringing back so many memories. I didnt do anything like doing the gibberish thing but i was just ready to head home always at 12 but never leaving til 2. Every black church is like this
The background sound effects... And Pokémon adlibs Bruh I played trombone and I seen this shit too. If you rolled up trying to join the Choir and they didn't like you smh.
I cant believe you all do this in the UK as well. I remember growing up with all of this: getting up at 05:00 only to return home around 15:00, the ban on anything involving witchcraft, speaking in tongues. Even as a child, things seemed way too performative for me.
Amazing video- I used to dress up for church as you would get ridiculed for not coming semi professional but i realized how ridiculous that is and stopped dressing up.
Haven't watched yet and I already know where this is going. I was raised in the UHOP, left a few years ago and am now agnostic with a heavy distain for divinity/authoritarian practices, and it still bleeds through on occasion.
I'm someone who always felt bad that I was a Slifer Red. I think being in church could be difficult because of all of that. I've neglected my personal spirituality since leaving though. It can be harder without having a community, even with all their problems. Thanks for talking about this, I'm going to work on my relationship to God because of it.
My friend refused to play SMT games whenever I suggest them (he got big into Persona, which doesn't count; he also played most of Nocturne) because he said it makes him uncomfortable on a spiritual level. His dad was a pasture
Great stuff! While not being a religious person myself, I do envy the many Christian denominations for having a sense of comfort from time to time. Otherwise I have to fall back unto various "mechanical" means of spirituality and metaphysics through philosophy.
Great video! Like it's good to bring this to light. I highly recommend the book Urban Apologetics.. it addresses many of the reasons why black folks leave the church, from cultural identity (so they go to more hotep like groups) or become black atheists, and helps break down the issues within the church and the misconceptions. It just came out and it's written by several black intellectuals, historians, and psychologists, as well as theologians! I hope this will bring comfort to those who feel ostracized and understanding.
I love your videos, I watch them with a wide-eyed smile(most of the time) because this is one of the few times I feel like I am learning something so vital, or worthwhile.
Always liked this passage. : And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. 6But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard.
LJ's art slaps like always. Man though, my number one pet peeve is religious actions that are blatantly disregard what the bible says. I mean there's "Up for interpretation" and then there's straight up heresy. “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:5-6 Even when you are praying with a group or pray out loud, some level of privacy is expected.
It reminds me of when I was a Jr. Deacon at our old church. That church had 2 services, the morning one, and the real one when everybody actually shows up. We came in at 7 every week, and stayed until 2. About 5 young boys and myself would officiate the morning service with help from maybe 3 deacons. In mourning service you got older people, some of the choir would sing, and the Pastor's second would give a service, maybe someone would give testimony. The second service, aka the headline event, would get full choir taking up 80 percent of the stage, all of the deacons, all of the ushers, the less religious people and their families, and the pastor would give a passionate service. Usually this pudgy lady would get "filled with the holy ghost." We would assist in all of the tasks during, and not be dismissed til mostly everybody left
When I moved to Indiana, my friend was looking for a new church and she didn't have a car. She did not do any research and ended up at a black gospel church. We are both glow in the dark white and we were immediately lead to seats in the middle of the church. Everyone was kind and welcoming but boy was it still a crazy awkward situation
I went to every type of church possible, really was into the Bible.. until I read it, and started asking questions. It wasn’t until the day I faked like I caught the spirit, but it felt like I had to do it.. since everybody else was doing so. After reading the Bible, and realizing so many contradictions & other issues- then realizing it’s all theatrics, I became a nonbeliever of organized religion; more so just spirituality in a sense.
I really connected to this video, and a lot of points you raised are things I've noticed through my own spiritual journey, especially since I go to a Christian university. I do want to ask something: are you part Nigerian? Or have you attended any church that's owned by a Nigerian, like the Redeemed Christian Church of God? Cos one of your impressions had a slightly familiar inflection to it.
I grew up in the church and I still very much have a relationship with my savior, but I realized that church was the same thing every week and that I wasn't gaining anything from church anymore and I was the one most invested of my friends who all really just came cuz their parents/grandparents/aunts/uncles and whatever else. Most of my age group dipped for one reason or another and I can't blame them. And my church is tame compared to other denominations that really play up the churchianity. Black christians really have to do better but like with every other type of person, that is a case by case basis.
Like the video? Let the algorithm know black people make creative things.
I see you read my comment. This is a good video. Can you do a video of people weaponizing the black struggle for financial gain? Like Jay Morrison, Patrisse Khan, etc.
Facts
Make a video about how black people are drawn in anime. And how black people latch to characters like Piccolo, Uub and Yoruichi, even though they aren't black.
I'm already liking every video you make, wish you the best of luck in your endeavors with content creating.
Imma test this comment theory down below.
My mom used to forbid me from watching Harry Potter. She even hated Dragon Ball and said it was satanic. She even blames anime for taking away my faith in God. Yet anime is the one thing that kept my desire to live. It taught me more values than she ever did. I am morally righteous *because* of anime. I work out *because* of anime. I chase my dreams *because* of anime.
This comment is very funny yet very wholesome. You got any anime you'd recommend?
An old friend of my mom's stopped hanging out with us because she thought Harry Potter supports witchcraft.
@@spaceace9103 Hm...Your Lie In April
Rurouni Kenshin
Clannad
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Monster
Erased
Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni
Bakuman
Made in Abyss
Kyoukai no Kanata
Durarara
@@SilentGlaceon94 Your mom watches Harry Potter?!
@@kenshix7902 Uh, yeah. We have all of the movies.
"End at 12 but really it ends that 2"
IM DEAD THATS REALLY HOW IT IS HERE TOO
When I used to go the pastor would be like:
"Oooooh hold on"
*organ chord*
Imma let yall go
*organ chord*
But lemme preach
*organ chord*
For the last time
*2x organ chord*
OOOOHH FATHER
*the whole ensemble starts going up, the preacher starts dancing for two minutes*
*repeat five more times*
*then silence*
Alright bow your heads now
Then its prayer then people go up and get blessed THEN its over
😂
we all j lived the exact same life huh
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Every black church has a "building fund", but no renovations ever occurs. People at our church were so broke/cheap that most of them just touched the offering plate & didn't put money in. You're not really speaking in tongues, unless they bring a sheet & drape it over you. And black churches seem to be a fashion show, especially w/ the older women & their huge hats. I learned a long time ago to be spiritual & not "religious", because religion is all about controlling the masses (all while exploiting folks lover on the hierarchy). If money was removed from church, you'd see how suddenly a lot of these "religious leaders" wouldn't be that religious, or even religious at all. And what use would God have for money anyways? That's only important to "man", which is why the church leaders tend to have the best houses, most expensive clothing, & finest cars.
There's always a building fund but no new building.
@@TheStorytellerAJ Nor do they even put a single new shingle on the already existing building. And the "church leaders" never give $ to a member in need, out of their own pockets. They always have to "take up a collection", where the church always gets a cut. But that's the church for you & that's why I'm glad more folks are cutting ties.
Its crazy just how relatable this is
From NYC to the UK, we really all lived the same life lmao
Ikr, I used to live in Italy and u still find churchs just like that
Same here in South Africa
Yeah, its the same with me and I'm from Zambia
@@sebastianfeuerstein9306 guess we all have a lot more in common than we thought
@@ayandandlovu1292 yep 😂
This Guy went to the most african, most likely nigerian church XD cause i can relate sooo hard to everything hes saying
Probably Redeemed tbh
Haitian churches got the same vibe. Getting flashbacks of my childhood with this video lol
@@ItsThatKidGreg Yeah, fits the Haitian church 💯
My grandmother was the pastor of a Jamaican church and it all held true for me too haha.
thank you for this, i’m 16 and as a christian i’m still learning that the modern church is really not it; very performance-y . i just stick to my personal spiritual journey lmao
become ordodonks
Same
Yeah. The girl I dated at the time mentioned not liking the performative nature of the black church.
She'd call it "Holy Ghosting" when folks were really getting into it and falling out
My experience I just wanna read my Bible in peace but all that singing dancing and disregarding everything that's in the Bible for the ways of man made me glad I left. I'm a Christian not a churchtian.
That's true. Your spiritual journey is your own.Church isnjust a meeting place
"Naa bro thats the devil" I lost it 😆
I'm glad youre talking about this. me and a religious friend of mine was also talking about this and how it can corrupt folks
I lost friends over "jesus says you can't watch yugioh" literally. Oh maaaaaaan.
In South Africa people used to say Ben 10 is satanic. My 4th grade homeroom teacher condemned a friend of mine for having a file full of printed out Dragon Ball images(they where a huge thing in my school). She was complaining about how Goku is always angry in those images.
I believe it has something to do with playing with tarot cards.
@@Thollis1987 Tarot cards huh? What's the context behind them being sinister?
@@kenshix7902 their association with witches it’s dumb
@@kenshix7902 I'm glad I watched Dragon Ball on tv before whoever told my grandmother it was satanic said anything. That's somethings my 14 year old cousins to deal with.
Organizing community is vital and religious stories and traditions are so fascinating and beautiful, but I really had to reprogram by brain from growing up in a religious household. idk how to get around the more "cultish" aspects of organized religion, and I think a lot of people have been burned or become disenchanted. That, or became overzealous to the point where faith consumes their entire identity and purpose of being.
All of this.
Organised religion is... whew. Its one of those things I don't want to straight up dismiss, but it has caused so much awful stuff and typically used to defend the status quo.
I think people need to take taking agency over their own spirituality instead of relying on grand ministers and priests. Be that grounded in organised religion or not. Homogenising spirituality is really silly to me.
@@TheStorytellerAJ You had that pyramid graphic dedepicting hierarchy too. That was completely on point I think. Way too much incentive for social climbing and monopolizing power.
@@TheStorytellerAJ I agree with you on that. A majority of people in church are self-proclaimed Christians who actually know little to nothing about the Bible so they follow these pastors and priests that rely on hyper-emotional signs and manipulation of unfortunate circumstances to draw in more people. If more Christians were actually willing and able to read their bibles, all of these toxic practices that give the religion a bad name, wouldn’t exist or wouldn’t be nearly as widespread as today
It’s crazy how much of a parallel life this guy lived to mine and yet he lived on the other side of world. Always glad to see you post keep it up man
You from South Africa too? Cos we have that experience too lol.
from the united states...dude ain't told no lies
Despite my parents being boomers they largely avoided Church more the older we got. They were forced to go as kids and they hated it. Whenever we did go it was because of my Grandmas. The psychological hold of the Church is kind of scary. The members will guilt you for not going to the point where you feel like you'll have to. Don't even get me started on tithes. That money is not for God, it's for a building in this earthly plane. If it's for God, burn all the money and give it to the air. They'll guilt you for that too. This video was like release from something we don't talk about enough. Thanks.
Are you saying that because your gay?
@@indridcole7596 Fellas, is it gay to not to go to church?
My mom asked me if her church friend was right about Yugioh being demonic, all I had to do was show some angel cards and she understood the fiendish ones were just using an aesthetic
You know those movies in the USA that show black churches? Yeah, that was exactly how most churches I went to were. Literally ate breakfast and dinner at the church some Sundays. So glad when I was finally old enough to spend my Sundays sleeping in and actually taking a day off.
I really appreciated this video. It made me think about why I've developed such an annoyance with "church people" despite myself being Christian. Performance for everyone else around you gets in the way, you absolutely right in my opinion. Great video, gave me something to journal about.
Me, who grew up in an African household that watches Nigerian movies that contain black magic.: Depends on what church you go to really.
I grew up in an African household that loves Nigerian movies with black magic in them too. But, it's more of a narrative tool than anything else. It's for shock value and to reinforce certain spiritual notions.
@@TheStorytellerAJ Like being a sinner or being around certain people can attract demons or something like that.
We don't just watch the usual Nigerian movie, but also horror movies every now and then. We have the free will to do as we wish, but we just need to be careful with what we feed our minds and what we do with our time.
There's some opinions I want to give on this video real quick.
The church I attend isn't just on Sunday's but it's on everyday, with a scheduled service that you are free to attend whenever you want. It can be an 1hour or just 1hour and 30 minutes.
Also, I grew up believing Halloween isn't a Christian celebration, I think it actually originates from Paganism. I don't celebrate Christmas either unless someone makes me.
While I come from an African and Christian family I wouldn't say the religion was forced upon me at birth. It was brought up and taught to me but the decision to further explore it was my own choice.
Probably why I can't relate with this video, but I understand what you're talking about.
There's a lot of churches out there with pastors who make it their mission to make an ass out of themselves just because they do not see what they would like to see.
When someone gets the Holy Spirit it doesn't mean their body will move about or some other bizzare thought. That actually sounds like a manifestation of a demon rejecting it and forcing it out of the body.
Nonetheless, I honestly enjoyed this video even though the experiences are not like anything I can relate to.
I'm a very shy and introverted person. This video represents why I love and hate Church at the same time. I'm a progressive Christian ironically but I have a hard time completely leaving the black Church. So much of this is very relatable and represents me quite well.
Great video!!
Man, I can relate. I - HAAAATED - testimonial Sundays.
Coming from a very conservative, quiet black church denomination (SDA), hearing the speaking in tongues, shouting and dancing part is very weird to me😂 but other that that I totally relate.💕
I despise the praise and worship segment of the church services. Especially when my parents force me to stand up and clap my hands.
I guess it depends on the sect. I am Baptist and we be acting a fucking fool.
Oh cool your SDA too. My church actually says that it’s bad to speak in tongues and dance because it’s just a bunch nonsense not the Holy Spirit. That’s only happened to the disciples. Interesting that happened act your church.
I'm 17 i have been a rastafarian for a long time and I have been studying Buddhism i got prayer beads like akuma and shit
Wow. Your story sounds so close to an irl friend's bother's story.
I wish you well, guy.
I used to be a part of a pentecostal church, and I don't think ive ever heard anyone speak about this topic thats hits home this hard. The social hierarchy that exists in churches like this is absolutely real, and having someone talk about it and address it in this is so validating
Fuck me I even remember one sunday where one of the leaders of the church built their entire sermon for that day explaining away the "in crowd vs out crowd" as those who have been anointed with the holy spirit and those who have not. That fucked me up cos all I wanted to be at the time was a good wee christian boy, but because I was not part of the "in crowd" I wasnt really "walking with god" or whatever.
Idk if anyone here can relate, but the control over spirituality our church leaders had was fuckin scary at times. Like we used to have these Summer camps that were mostly chill, but everyone knew of the infmous "Wednesday night meeting" cos thats the meetin where church leaders would look around the hall and claim to see "darkness" surrounding certian members of the church and would encourage those people to come forward and have the darkness "delivered from them". All the while the whole church would be shout-praying in tounges. That environment was extremely emotionally predetory, and fucking terrifying of the church leader decided it was you that needed deliverance.
And these werent recluses from society. Most of the people in my church were active memebers of the community and the nicest people youd ever meet outside if a religious context. But when people it cane for prayer, these same people could be genuinely frightening
But yeah, never seen any video better describe how modern pentecostal churches operate, really amazing stuff here
LMAO That's actually pretty scary
I vibe with that whole bit about posturing man.
So everything here is perfect, the commentary, the delivery, the audio gags, and the art. But the guys doing backflip and rolls to indicate frenzy that is the black church during praying are the icing on the cake.
Man I lucked out with my church, they would let kids go play basketball or watch a movie. My mom used to pinch me when I fell asleep but one day she gave up and said well at least you're absorbing some of the word in your sleep.
Yooo I’m so glad you brought this up man. I’ve dated a lot of girls from the church and grew up in it, this one girl told me that she felt “God was telling her to break up with me”. I’m laughing now😂but it hurt like hell at the time
NOOOO hahaha
Lol cap my man she was talking to other dudes and ain't wanna feel the shame
I remember when my religious grandma didn’t want my brothers and I watching Pokémon and Harry Potter. On a serious note, I have a problem with the church because the church is the most judge mental and hypocritical place ever. I will never forget when old ladies were judging me all because I didn’t stand up one time when everyone stood up. Also there is so much misogyny and sexism in the church. Old women were calling young girls “ fast girls “ and it’s because of the church that I blamed myself when my step father molested me. I was afraid on how I would be treated by my family and the church.
holy-ghosted is hilarious and an accurate way to describe dating among church kids
This is glorious! Although, when seeing all the Pokémon characters here, I can’t help but to imagine a Pokémon version of the Boondocks in which Huey would be the equivalent of Ash while Jazmine and Caesar would act as Huey’s traveling companions by naturally taking on the roles of Misty and Brock. But instead of cartoonishly falling for every girl that he sees, I can see Caesar as trying and failing to be a suave ladies man for the girls that he meets by using his “Brooklyn charm,” lol. In addition, I’m pretty sure that Tom would have a heart attack if he saw Jazmine wearing a crop top and short shorts, lol.
You've described the Caribbean church experience perfectly here as well
I suppose that these behaviours make it easy for black people who move from 1 territory to another to settle in with a support system but certain aspects of the black church are troublesome indeed!
White Hippy here, I grew up in the US as a Roman Catholic and even in my pretty liberal church it was kinda the same way. I'm sure there were plenty of denominational and cultural differences but it is interesting hearing how that kind of clerical power structure breeds all of this posturing.
I stay in MISSISSIPPI and this coudnt have been closer to the TRUTH🤗🤗🤗🤗I LOVE how you put it like you hit the nail right on the head man.
Same. I stay in Hinds county
I've become more detached from the church and it's theatrics and now focus on my own spirituality. it's really sad as they've played such a strong role in my younger years but you put the issues and conflicts in my head into words really well. Hoping the church changes for the better honestly...
That getting lambasted for not praying loudly or “the right way” certainly is hittin’ this morning.
This whole video (like many of your others) was really satisfying to hear just cause it articulated a lot of things I couldn't bring myself to or couldn't find the words etc Thank you
i'm glad you enjoyed it. that really means a lot.
For me who grew up Christian. I value my relationship with God more than going to church and even reading the Bible for that matter. I liked speaking to God in the here and now.
The church is the body of Christ
This was top tier content. so true on so many levels. Great work man.
Dat Parappa intro doe..... 🔥🔥🔥🔥 brought my childhood back
Damn, I relate so hard man, I laughed so hard, and i feel like ive recontextualized so much of my memories about church, which ive straight up suppressed.
This is legit fascinating. As an european that had two years of priesthood studies on the catholic church, some of these traits are universal to religious communities (or at least christian ones) whiile others are super insular. The spiritual hierarchies, the bombast and posturing. It's all too familiar. One would think the exaltation of your individual performance (and it is often a performance in every sense of the word) and judging of others falls under hubris, but here we are.
Someone finally said it!!!!! i feel that the church is very manipulative, they bring up things like “honour your husband” as if that’s in the bible (the bible has even been changed so many times, and why should god be all loving yet stop me from doing things he created?). Weekly zoom calls are useless, we talk about the same thing every week, offering is basically scamming everyone there for money to give to the pastor. There’s so much more but i feel like i’ll get slapped by my ancestors which is also a problem - if anyone openly says “church is sorta iffy” you’ll be seen as a devilish child.
i don't think you will get slapped by your ancestors, i mean not the forced into Christianity or the ones who were not christians so i guess it depends on how far you go back in time to determine which of your ancestors would be angry.
@@polin1710 lol by ancestors i mean all my dead relatives
The bible has like. Thousands of inconsistencies in it
For Halloween I had to go to these special church events that enacted the rapture and followed people who got left on earth. No candy whatsoever. I couldn't watch pokemon for some reason and I definitely wasn't allowed to see the Harry Potter movies. Of course I snuck around and watched both anyways. 😂
Grew up for the most part in a black American Baptist church. Pretty much hit the nail on the head with this video.
Oh my god, your story about speaking in tongues was hilarious!!! 😂🤣
This is very accurate. It's like this to here in South Africa. You're videos are really good
guess it is a universal black church thing
@@Kat-ez4ni yeah it is
I had this weird experience with my school church. I was just singing along (keep in mind my voice blends in with others and even then I can't sing for shit) and my teacher is like "You're not singing loud enough. If you don't sing louder, then you get a detention." Hell, my high-school was weird, they would come up with new changes to dress codes and they were just dumb. There were the obvious 'don't wear this skirt', 'don't wear things with these symbols', 'wear a belt' but then they banned this one design for no discernible reason, it had nothing offensive about it. Some of our teachers were fine, but when they were nuts, they were Super Nuts. Art Teacher was mostly fine, the weirdest thing, was when he gave us the "How was your summer? Who are you?" type-sheet, and for no damn reason one of the questions was "Are you Pro-Life or Pro-Choice?" this was supposed to tell you who we were as people, not bring politics into it. There was Science Teacher 2 (I don't remember names, and I don't care), she was a lot more religious, she would talk about God and Christianity like they were superpowers, like she could chuck a car because of her faith in God. And when she was pissed it was this weird scowl that looked like she was going to swallow her own face, with a mad twitching interrupting it. (I tried to stay on her good side because you could feel her anger from across the room). Dean Guy, was the reason the dress code and some other rules changed so frequently, and some rules were just plain stupid. I would carry my books for various periods all at once, and he was like "I could give you a detention for that" (supposedly he was joking, but with him I swear none of his emotions looked real, like he wasn't happy or sad or mad, just stoic). This guy would always go after people for dress code, (you could've set the school on fire, and his ass would be like: "They did it in dress code, my hands are tied.") For one class we'd have to answer multiple choice and put it on this one white-board plaque thing and he'd always misread the b or the d if he didn't like who you were with, he repeatedly did it with only my group. Religion Teacher 2 had this one really messed up moment. We were discussing abortion, and when someone brought up the case involving rape, he was like 'Well still don't open your legs, just let the guy kill you.' Religion Teacher 3, who was just saying be conservative, seriously every lesson of his in some way tied back to that, I was desperate to get to whatever my next class was, just to avoid him. Science Teacher 1 was probably the *WORST*. Now our class was not always well-behaved, people would tap on the desks or random stuff like that, we were pretty loud. However this guy had his bizarre, angry outbursts, he read me the riot act for forgetting to wear a belt once. If you answered a question when he called on someone else or even did so when you raised your hand, he'd go off on a mini rant about how you're not supposed to do that, and if you were an opposite sex student from the one he called he'd go ballistic screaming "ARE YOU JANE!? IS YOUR NAME JANE!? DID YOU GET A SEX CHANGE!?" One of our foreign exchange students had a bit of trouble pronouncing her 'American' name (she was Korean) so he'd constantly emphasize her mispronunciation, loudly in front of the whole damn class. One time he almost forgot to assign us homework, until someone reminded him, the class was pissed, but considering how bonkers this guy was he'd have lost it on us if we hadn't done the homework (even though again he almost forgot to assign it to us, until someone else reminded him). He was later replaced, probably transferred out to somewhere less stressful like prison, his in-class experiments were fun though, still not worth hearing his screaming.
This is really educational for someone who has never been to a church like this. Great video
Love the illustrations
This brought back so many unwanted memories 😭 the hierarchy of the pastors family, that awkward judgement in the air when a white person walks in.... I never wanna go back
This is such an interesting subject for me! I grew up in the deep American south, and when I was real young we went with my grandfather to his (SUPER white) Baptist church. I don't know how much you know about Baptists, but I couldn't describe it without it sounding hyperbolic in how elitist and snotty it is. Then, later, my mother stopped associating with my grandparents as much (they hated my, slightly ethnic, father), so we went to a local nondenominational Christian church that was probably 75% black. I went in expecting basically the same experience! ... Needless to say I was pretty shocked at how different it was! I don't go to church anymore, but I wouldn't mind returning to the later. I would rather chew off my own toes then go back to my grandfather's Baptist church though. One of my oldest memories is staring blankly into the back of a pew for 2 hours in near silence trying not to piss myself cause it'd have been rude to get up and go pee right then.
I was raised Southern Baptist. They're fairly stuck up and think they're better than everyone else.
@@magnoliasilcox904 See, you get it! 💕
lmao
@@ThrottleKitty Thanks I feel out of all the denominations they're the worst.
Another amazing video 💗💗 Everyone, be yourself, express yourself as you are. Religious or not, we love you!
This is the most relatable video I have ever watched.
You made this really really relatable with the yugioh classes breakdown. The irony is that yugioh and magic were considered devil cards. It wasnt like i was walking around with a pocket full of tarot cards lol. I always disliked how they would talk down and belittle gay people in church, i really struggled with that later as it was so much worse at home. Religion really controls people the most in black communities.
"SOME OF YOU, THINK YOU'RE TOO GOOD FOR PRAYER!!" this sh* actually happened to me
.
.
I was like, Nah f* these guys I ain't coming back next week.
There’s so much space for the “black church genre” in media. Personally, I want to see an animated show. Something Hey Arnold like mixed with The Boondocks. Great video, this was my upbringing!
Yooo this is just a mad relefection ofbwhat it was like going to church as a kid myself. This is bringing back so many memories. I didnt do anything like doing the gibberish thing but i was just ready to head home always at 12 but never leaving til 2. Every black church is like this
bro using the yu gi oh gx uniforms to demonstrate class was hella smart
Thank you for talking about the optics of religious spirituality. It bugs me so much how much it really is about the ingroup.
Thanks for using words i could not put together, peace,
i needed to watch this, thank you. also, the ygo gx comparison gives me so much happiness lmao
This entire video is *chefs kiss* 😆
The speaking in tongues part is so relatable 😂
Lmao fr I loved going to church with my grandmother it was the best I miss it
Unrelated but I love the parapa toons
And 5ds>gx 👀
lmao the image of a little child spitting fire gibberish and everyone in the church just losing shit.
ive went to church all my life a different version tho and the huge difference to visiting someone else’s church is so funny
Love the video. Great advice at the end there too.
This is such a important topic to discuss in the black community
The background sound effects... And Pokémon adlibs
Bruh I played trombone and I seen this shit too. If you rolled up trying to join the Choir and they didn't like you smh.
I cant believe you all do this in the UK as well. I remember growing up with all of this: getting up at 05:00 only to return home around 15:00, the ban on anything involving witchcraft, speaking in tongues. Even as a child, things seemed way too performative for me.
need a whole video with your pastor voice!
Amazing video- I used to dress up for church as you would get ridiculed for not coming semi professional but i realized how ridiculous that is and stopped dressing up.
Haven't watched yet and I already know where this is going. I was raised in the UHOP, left a few years ago and am now agnostic with a heavy distain for divinity/authoritarian practices, and it still bleeds through on occasion.
Consious sideburns is some epic shit.
Love the art
Holy ghosted her ass as a happy birthday. Haven't gotten that good a laugh in a while.
Commenting for that sweet, sweet algorithm juice.
This is the most real and relatable youtube vid you made so far (to me).
I'm someone who always felt bad that I was a Slifer Red. I think being in church could be difficult because of all of that. I've neglected my personal spirituality since leaving though. It can be harder without having a community, even with all their problems. Thanks for talking about this, I'm going to work on my relationship to God because of it.
My friend refused to play SMT games whenever I suggest them (he got big into Persona, which doesn't count; he also played most of Nocturne) because he said it makes him uncomfortable on a spiritual level. His dad was a pasture
His dad was a field made for Grazing?
@@MantraMan2077 no a priest
Great stuff! While not being a religious person myself, I do envy the many Christian denominations for having a sense of comfort from time to time. Otherwise I have to fall back unto various "mechanical" means of spirituality and metaphysics through philosophy.
I really do like how you incorporated more art and references this time. Good stuff 👍
8:45 BRUH! This triggered something in me! Like PTDS war flashbacks.
This is absolute FACTS!
Great video! Like it's good to bring this to light. I highly recommend the book Urban Apologetics.. it addresses many of the reasons why black folks leave the church, from cultural identity (so they go to more hotep like groups) or become black atheists, and helps break down the issues within the church and the misconceptions. It just came out and it's written by several black intellectuals, historians, and psychologists, as well as theologians! I hope this will bring comfort to those who feel ostracized and understanding.
I love your videos, I watch them with a wide-eyed smile(most of the time) because this is one of the few times I feel like I am learning something so vital, or worthwhile.
Always liked this passage. : And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. 6But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard.
LJ's art slaps like always. Man though, my number one pet peeve is religious actions that are blatantly disregard what the bible says. I mean there's "Up for interpretation" and then there's straight up heresy.
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:5-6
Even when you are praying with a group or pray out loud, some level of privacy is expected.
It reminds me of when I was a Jr. Deacon at our old church. That church had 2 services, the morning one, and the real one when everybody actually shows up. We came in at 7 every week, and stayed until 2. About 5 young boys and myself would officiate the morning service with help from maybe 3 deacons. In mourning service you got older people, some of the choir would sing, and the Pastor's second would give a service, maybe someone would give testimony. The second service, aka the headline event, would get full choir taking up 80 percent of the stage, all of the deacons, all of the ushers, the less religious people and their families, and the pastor would give a passionate service. Usually this pudgy lady would get "filled with the holy ghost." We would assist in all of the tasks during, and not be dismissed til mostly everybody left
When I moved to Indiana, my friend was looking for a new church and she didn't have a car. She did not do any research and ended up at a black gospel church. We are both glow in the dark white and we were immediately lead to seats in the middle of the church. Everyone was kind and welcoming but boy was it still a crazy awkward situation
This is the best video I’ve seen in months.
Algorithm, black people make creative things!
Bruv, the moment you said you were a drummer at your church growing up? I felt that. I’m still at it, and MAN finally we have a voice in this 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
bruh this brought back memories of not singing in church and having everyone and their auntie starring me down-
i dont sing im sorry
I went to every type of church possible, really was into the Bible.. until I read it, and started asking questions. It wasn’t until the day I faked like I caught the spirit, but it felt like I had to do it.. since everybody else was doing so. After reading the Bible, and realizing so many contradictions & other issues- then realizing it’s all theatrics, I became a nonbeliever of organized religion; more so just spirituality in a sense.
I relate to this so much lol and the hierarchy comparison with yugioh gx was jokes 😂👏🏼
Would love to see more vids on this topic in the future👌🏼
Damn this makes me think about in invisible man how his speeches are nonsense and everyone just buys it. Cool insight
I always love these videos. Having a bit of commentary was pretty insightful too.
I really connected to this video, and a lot of points you raised are things I've noticed through my own spiritual journey, especially since I go to a Christian university.
I do want to ask something: are you part Nigerian? Or have you attended any church that's owned by a Nigerian, like the Redeemed Christian Church of God? Cos one of your impressions had a slightly familiar inflection to it.
I grew up in the church and I still very much have a relationship with my savior, but I realized that church was the same thing every week and that I wasn't gaining anything from church anymore and I was the one most invested of my friends who all really just came cuz their parents/grandparents/aunts/uncles and whatever else. Most of my age group dipped for one reason or another and I can't blame them. And my church is tame compared to other denominations that really play up the churchianity. Black christians really have to do better but like with every other type of person, that is a case by case basis.
"nah bro thats the devil fight the temptation " LMFAOOOO