The relationship between religion, faith, spirituality, Blackness, and mental health is deeply complex and shaped by historical, cultural, and personal experiences. It's essential to understand the nuances of these relationships to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for mental health and well-being.

Acknowledging Our Blackness:

Evangelist Priscilla Shirer once stated, “I do not describe myself as a black woman — because that gives too much power to my blackness. I don’t want ‘black,’ my race, to be the describing adjective, the defining adjective, as a woman. I am not a black woman, I’m a Christian woman who happens to be black!” Priscilla Shirer's statement, though well-intentioned, overlooks the reality of being Black in society.

While she wishes to prioritize her identity as a Christian woman, it's crucial to acknowledge that Blackness is often the first thing people notice about individuals of African descent. The reality is most black people don't have the luxury or privilege of choosing to not have their blackness define them; for most of us, our blackness is a major defining aspect of our identity that cannot be separated or ignored. It is the first thing people notice about us, affecting how we are perceived and engaged in society.

Religion's Role in Oppression and Healing:

For many Black people, religion has been both a source of solace and a tool of oppression. Religion has been used to justify many of the atrocities we have experienced, while also providing comfort and community so many of us still hold onto religious beliefs and practices.

Approaching religion from an Afrocentric perspective can offer empowerment, but it can also perpetuate harmful narratives and practices. That is because even Afrocentric approaches to religion often reflect the same narratives, albeit with African characters. Causing many Black individuals and communities to still experience religious trauma due to harmful practices promoted by Afrocentric religious institutions.

Distinguishing Between Spirituality and Religion:

It's crucial to differentiate between spirituality and religion. While they are often used interchangeably, they serve distinct purposes and have distinct meanings.

Spirituality is about the personal and individual connection to the divine, while religion encompasses the organized set of beliefs, practices, and rituals that govern this relationship. Spirituality is about personal growth, inner peace, and transcendence, whereas religion often involves communal practices, traditions, and doctrines. While spirituality is personal and individualized, religion tends to be more structured and communal.

Impact on Mental Health:

The intersection of religion, faith, spirituality, Blackness, and mental health can have profound effects. Religious trauma, stemming from harmful practices and teachings, is pervasive within the Black community. Many Black clients and clinicians wrestle with their own religious trauma, stemming from unhealthy and harmful practices promoted by religious institutions. This trauma can lead some to seek alternative forms of spirituality and to decolonize their religious beliefs.

Seeking Help and Healing:

While religion can provide a sense of community, support, and hope, it can also contribute to feelings of guilt, shame, and inadequacy, especially when religious teachings are used to justify oppression. Due to our religious upbringing and teachings, many of us may turn to spirituality instead of seeking professional mental health treatment. However, it's important to recognize that mental health treatment can complement spiritual practices and provide necessary support.

Moving Towards Holistic Approaches:

The movement to decolonize religion and take more holistic and spiritual approaches to the divine reflects a desire to reclaim spirituality from oppressive systems. Individuals can cultivate a more balanced and inclusive approach to their well-being by integrating spirituality and mental health treatment.

In conclusion, the intersection of religion, faith, spirituality, Blackness, and mental health is a complex and multifaceted one. It requires a nuanced understanding and a recognition of the diverse experiences within the Black community. By acknowledging these complexities, we can promote healing, resilience, and well-being for individuals and communities alike.