Remember Sunday mornings? Waking up to the voices of a parent yelling that was time to get up for church? Most college students can recall putting on their “Sunday’s Best”, and rushing out of the house to avoid being late for this Sunday morning ritual.
When reflecting upon childhood events, Black students consider attending church as one of the most valuable focal points of their youth and the beginning of long-lasting friendships and relationships with peers (from experience).
Research done by Clarence Thorton, Southern University Dept of Sociology, proves that Black College students value their religion even though church attendance is not as regular, as before college.
Thorton’s research investigated 330 undergraduate students at SU (226 women and 125 men) and was conducted during the fall semester of 2000. Students were given questionnaires on their interests and values and were asked to rank them from one (most important) to 12 (least important). Some of the categories were family, identity, social life, religion and sports.
Out of 12 choices, religion ranked #1, for both male and female Black students. This investigation showed that Black students realize that in order to have secular success they need religion in their life.
Now living in the 21st century, African American College students are no longer waiting for old age to focus on their religious practices.
Church is important to students because it provides a safe haven for the learning of God’s word, compared to the dangers that the world offers.
William Arp, SU Dept. of Political Science agrees. “Church provides a foundation for spiritual growth, gives students a set of behavioral tools to be exercised in the world and allows the teachings of Christ to be heard.”
“Retreating into one’s religious institutions may be seen, as a necessary prerequisite for effective involvement in the future and gives students the strength to survive”, stated Dr. Thorton.
College students attend church not only to worship but also to fellowship with others, while in the process of having spiritual needs met.
Tiffany Johnson, junior nursing major, states, “attending church helps me be motivated to handle college life and it lowers my stress level.”
Generation after generation have learned and passed on the emphasis of religious faith as a means to the self-improvement of Black America. As long as Black College students see the church as giving spiritual nourishment and a place in which Blacks are recognized for accomplishments, a student’s church life will continue to remain one of the most valuable aspect of their lives.
