Why Black Hebrew Israelites are attractive to Black Men

Respect and Purpose

If you had not heard of the Black Hebrew Israelite religion before, I’m sure most people have heard of them now.

With the latest news of Ye and Kyrie Irving, this particular religion has come under the microscope.

It’s interesting how a tweet can set off a chain reaction that is continuing to reverberate across the digital and social landscape.

Yet, until recently not too many people knew the appeal that they have in the black community.

While I strongly disagree with their positions and how they are misusing scripture to justify their hateful doctrine, we have to examine why this group has been able to garner such support amongst black men.

I believe there are two main reasons why some black men are drawn like flies to this message.  

Respect and Purpose.

Respect 

I believe the black man is the most disrespected person in society today.   

The black man has been told that he is not worthy to lead his own household. 

Therefore, the government must step in because it can run it better.

The black man has been labeled as lazy,  un-intelligent, unreliable, and dangerous.

These particular stereotypes propagate throughout liberal and conservative media.

Whenever someone speaks on crime, the first image that comes to most minds is of a black man.

Now, I must note that these labels are man-made and have no actual validity.

Yet, many black men live out these stereotypes because no one has consistently taken the time to inform them who they can be in Christ.

The Christian Church has reinforced the stereotypes as well as the notion of the insecure and inadequate black man.

Enter in the Black Hebrews.

They come along and tell the black man that he is somebody.  That they are the lost tribe of Israel.  That gives the black man a sense of respect.

This is why you can have thousands of black men encircle the Barclays Center in support of Kyrie Irving.

Purpose

Once the black man has been given respect, then life becomes purposeful.

No longer is one living to satisfy themselves.

Now they want to bring value to the community.

They want to be good husbands to their wives and love their children.

Although, this should be the expectation for all men, nevertheless the Black Hebrews have instilled this into their ranks.

With all of this being said, the problem that the Black Hebrews and anyone else will run into is that anything done in our own power will fail.

The only way to have true respect and lasting purpose is to live a surrendered life to Christ.

Because in Christ is life, purpose, respect, and freedom.

Christ is the one who will empower us to live lives that God the Father desires for us.

Lives full of peace, faith, and love.  Without hate.