Why We Do What We Do

Christian Worship in the African-American Tradition. Why is the song “Amazing Grace” sung slow and with feeling in African-American worship? Why do deacons have a traditional time of song and prayer, called “devotion,” that has recently given birth to praise teams? Why are prayers so figurative in black worship and can be recognized across geographical lines? Why We Do What We Do examines these questions and many others and provides a rationale for the development of the practice of black worship. This book will help readers understand why the African-American church worships as it does.