Holier Than Thou? Comparing Spirituality and Religiosity among Africans,the African Diaspora,and Caucasians

Abstract

Numerous studies have compared ethnic groups regarding spirituality and religiosity. These studies have employed differing quantitative means to measure religiosity and spirituality levels such as surveys and psychometrically sound instruments. Some studies have focused solely on religiosity and spirituality; others have assessed levels of spirituality and religiosity connected to specific issues. Limitations are evident with each of these approaches. Studies focused solely on spirituality and religiosity in comparing African Americans to other ethnic groups have employed archival datasets. The studies which have utilized psychometrically sound instruments have measured specific issues. Therefore, this study measured religiosity and spirituality with psychometrically sound instruments used on people of African descent to compare the African Diaspora, Africans, and Caucasians. The study confirmed the results of other studies which have demonstrated significantly higher levels of religiosity and spirituality in people of African descent than Caucasians. The study discussed future research and implications for congregational outreach and holistic well being.