Emancipation of a Black Atheist

by D.K. Evans

Great journeys often start with a single question. For D. K. Evans, a newly married professional in the Christian-dominated South, that question was, “Why Do I Believe in God?” That simple query led him on a years-long search to better understand the nature of religion and faith, particularly as it applies to the Black community. While many taking such a journey today might immerse themselves in the writing of Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens, Evans took inspiration not only from John Henrik Clarke, Yosef-Ben Jochannan, Hubert Harrison, and John G. Jackson, champions of a rich Black tradition of challenging religious orthodoxy, but also from many others in his own community who had similarly come to question their core religious beliefs. While this journey eventually led him to discount the notion of God, he calls on all to ask their own questions, particularly those within the Black community who act on blind faith. While their own journey might not lead to his truth, he acknowledges, that is the only way they will ever emancipate themselves from the truths thrust on them by others and arrive at their most important truth—their own.

Genres: Religion, Race, Atheism, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

Published December 14, 2017

Reviews

[Jason P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this a very entertaining and quick read. If I had any criticism is there is a bit of repetitiveness that exists in almost every atheist book, but I also expect that and it's not too big of a deal. What I did really enjoy is the specifics to atheism in the black community. Unfortunately, there is a stereotype that atheism is a white thing and poc need god. This has made coming out as an atheist much harder for poc and this book details several examples. He also provides excellent arguments as to why Christianity in particular has been overall very harmful to the black community. I would definitely recommend this book. It's an important read.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that I found extremely easy to relate to.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was wonderfully written and easily understandable, especially for a topic as sensitive as atheism in the African-American community. Dr. Evans laid out several inconsistencies with the role that religion has played over the years within the African-American community and how it is wreaking havoc in the minds, lifestyle and wallets of black folks. She makes a good case for African-Americans to wake up and get their heads out of the sky and back down to earth where the real problems lie.

[Kyle Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a deep curiosity to learn more about my atheism but also to help my family,friends, & community. When it comes to black atheists I know one woman, actually met her two weeks ago. When it comes to writers I can learn from I wanted to find some black atheists that also wanted to help their communities. Came up with a little list and this is the first off of my list! Dr. Evans did a great job sharing the experience of the experience of believers & non-believers in our our communities. Literal stories & conversations with individuals. He also breaks segments of the Bible down such as the morality and effectiveness of scriptures or facts about the Bible that I haven’t learned about in years. This was extremely refreshing and it was done in a more detailed way which I enjoyed. From the skepticism of god and the way he ruled. To the use of the idea of him by a Roman Emperor named Constantine who used Catholicism to bring more stability to his empire when it was becoming divided & run it as he needed. He also touched on the value critical thinking and how some followers have this ability restricted by their beliefs. My biggest take away was the power of churches in the black community & how most of them are not used in the most optimal ways. In terms of creating more action based impact such as people mixing their faith with more community service on the ground work. Such as a lawyer using their skills or landscaper to help rebuild parts of a community. He also talks about the amount of money collected during “tide” and how this could be used in such a strategical way by investing into black communities. When I think about this I do wonder just how different things would be if this was an approach more believers took on as well as non-believers. Overall, I enjoyed this read. Thank you Dr. Evans.

[Lamont Austell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book if you are new to atheism or curious. Can’t really explain it but I felt the book is missing something or I was expecting something that wasn’t there.

[Nick Starr · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was disappointing to me, unfortunately. I read the usual atheism bestsellers when I was younger, but my feelings have cooled quite a bit since then, so i was looking for something different. I was hoping this book would get into the author’s experience as a Black atheist in particular, since the most famous atheists in the public sphere are all white and tend to not address race or social justice much or at all.

Unfortunately, the first 75% or so of the book is basically a retread of the kind of stuff you’d read in The God Delusion or God Is Not Great. It’s very polemical and mostly concerned with arguing specific points about Christianity. I got some of what I was more interested in near the end, but by that point I was just finishing it to be done with it—if it weren’t such a short book, I would’ve just put it back on the shelf. It also could’ve used better editing, as different sections were often very repetitive and the writing was choppy at times.

For someone new to or still figuring out what atheism means to them, I’d recommend them this book before the mainstream ones just for the different perspective, but for someone interested in a deeper look, you won’t find much here.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not the target audience for this book, but I had an opportunity to hear the author speak and was interested in his story. There are a number of facts presented but not cited and I would have appreciated a few more recommendations. Overall, it's a good book presenting both the author's arguments for at least acceptance of nonbelievers if not outright skepticism and rejection of religion and his personal journey from faith to nonbelief, along with the stories of others on this journey. I think a bit more direction and clarity in the goals of this book would have improved the writing.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read! I was able to relate to the author and his experiences. Dr. Evans showed courage that I wish I had as an ex-Christian. I challenge black Christians to read this book and have an honest discussion with black atheists. I feel like this book can do more to bring these two groups together.

[Brennan Lauritzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are questioning or new to atheism this is a great book. It also has some things from a different focus. I'm thinking about trying the ebony exodus project to see if it pertains more to ?experienced? atheists.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read from beginning to the end. Made me rethink the role of religion in the black community and in my life. This book sparked a lot of discussion with others in my circle too.