Righteous Content: Black Women's Perspectives of Church and Faith

Religion, Race, and Ethnicity Series

by Daphne C. Wiggins

Enter most African American congregations and you are likely to see the century-old pattern of a predominantly female audience led by a male pastor. How do we explain the dedication of African American women to the church, particularly when the church's regard for women has been questioned?
Following in the footsteps of Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham's pathbreaking work, Righteous Discontent, Daphne Wiggins takes a contemporary look at the religiosity of black women. Her ethnographic work explores what is behind black women's intense loyalty to the church, bringing to the fore the voices of the female membership of black churches as few have done. Wiggins illuminates the spiritual sustenance the church provides black women, uncovers their critical assessment of the church's ministry, and interprets the consequences of their limited collective activism.
Wiggins paints a vivid portrait of what lived religion is like in black women's lives today.

230 pages, Hardcover

First published December 5, 2004

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wiggins ethnographic study raises a vital question about the role of black women in the church. Her work is thorough and communicated in diligent ways. Her last chapter on the conclusion of the matter introduces her findings into conversation with womanism and other scholarly questions. I would be interested in an updated response.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated reading this book but wonder how relevant 2005 data (from one state) is in 2021 (especially outside of that state or locale)? Is there more current research available in another article or book, by the same author or another author?

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting study.

Well needed look at black women in the church. This study should be repeated every 10 years. It is needed again now.