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WHY THE BLACK CHURCH CAN BE DANGEROUS:
New book explores the dangerous psychological aspects of the black church experience

Book cover for"Yet With a Steady Beat: The Black Church through a Psychological and Biblical Lens"

Dr. Lee N. June, PH.D., has released his new book "Yet With a Steady Beat: The Black Church through a Psychological and Biblical Lens" (Moody Publishers/Lift Every Voice).

A psychologist and professor at Michigan State University, June spent more than 25 years researching and recording his observations of the black church experience and found many traditions to be detrimental to the psychological well bring of its members.

A Christian and long-time member of a black congregation, June said he felt "led" to write "Yet With Steady Beat" which provides a comprehensive overview of the psychological impact of the Black Church throughout history.

The author said the book's central purpose is to compel each member to consider some of the long-standing practices, tendencies, expressions, attitudes, and behaviors that may "do more harm then good." This book traces the history of Christianity among African Americans and the development of the "Black Church"-those denominations created by, created for, and stewarded by African Americans. He examines the role the church has played politically and psychologically as well as spiritually in the lives of African Americans. This comprehensive psychological and spiritual look at an historic institution will be a valuable tool for both pastors and seminary professors.

One example June shares is the popular saying among black church members, "I got Jesus and that's enough." June said without realizing it, people who make such comments can "innocently" trigger feelings of guilt and shame in other believers, making them "feel that they are Christian enough" because they require natural assistance to manage their problems. 
  
June admits that the critical slant of his book may be considered "a little controversial," but he says his primary concern is seeing God's people become all that God created them to be.

For more on the author, log on to www.YetWithASteadyBeat.com.