The fire-and-brimstone church no longer has a universal grip on sinners in search of spiritual uplift. Black folks are looking for inner social change through a myriad of spiritual avenues, from the meditative state of Buddhism to the humanistic unity of the Baha’i Faith. A quick-hit fact sheet on some alternatives.

Catholicism 
When Founded: 
It’s hard to differentiate the beginning of the Roman Catholic Church from that of early Christian religion in the 1st century AD. The church became the Roman Empire’s official religion in 380.
Who They Worship
Salvation is granted by grace of God alone, through faith in believing and trusting in Jesus, who is God in flesh, for the forgiveness of sins.
Number of Followers: 
Over 1 billion worldwide. Represents the largest branch of Christianity.
Beliefs 
Man is believed to be inherently sinful. God immediately judges who goes to heaven or hell, although hell is described as the condition of pain that results from alienation from God, not an actual place.
The Fine Print
Non-disclosure.
Recognizable Member: 
TV personality Al Roker

(Ken Parrish Perkins is a television writer who occasionally ditches his prime time preoccupation for higher order thinking.)