ABSTRACT
Traditionally American society has viewed black Christianity as derivative of the European tradition of the Christ event. However, a careful review of early nineteenth-century black Catholic life provides a different portrait of the black religious experience. Black survival in slavery may be understood as related to the "core beliefs" which persisted from their West African belief systems. In black life experience "the Providence of God" is the most essential attribute of God which black core beliefs affirm. Black American spirituality must always be seen in light of the American ecclesial and political dilemma: the ongoing conflict centered around race, religion, ethnicity and morality. Oblate life was established on the age-old precepts of getting to the issue through charity, patience, meekness, humility and a belief in the common good. The Incarnational spiritual posture of the Oblates leads them to respond to the needs of all in the community in "Imitation of Christ".
