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.

I slam
When Founded: 
Originated in Arabia in the early 7th century as a monotheistic religion based on the teachings of the religious and political figure Muhammad.
Beliefs
Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness. Believe in life after death and that one God has complete authority over human destiny.
Who They Worship 
Allah, the Arabic term for God, whom they consider transcendent and above all comprehension. 
Number of Followers 
Islam is the second largest religion in the world with 1.3 billion followers.
The Fine Print
Jihad.
Recognizable Member:
Boxing legend Mohammad Ali

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