>he's not saying the church's influence is bullshit (or hey
>maybe he is...thats not what i gathered)...at this point its
>just a pass folks with a handicap (i.e. not black) use to
>get by in but we (meaning black folks) have taken this as
>some sort of necessary component for a good soul singer when
>'we' would have been just as accepting of their music and
>talent if they werent from the church.
>
>if the yonce WASNT from the church, she'd still be good,
>right?

yes. i never said she wouldnt