The Traditional Black Church: Where are We Today?

 The Traditional Black Church: Where are We Today?

In African American history, the "black church" has been the focal point for the black community for centuries. The black church has established itself as the greatest source for African American religious enrichment. However, today the term " black church" part takes in racial disparities and the glamorous religious lifestyles within the black community.

What happen to the traditional black church where all who were of color gathered together in harmony to worship, to help those who needed help, and discuss ways of  escaping bondage from The  Enemy: Narcissistic White Man. Today, the "black church" is full of narcissistic prosperity preachers who are scared of "preaching the truth" on today's issues. When was the last time your preacher preached about racial disparities in the black community? Not very often, huh? Right!  In African American history it was known that the "black church" or the "black religion" were the threat of white existence. Today, we are no where near where we were in our ancestors days.

During the decades of slavery in America, slave associations were a constant source of concern to slave owners. For many members of white society, Black religious meetings symbolized the ultimate threat to white existence. Nevertheless, African slaves established and relied heavily on their churches. Religion offered a means of catharsis... Africans retained their faith in God and found refuge in their churches. However, white society was not always willing to accept the involvement of slaves in Christianity. As one slave recounted "the white folks would come in when the colored people would have prayer meeting, and whip every one of them. Most of them thought that when colored people were praying it was against them”. 

Religious exercises of slaves were closely watched to detect plans for escape or insurrection. African-American churches showed an air of militancy in the eyes of white Americans. Insurrections such as Nat Turner's in Virginia, born out of the religious inspiration of slaves, horrified white Americans. Understanding the potential end which could result from the religious experiences of African slaves, many white Americans opposed the participation of Blacks in Christianity. Organized politically and spiritually, black churches were not only given to the teachings of Christianity but they were faithfully relied upon to address the specific issues which affected their members. For many African-American Christians, regardless of their denominational differences, Black Churches have always represented their religion, community, and home.
So, where are we today within the traditional black church? No where. Not only is the black church a refuge for lost souls, but also a sacred place where those who are depress, oppress, and criminalize by our judicial system can come to find comfort. More than ever, it is imperative that the black church goes back to our roots and embodied the strength that our ancestors once had before.

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