Example Of Essay On Disciplining And Social Justice In African-American Denomination

Research studies indicate that, disciplining and social justice has been part and parcel of the Christian churches since their inception in the early church. Discipline is a core principle in churches so as to maintain and also safeguard their purity towards their God and the place of worship. Even God himself has allowed punishing and disciplining of disobedient members of the church (Murphy, Melton, and Ward, 1993: 19). A good example is that of the punishment God gave to Hananiah and Saphira after cheating on Him in the early church. Churches lay down laws that its congregation had to follow. The church also ensures that its members are not intimidated by the legislation of the land for it creates a good and sound relationship with the state. During the times of slavery among the black Americans, they formed denominations for worship. These African-American denominations are such as African Methodist, Church of God in Christ and also the Baptist church).
According to Murphy, Melton, and Ward (46), African-American denominations have laid down rules son as to maintain the respect and purity of the clergy and its position. The churches have their councils that are used to punish any clergy who is going against the laid down rules and also the Bible. When clergymen disobey their church members and also start exhibiting an unworthy and questionable behavior, they are presented before the council of the church who take a step forward. The council of the church then forwards the case to the denominations office to hear the fate of the clergy. They can get excommunication in that church and also can be stripped their position so as not influence their unwarranted behavior in that church.
Also, the African-American churches have set down laws and rules against some social practices. These social practices include; dressing codes, homosexuality and also any other form of evil social practices in the society (Percy, Markham, 2006: 23). The churches teach their members to avoid any type of practice that has an association with sexual sin. If any member is found practicing sexual sins can be excommunicated, or one is given some guidance as according to the Bible so as to help them rehabilitate. The churches also teach its congregation on the Ten Commandments so as to maintain church discipline.
According to Collier (44) African-American churches began with the aim of providing and fighting for social justice among its black community. They broke from their former churches because they did not get enough time and a better position to enjoy their worship fully. They, therefore, started their branches and their way of worship in order to give hope to the Black Americans. They have continued fighting for them ever since and have been involved in politics and spearheading the electing of a black president. The denominations are always against racism and provision of equal opportunities for their fellow white majority. In the recent case of a series of murders of African-American teens, a black bishop called for demonstrations against the police. As indicated, these denominations have maintained solidarity among the blacks and its members and have contributed to the success of much black societies.
In conclusion, the African-American denominations maintain discipline among its members and clergy and ensure that they coincide with the Bible. They have also ensured that the black Americans are free from oppression and intimidation by the white majority. Anyone who goes against the Bible and does not accept and ask for forgiveness is even excommunicated so as to maintain the purity of the church.