Research Paper – Role of the black churches in the political, economic and social activities in us
The contribution of black churches in the community both socially, politically and economically since there first establishment in the United States
The church has over a long period considered being one of the most essential and fundamental building block for most activities carried out by the black population in the United States of America. The importance of this important institution of worship is traced back during the time of slavery due to the great role it had in efforts of abolishing trade slave among the black population, moreover the church has been seen to perform various functions both socially, economically and politically.
The church having been a respected symbol in the society of the black in the United States has over the years provided the individuals with comfort during the period where the blacks were mistreated and made to be slaves serving the whites. The black church was the only place in the entire America where the black slaves were free from any kind of oppression which they might have faced. The church provided them with the hope of a better tomorrow which they eagerly looked forward to; in addition the church provided an arena for the mingling of the different black Americas who lived in America ,this is because during the normally working days they would be subjected to slavery which used to deny them time to mingle.
This important role of the church has over the years continued in the modern United States of America where the church is continually helping the black community in various ways both economically, socially and politically. The church has engaged itself in various economic activities aimed at positively making the lives of the black population to be easy. These activities include helping the blacks to secure loans .This was because many blacks in the United States of America denied blacks loans due to the practice of discrimination. This process hindered economic development because many of the blacks could not successfully apply to loans which were meant to build them financially and economically in undertaking various practices like the purchasing of property. This trend continued till the late 1900 when the black American churches partnered with severally banks so that its members could be in a position to effectively get loans.
The church also is used by the blacks in United States of America to promote peace among the blacks .This is due to the social discrimination cases that were over the time witnessed. The pastors of the various churches contained their flocks by warning them against engaging in violence which might be prompted by others. The church therefore acts as a moral guide to keep the blacks American’s from acts of violence; moreover the churches are also responsible in fostering education in among the blacks. This is true and it has been enabled by a variety of ways. Some churches fostered education among its individual’s by the act of sponsoring their members. This activity has helped individuals who are unable to raise the necessary funds to afford to pay up for their education. The church also impacted education among its members by providing the basic education about various issues that people encounter in their day to day lives by the various educational programs available in the churches.
The churches are also important in fostering of employment among its individuals.This is usually done by the various recommendations by the church to the various areas of occupation which are supported by the black community or the church itself.
The church has also been a key asset in the blacks living in the America because they use it as a tool of identity which has bonded the black individuals in the American society just like it was unit on which bonded their ancestors in the colonial period. The church has therefore been an important facility as it also helps in ensuring that the black Christians grow up responsible, in addition the black churches and the religion in the United States has been a platform where various leaders have been moulded who have taken up various important positions both politically and at other various occupancies. The church has helped in guiding its individuals in choosing their leaders and supporting them in their various functions.
Work cited
Conrad, C. A., Whitehead, J., Mason, P. L., & Stewart, J. (2005). African Americans in the U.S. Economy. Lanhan: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
Parish, P. J. (2013). Reader's Guide to American History. uk: Routledge.
warren, D. (2006). Civic and Moral Learning in America. Newyork: Palgrave Macmillan.
