Connection Between White And Black Baptist Churches example essay topic

Status of Women The leading Black denominations are usually distinguished by a large female membership within the church, but a predominately male leadership. In the Baptist church, the question of whether women should be in leadership has been for the most part neglected. The church has fails to take a definite stand on the issue, leaving the problem to be resolved by individual churches. Depending upon the church and congregation the notion for women in the pulpit is either encouraged or dismissed. It is noted the Progressive National Baptist Convention has admitted women into the clergy, and states that women, clergy, or lay members are permissible to hold any office of the convention. However, the PNB C cannot monitor all churches of the Baptist denomination, and churches holding onto more traditional practices may limit the role of women to solely deal with "domestic" affairs of the church.

Methodist denominations have made a conscious effort to include women in all areas of the church. Women are ordained and may even serve in the bishop positions. The efforts to include women in the ministry began as early as 1894 (in the A.M.E. Zion church). Later in 1948 A.M.E. followed their lead and began ordaining women and in 1966 women's rights within the C.M.E. church were extended.

The practices of the Pentecostal denomination lie on the other side of the spectrum. The church's biblical colleges may in fact produce a majority of women graduates, but the ordinance of women is not allowed. In terms of women participating in church services, women are permitted to "speak", but "preaching" by women is not tolerated, thus the status of women is restricted. "Women may hold any office in the local church except that of pastor" (Lincoln and Mamiya 90). Women may hold a number of positions in local churches, but may not receive the titles of deacon or pastor.

White Racism vs. the Black Church The term "invisible institution" was given to the first Baptist churches nestled in the back woods of Southern plantations. As the early Baptist churches grew, a large proportion of black members made the church establishment. In 1845 the white Baptist church split over the issue of slavery, yet the number of black Baptists continued to grow due to the practice of independent churches. The African Baptist Missionary Society helped to strengthen the connection between white and black Baptist churches. It later became associated with the Southern Baptist Convention. Charles Wesley headed the Methodist movement during the mid 1700's.

The anti- slavery sentiment of the Methodist churches attracted a large number slaves and allowed slaves to actively participate in the services. However, the first split of the Methodist church was with the withdrawal of Richard Allen and Absalom Jones after being told they could not pray in the worship gallery of the church. This event lead to the creation of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1794. The Pentecostal denomination was fashioned in an unusual manner. Unlike the Baptist and Methodist Churches, the Pentecostal church did not stem from a larger white congregation. This denomination began and was led by a black minister and grew to be an interracial movement.

Black Theology Historically white Christianity has remained detached from the struggles of blacks in America- justifying the role as of oppressors. White Christianity pushes the ideas of obedience, peace, and heaven to pacify the cries of the oppressed implying, "If you gracefully suffer our oppression here on earth, the kingdom of heaven is yours... ". Black Theology, on the other hand, is based on the concept of liberation. It suggests that liberation is in direct correlation to the gospel.

Black Theology actualizes the problems of racism and discrimination. It acknowledges there are flaws within Christianity- especially here in America. It uses biblical references to work for persons experiencing physical, mental, or spiritual oppression and goes beyond the confines of race and nationality. Theology of Liberation At times revolution and violence are necessary for liberation. In order for liberation to exist, a new foundation must be created to better fulfill the needs of all people.

Liberation for all people is in accordance with the will of the Divine. This liberation may be achieved through a number of different means... the most effective being through force- especially if the powerful do not change their oppressive behavior. In James Cones book, Risks of Faith, the author takes the attitude of "If God Be for us, who can be against us" (Romans: 31). If the oppressed are faithful in the works of God, and walk with God, Her will, will be done. Sources of King's Theology In order to fully understand the aims and ideas of King it is necessary to take a look at his preachings, as well as their origins. King had a vision, which embodied all people.

James Cone in his book, Risks of Faith, calls this vision "The Black Integrationist Tradition" rooted in the teachings of Fredrick Douglass and W.E.B. Dubois. King believed that a just society was one in which all people lived in unity. King believed a society divided and separated could never truly experience liberation. The idea of an integrated and equal society is one seen in the framework of the American government. Living in an integrated society would propel people to acknowledge one another's humanity and value- a crucial step in the interest of liberation.

Secondly, Cone notes role of Protestant liberalism in the sermons of King. Protestant Liberalism allowed King to stray from the conservatism found in many black churches. This allowed King to fashion his ideas around the present needs of the people. This flexibility is essential, catering to the changing times. King knew that he could not motivate and serve people with ancient ideas. In order for progress to be made, new tactics must be created and the mind open to new ideas.

Finally one must acknowledge the influences of Mohandas Gandhi and Henry David Thoreau. King saw a parallel between Jesus and Gandhi, and constructed his own ideal of liberation through nonviolence. Along with Thoreau's ideas of civil disobedience, King formed a unique practice with peaceful demonstrations. These "kill them with kindness" demonstrations required a large amount of endurance and patience, and Cone makes the point that "the inevitability of black suffering was much more appealing to liberal whites than to oppressed blacks" (Cone 58).

Black Spirituals Contrary to the Marxist belief that religion is merely a means of quieting the poor and oppressed, black spirituals are more than outlets for frustration. Yes, they are the cries of the oppressed, but more than that, they are declarations of humanity, faith and truth. These songs, created in times of slavery, are celebrations of Divinity... the Divinity of black people. Our ancestors did not believe that they were predestined to be slaves. They did not accept slavery as their truth. Despite what they were told about themselves, and how they were treated, they held onto the richness of their African heritage.

This oral tradition reminded (s) younger generations that their worth as human beings is immeasurable. Spirituals made it possible for black people to embrace their humanity, thus rejecting the dehumanizing shackles of slavery. Nat Turner, Demark Vesey, and Harriet Tubman used spirituals to foreshadow a slave's attempt to run away or openly resist repression, and often express an awesome faith in the mysterious ways of God. Martin vs. Malcolm The relationship between Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., began to parallel one another towards the late 60's, however this fact is usually overlooked in regards to their teachings.

The preconceptions of these men fail to grasp the essence of their teachings. Simply relating Malcolm X to an advocator of violence, and associating Dr. King to complacent non- violence belittles the cause in which these men stood for. Malcolm X emphasized the importance of self- appreciation. He celebrated black culture and gave back to black people the power to define themselves. Younger audiences respect his forthright and "abrasive assertion of blackness", yet often misinterpret his assertive behavior. Malcolm X has become an advocate for violence.

To many, the popular phrase "by any means necessary" validates violence, and ignores more productive / peaceful means (such as education). Malcolm X was vital to the "cultural revolution" of black Americans, discouraging complacency and compromise. King on the other hand was more of a "political revolutionary". Martin Luther King's preaching on the themes of justice, love, and hope were induced by his experience of living as a black man in America. He recognized the hypocrisy of the American government and the ruling power elite. The dream and hopes for America, so eloquently described in the county's beloved doctrines (the Constitution, Declaration of Independence etc... ) failed to hold true to reality, and King confronted these double standards.

As time progressed King realized that using the tactic of pure love alone would not convince the powerful to abandon the comforts of authority. King also realized that love alone could not carry the victims of oppression. The masses became weary at the thought of loving their enemies to death. They needed to see the fruits of their labor... they found solace in immediate action (as seen in the Watts riot 1966).

With this in mind, King had to redirected his focus. Although a few blacks were being allowed to enter into the "mainstream" of American society "token integration", he condition of the general public was still unsatisfactory. It was with this realization the two men began to move towards one another in their perspectives and if still living these men would have undoubtedly crossed paths. Black Power vs. Christianity Black Power actualizes the morals, values and preachings of Christianity. The mission of Christian people is to live in a Christ- like manner- upholding His values and acting according to His will. Yet historically, in America, Christian values have been deformed -catering to the whims of the powerful majority.

In the past, the bible has been used to justify the institutions of slavery, racism, and sexism. Biblical messages have been exploited. Churches have been segregated. Scriptures have been taken out of context and used to dehumanized and belittle humanity solely on the basis of race, sex, sexuality, and age. Some of the most hateful acts (or in actions) have come from the most devout "Christians". Black Power helps to restore the sacredness of humanity so carelessly destroyed by so- called Christians.

Black power works for the liberation of the minority- just as Jesus worked for the outsiders of his society. Many feel that Black Power advocates hate towards white people, a highly anti- Christian emotion, but this notion is misunderstood. The phase Black Power does not endorse hatred of white people but rather "the deliberate and systematic ordering of a society on the basis of racism" (Cone 5). Black power advocates self- love, and self- value. It does not have a tolerance for persons failing to respect humanity period.

(Whether they be white, black, purple, or green) While some black people do hate whites, this cannot be associated with the Black Power. Black Power is about physical, mental, and spiritual liberation of a subjugated people. Black Power propels the preachings of Christianity through action and human agency.