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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Black Church summary
Henry Louis Gates Jr.
This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song
29 mins
Brief summary
"The Black Church" by Henry Louis Gates Jr. explores the importance and influence of the Black Church in shaping the history, culture, and politics of African Americans. It is a captivating and enlightening examination of the enduring legacy of this institution.
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The Black Church
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Key idea 1 of 8
Missionaries in the 17th century taught a version of Christianity that justified the enslavement of Black people.
When Anglican missionaries arrived in New World colonies such as South Carolina in the 1670s, they had a clear goal: to introduce Christianity to the multitudes of enslaved Black people on plantations.
But this wasn’t going to be an easy task. The masters of the enslaved resisted the idea because they felt Christianity was reserved for white people. They were also afraid that introducing the religion would encourage notions of equality, and, eventually, rebellion. And they needed the enslaved to believe they were less than human, to keep them submissive.
So, to accomplish their goal of converting Black people, missionaries tailored their message to appease the masters.
The key message here is: Missionaries in the 17th century taught a version of Christianity that justified the enslavement of Black people.
To ensure that enslaved people remained docile, the missionaries taught that freedom was a matter of race, not of religion. This implied that Black people were meant to be enslaved, and white people were supposed to be their masters. The missionaries highlighted messages from the Bible that encouraged submissiveness, such as, “Servants, obey your earthly masters.” And stories of social equality or rebellions were intentionally left out.
A number of laws also restricted how, where, and when enslaved people could worship and practice Christianity. These laws made it illegal for enslaved people to read and write – preventing them from reading the Bible themselves. And they also prohibited gatherings of Black people if there were no white person present. This made sure that no rebellious ideas were shared.
But the laws didn’t completely suppress religious expression amongst enslaved people. They found ways to worship in secret, establishing what became known as the invisible institution. This consisted of church services held at night in cabins or anywhere hidden from the masters. In these services, Black people also shared messages from the Bible that were kept away from them.
Not only did the enslaved practice Christianity away from their masters, they also made it their own. They did this by incorporating elements of tradition and religion brought with them from Africa. Drumming and a circular dance called the ring shout, for example, became part of how Black people worshipped.
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What is The Black Church about?
The Black Church (2021) tells the story of Christianity in the Black community, from the conversion of enslaved people in the 1600s to the founding of Black denominations and today’s COVID-19 pandemic. The book highlights how the Black church evolved over centuries, and the various social and political roles it has played.
The Black Church Review
The Black Church (2021) by Henry Louis Gates Jr. sheds light on the rich history and cultural significance of the Black church in America. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Explores the central role of the Black church in African American communities, showcasing its influence on social justice, politics, and music.
- Provides insightful analysis into the connection between Christianity and the African American experience, revealing the complexities of faith and liberation.
- Through compelling storytelling and historical evidence, the book showcases the resilience, community, and empowerment found within the Black church, engaging readers from start to finish.
Best quote from The Black Church
The newly freed, holding deeply felt religious convictions, were especially eager to learn to read the word of God.
—Henry Louis Gates Jr.
Who should read The Black Church?
- People interested in the culture and history of African American people
- Those curious about religious history
- Anyone interested in sociology
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The Black Church FAQs
What is the main message of The Black Church?
The main message of The Black Church is the central role of the church in African American history and culture.
How long does it take to read The Black Church?
The reading time for The Black Church varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Black Church a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Black Church is an insightful and thought-provoking book that sheds light on an important aspect of African American history. Worth reading for its cultural significance.
Who is the author of The Black Church?
The author of The Black Church is Henry Louis Gates Jr.
What to read after The Black Church?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Black Church, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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