• Latest
  • Trending

Understanding the Future of Black Politics Means Understanding the Future of the Black Church

April 12, 2019
Tony Lowden, Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter's personal pastor, delivered the former first lady eulogy at her funeral on November 29, 2024.

Watch: Tony Lowden, Pastor to Rosalynn Carter and Jimmy Carter, Delivers Former First Lady’s Eulogy

December 1, 2023
aaron dean charged with murder

Zion Carr: Boy Who Witnessed Cop Kill His Aunt Awarded $3.5M Settlement

November 30, 2023
Botham Shem Jean

Sister of Botham Jean — Killed in Home by Off-Duty Cop — Shares Struggles With Forgiveness, Justice in New Book

November 25, 2023
Sandra Maria Van Opstal

‘The Next Worship’ Author Sandra Van Opstal Undergoes Multiple Surgeries to Fight Rare Infection

November 25, 2023
Bishop Carlton Pearson passed away. Carlton Pearson died Sunday, November 19, 2023

Bishop Carlton Pearson, Once Celebrated Pentecostal Preacher, Dies After Brief Battle With Cancer

November 20, 2023
palestinian farmer

‘These Are Biblical Lands Promised to Us,’ Say Jewish Settlers in West Bank Amid Gaza Conflict

November 18, 2023
hans schmidt shot while street preaching near victory chapel church

Victory Chapel Outreach Director Hans Schmidt Shot in Head While Evangelizing Near Church

November 18, 2023
from the river to the sea meaning

Behind the Slogan ‘From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free’

November 18, 2023
Ayaan Hirsi Ali conversion

Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Outspoken Atheist and ‘Muslim Apostate,’ Says She Is ‘Now a Christian’

November 17, 2023
Breonna Taylor was killed by cops as she was in bed.

Brett Hankison Verdict: Mistrial for Ex-Cop Who Blindly Fired 10 Shots Into Breonna Taylor’s Home

November 17, 2023
Dexter Wade story

Mississippi Man Secretly Buried by Police in Unmarked Grave Had ID With Address Yet Cops Failed to Inform Family

November 17, 2023
arrested in handcuffs

Therapist Specializing in Helping Gay Mormon Men Arrested for Allegedly Sexually Abusing Clients

November 10, 2023
Faithfully Magazine
  • Members
    • Log In
    • Member Home
    • See All Members
    • What’s New
    • Start or Join a Group
    • Your Freebies
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Submit Content
    • Join the Team
    • Contact Us
    • Give Via PayPal
  • Exclusives
  • Q&As
  • Specials
  • NJ News
  • Listen & Watch
  • Shop
    • Faith Heroes Bookmarks
    • Clothing
    • eBooks
  • Events
    • Community Events
    • FM Live Q&As
  • Resources
    • Black Christian Content
  • Newsletter
Cart / $0.00

No products in the cart.

  • About
    • Advertise
    • Submit Content
    • Join the Team
    • Contact Us
    • Give Via PayPal
  • Exclusives
  • Q&As
  • Specials
  • NJ News
  • Listen & Watch
  • Shop
    • Faith Heroes Bookmarks
    • Clothing
    • eBooks
  • Events
    • Community Events
    • FM Live Q&As
  • Resources
    • Black Christian Content
  • Newsletter
No Result
View All Result
Faithfully Magazine
Home Features

Understanding the Future of Black Politics Means Understanding the Future of the Black Church

FM Editors by FM Editors
April 12, 2019
in Features, Opinion & Analysis
Reading Time: 7 mins read
0

(Photo: Gift Habeshaw/Unsplash)

42
SHARES
ShareTweetPin It

Religion in America is often political, and Black religious groups are no exception. But Black churches put forward a variety of political messages which can reinforce many different beliefs, write Eric L. McDaniel and Maraam Dwidar. In new research which examines how Black churches work to overcome White Supremacy, they find that adherence to one of three different sets of beliefs is linked to how Blacks interpret race issues. Both Black Liberation Theology and Prosperity Gospel adherents embrace Black Nationalism, while only Black Liberation Theology adherents are more likely to support Black Feminism.

In 2017, the Bishops Council of the African Methodist Episcopal Church – the oldest independent Black denomination in America – released a statement condemning a number of President Trump’s Executive Orders. The statement called for members and allies to join them in thwarting the President’s “clearly demonic acts.” In direct contrast, leading up to the 2016 presidential election, Bishop Wayne T. Jackson of Great Faith Ministries in Detroit presented Trump with a Jewish prayer shawl he reportedly prayed and fasted over. Along with Bishop Jackson, several Black clergy rallied around Trump throughout the campaign, even once stating that his wealth signified he was “blessed by God.” In any other setting these divergent reactions to a president or presidential candidate [would not be a] major issue. However, the Black church symbolizes the Black quest for spiritual salvation along with their journey to achieve social and political freedom. By exposing variation in how they conceptualize Black political and social freedom, these Black religious leaders also exposed differences [in] their conceptualization of salvation.

Historically, discussions of salvation in the Black church [have] been intertwined with how to contend with White Supremacy. Among many slaves the discussion of salvation emphasized obedience and hard work, as slave holders wanted docile slaves and slave preachers hoped to protect Blacks from the harsh repercussions of challenging White supremacy. Similar religious rhetoric continued after slavery as preachers influenced by Booker T. Washington and William Hooper Council, emphasized the need for chastity, thrift, and hard work over political action. Rejecting this “false preaching”, figures such as Richard Allen and Frederick Douglass, argued salvation was achieved by ensuring equality for all. Relying on moral appeals, Allen and Douglass discussed how White Supremacy eroded the souls of both Blacks and Whites. Individuals, such as David Walker, Denmark Vesey, and Nat Turner, where more confrontational arguing God was on the side of Blacks and salvation could only be achieved by directly confronting and overthrowing White supremacy.

The rhetoric of Allen and Douglass are part of what is commonly referred to as the Social Gospel tradition, which emphasizes the link between social equality and salvation. It was the theological basis for the actions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and is most commonly linked to the Black church. This tradition continues in the work of Rev. William Barber and his Moral Mondays protests in North Carolina.

RelatedArticles

from the river to the sea meaning

Behind the Slogan ‘From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free’

November 18, 2023
woman laptop money

Mormon Church Lawsuits Over Tithes Raise Questions About Churches Investing ‘Charitable’ Funds

November 10, 2023
Black voter
(Photo: Tim Mossholder/Unsplash)

Walker and Vesey are examples of the Black Liberation Theology tradition which draws parallels between the story of Christ and the Black experience, envisioning biblical figures as Black, and viewing the fight for Black freedom as a divine mission. This tradition [has] been linked to the more “radical” events in the Black experience, such as Bishop Henry McNeal Turner arguing God was a “Black man” and leading a migration to Africa post-Reconstruction. This tradition has been present in Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association as well as the Black Power Movement. Most recently, it gained national attention with Rev. Jeremiah Wrights criticism of the nation’s actions during the 2008 presidential election.

In contrast to these traditions that linked salvation to the freedom of others, the Prosperity Gospel  tradition, contends salvation is achieved through individual piety.  Specifically, the faithful are rewarded not just in Heaven, but also receive earthly rewards, such as, the accumulation of wealth and health. By appealing to the idea of a present and active God, discussions of God’s “favor” have been infused in the contemporary Black religious discourse. Several of its most prominent adherents have downplayed the need to fight White Supremacy and embraced candidates and policies perceived as antagonist to Black interests. This has led scholars to speculate the Black church has lost its mission with Eddie Glaude going as far as declaring the Black church dead.

Using a unique survey of Black Americans and original measures of the Social Gospel, Black Liberation Theology, and Prosperity Gospel belief traditions, we demonstrate adherence to each belief tradition is related to differences in how Blacks interpret race issues as well as how to overcome them.

Our new research examines the extent to which adherence to these traditions is meaningful to how Blacks think about overcoming White Supremacy. Using a unique survey of Black Americans and original measures of the Social Gospel, Black Liberation Theology, and Prosperity Gospel belief traditions, we demonstrate adherence to each belief tradition is related to differences in how Blacks interpret race issues as well as how to overcome them. For instance, Social Gospel adherents express a stronger connection to other Blacks and perceive a power differential that benefits the rich over the poor. Prosperity Gospel adherents, on the other hand, are less likely to perceive a power differential between Blacks and Whites and the rich and the poor. Adherents of Black Liberation Theology identify with the oppressed by expressing higher levels of solidarity with Blacks and the poor, also they perceive a power differential [that] favors Whites over Blacks.

Moving from issues of solidarity and perceptions of problems, we assessed how these traditions related to overcoming these problems by focusing on three Black political ideologies: Black Nationalism, Black Conservatism, and Black Feminism. Black Nationalism reflects the belief Blacks should emphasize self-reliance, self-determination, and building sovereign local communities to protect the cultural, economic and political interests of Blacks. Black Conservatism, which is commonly viewed as the antithesis of the civil rights movement; emphasizes self-reliance while de-emphasizing the role of race. It argues a strong work ethic and moral behavior will solve the problems of Black America. Finally, Black Feminism offers an expansive view of the “Race Problem” by emphasizing the intersectional nature of Black lives. Black Feminists argue that awareness of the multiple forms of marginalization, such as race, gender, and class, is the only way these problems will be solved.

Our results, in Figure 1 below, show that the religious traditions are associated with these ideologies. Social Gospel adherents reject Black Conservatism, while Prosperity Gospel adherents embrace it. Interestingly, both Black Liberation Theology and Prosperity Gospel adherents embrace Black Nationalism. Support from Black Liberation Theology adherents was expected, but support from Prosperity Gospel adherents was not. Closer analysis finds that the self-reliance aspect of Black Nationalism is what draws Prosperity Gospel supporters to this ideology. Finally, only Black Liberation Theology adherents are more likely to support Black Feminism.

 

Figure 1 – Predicted support for Black political ideologies given adherence to religious traditions

These results indicate the need to pay attention to how Blacks define salvation, because it offers clues to how they will attempt to solve the “Race Problem”. An expansion of the Social Gospel signals continuing the strategy employed by the civil rights movement and traditional Black organizations, while the growth of the Prosperity Gospel indicates embracing piety and a non-racial perspective, while working with groups classically viewed as antagonistic to the Black cause. Finally, the expansion of Black Liberation Theology signals support for “radical” or expansive strategies.  Black Lives Matter activists have rejected partnerships with Black churches because of their limited view of achieving Black equality making it obsolete in this new movement. However, these activists may find partnerships with churches that embrace Black Liberation Theology, which will allow the church to remain relevant in this new era of activism.

  • This article is based on the paper, ‘The Faith of Black Politics: The Relationship Between Black Religious and Political Beliefs’ in the Journal of Black Studies. 

Editor’s note:  This article was first published by USAPP– American Politics and Policy. It gives the views of the author, and not the position of USAPP– American Politics and Policy nor of the London School of Economics.


Eric L. McDaniel – University of Texas at Austin
Eric L. McDaniel is an associate professor in the Department of Government at the University of Texas at Austin. He is a faculty affiliate of the John L. Warfield Center for African and African American Studies and the Institute for Urban Policy Research Analysis. Finally, he is a faculty research associate of the Population Research Center at the University of Texas at Austin.

Maraam Dwidar – University of Texas at Austin
Maraam A. Dwidar is a graduate student in the Department of Government at the University of Texas at Austin.

Leave your vote

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

Browse and manage your votes from your Member Profile Page


Share This Post

Share via

Share This Post

  • Digg
  • Tumblr
  • Flipboard
  • SMS
More
  • Report
Advertisement
Ancestry US
42
SHARES
ShareTweetPin It
FM Editors

FM Editors

Faithfully Magazine is a fresh, bold and exciting news and culture publication that covers issues, conversations and events impacting Christian communities of color.

More Articles

Methodist General Conference
Features

Less Than United: the People of the United Methodist Church

August 9, 2019
baby crib
Crime

Former Texas Nurse Convicted of Baby-Killing Told Authorities ‘I Was Heinous’

June 29, 2017
Tulsa massacre survivor Viola Fletcher shares her story in the memoir Don't Let Them Bury My Story
Features

Tulsa Massacre Survivor, 109, Is Oldest Woman in the World to Release a Memoir

August 19, 2023

Discussion about this post

Upcoming Events

Dec 13
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm EST

Event: ‘Framing the News: Can Humanities Build Audience Engagement?’

View Calendar

Trending

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Sandra Maria Van Opstal

‘The Next Worship’ Author Sandra Van Opstal Undergoes Multiple Surgeries to Fight Rare Infection

November 25, 2023
Tony Evans and Carla Crummie engaged to be married

Dr. Tony Evans Engaged to Former Pastor’s Wife and Widow Four Years After Lois Evans’ Death

September 12, 2023
Bishop Carlton Pearson passed away. Carlton Pearson died Sunday, November 19, 2023

Bishop Carlton Pearson, Once Celebrated Pentecostal Preacher, Dies After Brief Battle With Cancer

November 20, 2023
Pastor Albert Tate has been placed on a leave of absence by his church board for inappropriate text messages and questionable comments

Fellowship Monrovia Church Puts Pastor Albert Tate on Leave Over ‘Inappropriate’ Text Messages

October 2, 2023
pastor tony evans on lois evans death

Pastor Tony Evans Had to ‘Correct’ Kirk Franklin After Recording of Him Cursing Son Went Public

April 7, 2021
Bishop Dwight Reed of Christ Apostolic Temple church in Des Moines, Iowa

63-Year-Old Pastor Dwight Reed’s Marriage to Teen in His Church Sparks Abuse Allegations

April 23, 2022
Tony Lowden, Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter's personal pastor, delivered the former first lady eulogy at her funeral on November 29, 2024.

Watch: Tony Lowden, Pastor to Rosalynn Carter and Jimmy Carter, Delivers Former First Lady’s Eulogy

December 1, 2023
aaron dean charged with murder

Zion Carr: Boy Who Witnessed Cop Kill His Aunt Awarded $3.5M Settlement

November 30, 2023
Botham Shem Jean

Sister of Botham Jean — Killed in Home by Off-Duty Cop — Shares Struggles With Forgiveness, Justice in New Book

November 25, 2023
Sandra Maria Van Opstal

‘The Next Worship’ Author Sandra Van Opstal Undergoes Multiple Surgeries to Fight Rare Infection

November 25, 2023
Bishop Carlton Pearson passed away. Carlton Pearson died Sunday, November 19, 2023

Bishop Carlton Pearson, Once Celebrated Pentecostal Preacher, Dies After Brief Battle With Cancer

November 20, 2023
palestinian farmer

‘These Are Biblical Lands Promised to Us,’ Say Jewish Settlers in West Bank Amid Gaza Conflict

November 18, 2023

Most Shared Articles

  • ‘The Next Worship’ Author Sandra Van Opstal Undergoes Multiple Surgeries to Fight Rare I...
  • Bishop Carlton Pearson, Once Celebrated Pentecostal Preacher, Dies After Brief Battle With Cancer...
  • Victory Chapel Outreach Director Hans Schmidt Shot in Head While Evangelizing Near Church...
  • ‘Gospel of Inclusion’ Preacher Bishop Carlton Pearson Enters Comfort Care Amid Recurrent...
  • Tye Tribbett Makes Reunion Tour Appearance After Being Rushed to Hospital for Minor Surgery...

From The Archive

pile of books
Opinion & Analysis

In New Jersey, School Segregation Didn’t End; It Evolved

by FM Editors
February 18, 2023
Harry Knoesen
Clippings

Pastor Plotted to Kill Thousands of Black People, Overthrow South African Government

by FM Editors
June 6, 2022
classroom
Education

Trump’s Vow to Protect Prayer in Schools Renews Old Debate

by FM Editors
January 16, 2020
Jehovah's Witnesses
Uncategorized

Why Russia Is Afraid of Jehovah’s Witnesses

by FM Editors
July 19, 2017
Israel
Clippings

Israel Threatens to Pull Evangelical GOD TV Station Aimed at Jews

by FM Editors
May 11, 2020

Who’s Online

There are no users currently online

Latest Votes

  • FM Editors on

    Jesus Likely Had Olive Skin and Short Black Hair, But What Did He Wear?

  • valexander on

    Christena Cleveland on ‘God Is a Black Woman’ and What Compelled Her to ‘Step off the Plantation’

  • FM Editors on

    Sexuality Has Nothing to Do With Salvation, Jackie Hill Perry Says in TBN Talk About ‘Gay Girl, Good God’

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram
Faithfully Magazine

Faithfully Magazine is a news and culture publication centered on Christian communities of color.

We participate in various affiliate programs that allow us to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites. FM is independently owned and published and is supported by digital subscriptions, advertising, merchandise sales, and affiliate links. We use these funds to maintain operations and pay our writers. Donations are welcomed.

Recent News

  • Watch: Tony Lowden, Pastor to Rosalynn Carter and Jimmy Carter, Delivers Former First Lady’s Eulogy
  • Zion Carr: Boy Who Witnessed Cop Kill His Aunt Awarded $3.5M Settlement
  • Sister of Botham Jean — Killed in Home by Off-Duty Cop — Shares Struggles With Forgiveness, Justice in New Book
  • ‘The Next Worship’ Author Sandra Van Opstal Undergoes Multiple Surgeries to Fight Rare Infection

Most Shared Posts

  • ‘The Next Worship’ Author Sandra Van Opstal Undergoes Multiple Surgeries to Fight Rare Infection...
  • Bishop Carlton Pearson, Once Celebrated Pentecostal Preacher, Dies After Brief Battle With Cancer...
  • Victory Chapel Outreach Director Hans Schmidt Shot in Head While Evangelizing Near Church...
  • ‘Gospel of Inclusion’ Preacher Bishop Carlton Pearson Enters Comfort Care Amid Recurrent Cancer...
  • Tye Tribbett Makes Reunion Tour Appearance After Being Rushed to Hospital for Minor Surgery...

© 2023 Faithfully Media, LLC (Owner and Operator)

  • From The Magazine
  • Inspiration
  • News
  • Opinion & Analysis
  • Profiled
  • Q&As
  • Remember
  • Specials
  • New Jersey
  • Listen & Watch
  • Web Exclusives
  • Shop
    • Clothing
    • Faith Heroes Bookmarks
    • eBooks
  • Events
    • FM Live Events
    • Community Events
  • Resources
    • Black Christian Content
  • About Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Submit Content
    • Join the Editorial Team
    • Give Via PayPal
  • Members
    • Log In
    • Your Freebies
  • Subscribe to Faithfully Magazine
  • Newsletter
No Result
View All Result

© 2023 Faithfully Media, LLC (Owner and Operator)

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms bellow to register

*By registering on our website, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
Share via

Share This Post

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • Email
  • WhatsApp
  • Copy Link
  • Tumblr
  • Digg
  • Flipboard
  • SMS

Add New Playlist

Log In

Sign In

Login with Facebook
Login with Twitter
Forgot password?

Don't have an account? Register

Forgot password?

Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password.

Back to Login

Your password reset link appears to be invalid or expired.

Log in

Privacy Policy

Accept

Add to Collection

  • Public collection title

  • Private collection title

No Collections

Here you'll find all collections you've created before.

Try a 14-day free trial today with Ancestry® (We may earn a commission) Dismiss

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?
Send this to a friend