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Eric Betts, Ph.D.

This is a bible college and seminary level course in Ecclesiology and Black religion. Students will come to understand the Black church as it relates to the history of African Americans and to contemporary Black culture. The course will relate to the internal structure of the church and the reactions of the church to external and societal challenges. Students will be guided through the History of the Black church, its roots, culture, prophetic tradition and its contributions to black group identity, theology, politics, and the larger American society. Additionally, the course examines the political philosophy, social issues, preaching, and worship in the Black church.

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This is a bible college and seminary level course in Ecclesiology and Black religion. Students will come to understand the Black church as it relates to the history of African Americans and to contemporary Black culture. The course will relate to the internal structure of the church and the reactions of the church to external and societal challenges. Students will be guided through the History of the Black church, its roots, culture, prophetic tradition and its contributions to black group identity, theology, politics, and the larger American society. Additionally, the course examines the political philosophy, social issues, preaching, and worship in the Black church.

Students who subscribe will be able to identify trends that will define the Black church well into the next century. The definition of the black church as an institution involves the seven historic American Black denominations: the African Methodist Episcopal Church; the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church; the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church; the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A.; the National Baptist Convention of America; the Progressive National Baptist Convention; the Church of God in Christ.

Slave Religion. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1978.

Lincoln, C. Eric. The Black Church in the African American Experience. Durham, NC: Duke University Press Books, 1990.

, Henry Louis. The Black ChurchThis is My Story; This is My Song. New York: Penguin Press, 2021.

Reddie, Anthony C. Introducing James Cone. London: SCM Press, 2022.

The Black Christ. Maryknoll NY: Orbis Books, 2021.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Confidently articulate and communicate concerning the historical antecedents of the development of the african-american church in the united states.
  • Effectively and convincingly showcase your knowledge surrounding the history of the black church, its roots, culture, and prophetic tradition
  • Be equipped to write, lecture and teach about black church contributions to black group identity, theology, politics, and the larger american society.
  • Persuasively identify trends that will define the black church well into the next century.
  • Relate to the internal structure of the church and the reactions of the church to external and societal challenges.
  • Convey knowledge at a professional level concerning the political philosophy, social issues, preaching, and worship in the black church.
  • Easily and comfortably identify the the commonalities and distinctive features of the seven major african american based denominations

Syllabus

Introduction

In this lecture we will introduce two significant scholars in African and African American Religions and begin to dispel misnomers concerning African religious practices

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In this lecture, we will follow up with your reading of the first chapter of "Slave Religion--The 'Invisible Institution,'" by Professor Albert J. Raboteau and explore African approaches to the Divine and religious identity in the "New World."

This lecture conducts a comparative study among Hatians, Afro Latin Americans, Afro West Indians and U.S. Blacks while examining which rituals or concepts were retained in the New World and those which disappeared.

This quiz is based on the introductory lectures in Section 1 and your reading of Chapter 1 and 2 of "Slave Religion"

Understand and articulate the reasons behind acculturation and the African identity in black religion

Understanding the historical antecedents of the American Black Church

In this lecture we analyze the published observations of Methodist preachers during the Great Awakening which identifies various Africanisms among Afro-Americans.

This lecture conducts a comparative demographic study among enslaved in the Americas and seeks to resolve the Frazier vs. Herskovits debate. It also analyzes African influence in U.S. Afro American religion

This lecture answers the following questions: What were the obstacles preventing the conversion of Afro Americans prior to the great awakening? What were the major reasons for Anglo American resistance or indifference concerning Afro American baptism? What was the appeal of the Great Awakening among the enslaved and freed persons?

This quiz is based on African influence in the lives of the enslaved and demographic studies in the book "Slave Religion" by Professor Albert J. Raboteau

To understand and discuss the, development, challenges and contributions of Afro American preachers who were called and gifted during the Great Awakening

This lecture will help you articulate the biblical emphasis of revivalist preachers during the Great Awakening, key Afro American leaders during that era and their interpretation of conversion and baptism.

The objective of this lecture is to equip learners with the ability to write, teach and articulate the reasons for the split between the Northern and Southern churches and the rise of the Southern Baptist Convention and Methodist Episcopal Church South.

This lecture will enable learners with the ability to provide instruction to their own community of learners on how Christian fellowship unintentionally undermined and disturbed the social order which was based on Afro inferiority and Anglo superiority, and eventually led to the independence and institutional control by Afro Americans preachers and members.

You will be expected to articulate how religious life was conducted outside of the walls of the church on the plantation under the threat of severe punishment.

Based on Section 3 The Rise of the Afro American Preacher via the Great Awakening

Student will be able to articulate the issues faced by black Christians from emancipation to contemporary times and explain the contributions of the seven black denominations to American religion

Students will become fluent in describing the relationship of Baptist polity and Black Independence within the Baptist faith tradition along with Black baptist organizational history.

Student will be fluent in AME, AME Zion, and CME beginnings, its historical figures and its contributions to black advancement.

Student will become fluent in the roots of the CME church and the origins of Black Pentecostalism

You will have needed to read pg 20-97 in "The Black Church in African American Experience" and followed lectures 12-14 to take this quiz

Student will be able to articulate the impact and influence of the modern civil rights movement on theology and social activism within the church

The student will understand both the influence and sociological limits of the black consciousness movement arising after the civil rights movement within the church

The student will be able to show the connection between black church leadership and black political leadership in history and contemporary times.

The student will be able to convey as Professor James Cone stated, how black worship music "shapes and defines black being within a communal context."

Answer questions about the influence of Black consciousness and Civil Rights in the Black Church

This quiz on Future Challenges is based on your reading of Ch. 13; in your Black Church in the African American Experience book and not connected to a video lecture. You may also review the power-point in section 5 under lecture 17of downloadable materials. "The Black Church and Future Challenges"

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores the historical development and cultural significance of the Black church, which is essential for students in religious studies and theology
Examines the internal structure of the church and its reactions to societal challenges, which provides valuable insights into the dynamics of religious institutions
Discusses the influence of the modern civil rights movement on theology and social activism within the church, which is relevant for understanding the intersection of religion and social justice
Requires readings from several books, which may require students to purchase them or borrow them from a library in order to complete the course
Focuses on the history and contributions of seven specific Black denominations, which may not cover the full spectrum of Black religious experiences in America

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in History and Sociology of American Black Church with these activities:
Review African Religious Practices
Refresh your understanding of African religious practices to better grasp the context of their transformation in the Americas.
Show steps
  • Research the major traditional African religions.
  • Identify common themes and beliefs.
  • Consider how these beliefs might have been adapted during enslavement.
Read 'Slave Religion' by Albert J. Raboteau
Deepen your understanding of the religious experiences of enslaved African Americans, a crucial foundation for understanding the Black church.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Slave Religion'.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key themes and arguments.
  • Reflect on how the book informs your understanding of the Black church.
Discuss Civil Rights Movement's Impact
Solidify your understanding of the Civil Rights Movement's impact on Black church theology and activism through collaborative discussion.
Show steps
  • Form a study group with classmates.
  • Review course materials on the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Discuss the movement's influence on Black church theology and social activism.
  • Share insights and perspectives.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Write a blog post on Black Denominations
Reinforce your knowledge of the seven major Black denominations by creating a concise and informative blog post.
Show steps
  • Choose one of the seven Black denominations.
  • Research its history, beliefs, and contributions.
  • Write a blog post summarizing your findings.
  • Publish your blog post online.
Explore 'The Black Church in the African American Experience'
Gain a deeper sociological understanding of the Black church's role in the African American experience.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Black Church in the African American Experience'.
  • Read the book, focusing on its sociological analysis.
  • Consider how the book's insights relate to the course material.
Create a Timeline of Black Church History
Visually represent the historical development of the Black church to solidify your understanding of key events and figures.
Show steps
  • Gather key dates and events in Black church history.
  • Choose a timeline format (digital or physical).
  • Create the timeline, including descriptions and images.
  • Share your timeline with others.
Research a Black Church Leader
Deepen your understanding of Black church leadership by conducting in-depth research on a prominent figure.
Show steps
  • Choose a Black church leader to research.
  • Gather information from various sources.
  • Write a research paper or create a presentation.
  • Present your findings to the class.

Career center

Learners who complete History and Sociology of American Black Church will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Religious Studies Professor
A Religious Studies Professor researches and teaches about religious traditions. This course, focused on the history and sociology of the American Black Church, provides a deep understanding of a significant religious movement. The course specifically equips learners to research, lecture, and teach about Black church history, its roots, culture, and prophetic tradition. The ability to identify trends within the Black church, as taught by this course, is also helpful for someone seeking an academic career. This course will prove useful to a Religious Studies Professor, particularly one who specializes in American religious history or studies in Black religion. An advanced degree is typically required for this role.
Theologian
A Theologian studies religious doctrines and beliefs. This course is highly relevant to the work of a Theologian as it provides an in-depth look at the theology of the Black church, including its development and interaction with American society. The course covers the contributions of the Black church to theology, and examines the political philosophy, social issues, preaching, and worship within the Black church. The course enables students to articulate the relationship between Black church leadership and political leadership, a crucial aspect in understanding the unique theology of the Black church. A theologian who wants to focus on Black theology would find this course particularly useful.
Historian
Historians research, analyze, and interpret the past. A historian specializing in American religious history will find this course useful. It will help them to understand the historical antecedents of the American Black Church, and the impact of this institution on the broader American society. The course specifically covers the history of the Black church, its roots, culture, and prophetic tradition. The course also enables students to identify trends that will define the Black church into the next century, a skill that a historian will find valuable. An advanced degree is typically required for this role.
Cultural Anthropologist
Cultural Anthropologists study human societies and cultures, and the Black church is a significant and influential cultural phenomenon. This course, with its focus on the history and sociology of the American Black Church, provides a strong foundation for a cultural anthropologist who wishes to study Black culture in the United States, or the role of religion in society. The course examines the internal structure of the Black church, its reactions to external challenges, and its contributions to group identity, as well as political and social issues. An advanced degree is typically required for this role.
Public Speaker
A Public Speaker delivers speeches on a wide range of topics. This course is helpful to a public speaker who intends to speak about the Black church or on topics related to African American history, culture, or religion. The course enhances the public speaker’s ability to articulate and communicate about the development of the Black church, its history, roots, culture, and prophetic tradition. Additionally it covers its contributions to Black group identity, theology, politics, and American society. Someone seeking a career as a public speaker, on these topics, will find the material in this class useful for speaking engagements.
Community Organizer
A Community Organizer works to mobilize communities around specific social issues. The course's examination of the Black church's role in the civil rights movement and its influence on social activism makes it valuable to a Community Organizer. The course helps one to understand the internal structure of the church and its reactions to societal challenges. It also looks at the church's political philosophy and its involvement in social issues. Someone who wants to be a community organizer will find the material in this course relevant.
Nonprofit Program Manager
A Nonprofit Program Manager oversees the daily operations of programs at nonprofit organizations. Many nonprofits serve religious communities, and a deep understanding of the cultural and historical background of the Black church can help inform program development and management. This course provides knowledge of the internal structure of the church, its reaction to social challenges, and contributions to community identity. The ability to understand trends in the Black Church, and its modern challenges, as taught by this course, is relevant in this role. A Nonprofit Program Manager serving a program that serves the Black community may find this course useful.
Religious Leader
A Religious Leader guides a congregation or religious group. This course will be helpful to a religious leader in one of the seven historic American Black denominations, as the course provides a thorough exploration of their history, development, and traditions. The course examines the internal structure of the church, its reactions to societal challenges, and its contributions to group identity, theology, and politics. The course helps a religious leader understand the commonalities and distinctive features of the seven major African American based denominations, which may be useful in their religious leadership.
Social Worker
Social Workers provide support and resources to individuals and families in need. The course's focus on the Black church's role in addressing social issues and its impact on community identity will be useful to a social worker who serves the Black community. This course will help to understand the church's influence on social activism and its response to the issues of the day. A Social Worker who serves the Black community may find this course useful.
Journalist
A journalist researches, writes, and reports on current events and social issues. A journalist who intends to focus on American culture, or religion in the United States, will find this course may be valuable. The course will help a journalist to better understand the political philosophy, social issues, preaching, and worship in the Black church and its impact on American society. The course's study of the Black church’s history, culture, and prophetic tradition, may also come in handy for a journalist. A journalist who intends to report on the Black community or the Black church may find this course useful.
Librarian
A Librarian manages and organizes library resources, making them accessible to the public. A librarian who is responsible for a collection related to religion, American history, or African American studies may find this course useful. This course gives one knowledge of the development of the Black church, its history, theology, and its impact on society. This deep knowledge may help them to better select and organize material. This course may be useful for a librarian.
Curator
A Curator is responsible for overseeing collections of artifacts and artwork, frequently for museums. A curator who specializes in African American history or religious history may find this course helpful. The course provides a detailed background on the history of the Black church, its culture, traditions, and contributions to American society. This will prove useful to a curator who wishes to curate an exhibit featuring artifacts related to the Black church. A curator who wants to curate such an exhibit may find this course useful.
Archivist
An Archivist assesses, collects, organizes, and preserves historical documents. An archivist who works with materials related to religious organizations, or African American history, may find this course helpful. It will help them understand the historical context for the records they manage. The course covers the history, structure, and contributions of the Black church, providing a useful background for an archivist working with related materials. An archivist working with these types of documents may find this course useful.
Teacher
A Teacher educates students on a variety of subjects. This course may be helpful to a teacher. A teacher who teaches history or social studies, particularly if they focus on American history or African American history, may find the material in this course relevant to their curriculum. The course specifically addresses the history, culture, and contributions of the Black Church to group identity, theology, and politics, all relevant to the social studies curriculum. A teacher may find this course useful.
Political Analyst
A Political Analyst studies and interprets political trends and events. This course's focus on the Black church's political philosophy and its relationship to political leadership may be useful to a political analyst who wants to specialize in the role of the Black church in politics or the political behavior of the Black community. The course's discussion of the church's involvement in civil rights and social activism is relevant to political analysis. A Political Analyst may find this course useful.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in History and Sociology of American Black Church.
Foundational text for understanding the religious lives of enslaved African Americans. It explores the development of the 'invisible institution' of slave religion, highlighting the ways enslaved people adapted and transformed African religious traditions in the face of oppression. Reading this book will provide a crucial historical context for understanding the Black church. It is often used as a textbook in courses on African American religious history.
Provides a comprehensive sociological analysis of the Black church. It examines the church's role in shaping Black identity, culture, and political activism. It valuable resource for understanding the complex relationship between the Black church and the African American community. This book offers additional depth to the course materials.

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