The Black Church

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that throughout American history, the black church has played an important role in the African-American community. The writer provides a summary description of the contemporary issues impacting the sociology of religion. Further,the writer offers brief explanations from a sociological perspective of the arguments presented from both sides of the issue. The writer also looks at the sociological history of the issue and the impact this matter has had upon both society and religion. In addition, the writer presents a personal evaluation of the issue, including possible solutions. A summary of the research and salient findings are provided in the conclusion.

Outline:
Introduction
Review and Analysis.
Background and Overview
Summary Description of the Contemporary Issues Impacting the Sociology of Religion
Sociological Perspectives, History and Impact
Conclusions, Personal Evaluation of the Issues and Possible Solutions

From the Paper:

"Because of the centrality of the position in black communities, the black church has assumed an important part in administering to the worldly needs of their congregations and neighborhoods, a feature that has also contributed to their emerging independence. For instance, a study of black churches was conducted by Billingsley and his colleagues to identify the role of the black church in youth development programs. Of the 176 churches reporting youth programs, the greatest interest was shown for teen support programs which are provided by 39 percent of the churches. These programs consisted of various Christian fellowships, ministry, counseling, group discussions, rap sessions, seminars, and workshops, and the second most prevalent services provided were sports activities; 31 percent of the churches provided athletic camps, teams, and/or martial arts classes. Among the least common programs were youth AIDS support programs (3 percent) and youth health-related services (2 percent). The former was comprised of classes/seminars, counseling, and financial support to persons with AIDS and the latter included health clinics, seminars, and screening for specific health problems; however, the authors emphasize that substance abuse programs (drug/alcohol counseling, seminars for drug abuse prevention, and workshops) were also offered by 15 percent of the churches."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Billingsley, Andrew. Mighty like a River: The Black Church and Social Reform. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999.
• Billingsley, Andrew, Cleopatra Howard Caldwell, and Roger H. Rubin. (1994). "The Role of the Black Church in Working with Black Adolescents." Adolescence 29(114):251.
• Buck, Pearl. The Good Earth. New York: Washington Square Press, 1931 (2004 ed.).
• Frederick, Marla F. Between Sundays: Black Women and Everyday Struggles of Faith. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2003.
• Freudenberg, N., Sandro Galea and David Vlahov. (2005). "Beyond Urban Penalty and Urban Sprawl: Back to Living Conditions as the Focus of Urban Health." Journal of Community Health 30(1):1-3.

More papers on The Black Church:

• Essay # 7919 : "The Black Church in America"
• Essay # 61176 : "The Black Church and Homosexuality"
• Analytical Essay # 59453 : "Preaching in the Black Church"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: