WHAT IS THE BLACK CHURCH? QUESTIONS GALORE, PT. III

And now, the final set of questions on the Black Church.

What are the primary view and practice of the Black Church regarding its history?
Does it regard origin to be in Africa or in Abraham?. That is, does the Black Church consider its birth in the introduction of Christianity to the Black slaves by White slave-masters or does it count itself to be hewn from the rock and from the quarry that is Abraham? (Isa 51:1, 2)

Does it acknowledge the sovereign, providential purpose of God in actively permitting slavery as His perfect instrument for bringing the gospel to Black slaves? Or, does it fault the White man for his involvement in slavery and its disgusting aftermath of racial segregation, Jim Crow, etc.?

Has the Black Church forgiven Whites (the White Church) for their role in slavery and in their propagation of a myriad of injustices to Blacks? If so, how is this forgiveness objectified in its life? Does it continue to extend forgiveness to them?

Is it committed to a separate existence from the White church? Is the Black Church (like many White churches) determined to pursue mono-cultural membership?

Does it view the civil rights movement as the major impetus in its development?


What Are the Primary View and Practice of the Black Church regarding Its Future ?
Is the Black Church an institution of hope? By this I do not mean hope in general or a feeble expectation that someday things will get better. What I mean is this: does the Black Church unswervingly hold that Christ alone is its only hope both in this life and in the life to come?

Do the sermons and the teachings of Black pastors remind their hearers that they are pilgrims in a foreign land on their way to the new Jerusalem?


Does it view the sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion as mere symbols of faith in Christ? Does it see them as memorials and signs of "our acceptance of Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior?" Or, does it view them as signs and seals of God's promises to His elect, effectually mediated through faith in Christ and His saving work, and guaranteeing the fullness of our redemption at His Second Coming?


This ends the trilogy of questions on the Black Church. These questions were intended to stimulate thought and, perhaps, to invigorate discussion on this crucial subject that will always be before us. Deo volente, the next blogs will attempt to examine the church from a biblical perspective. Perhaps unfortunately, but necessarily, the next blog will also introduce some questions which should lead us into our discussion.