In the Days of Light and Darkness

In the Days of Light and Darkness 

in america, we find our sorrows in inconsistencies and discrepancies in all areas of our society. our structure and foundation has been marred,most often, by true abuses from the improper instruction of biblical principles. it is true that the holy orders of the bible and it's mis-handlings of information and power as well as, appropriating text and ideas from ancient religions to build their god. through the centuries, this world has witnessed and experienced violence, forced change, and loss of their culture in the name of christianity. in america , black and brown people were held as the servants and slaves of whites, while whites set about the task of uplifting themselves as those who are closer to god or one with god. the evidence of these errors and the implications of oppressive tactics are sure and have been planted withinthe minds of global communities through intolerance of difference. war, famine, and genocide. These are deeply rooted within the foundation of missionary practices in which they have considered those in whom they extend "love", inhuman. missionary teachings regardless, of the individuals' hearts strengthens barriers of difference by committing them to a "lowly sinner" thus, controlling the mind, will and emotions of all people(including whites) in our universe. While coupling the shifting foundation of text with white supremacy and mis-education, it's affects on people of color through force and unrelenting violence would lead some to believe that the affects of slavery are the reason the black church is still functioning today. there is an intellectual assent of blacks that believe by accepting and applying the found errors of the christian faith that it will only render subservient behaviors based upon the tools of corruption and oppression. in my opinion, this gospel, though incomplete and confining, saved the physical lives of all our ancestors in north america. this gospel gave an inner strength, by jesus being "a friend to the friendless" and providing "joy in the midst of sorrow" and "the peace that passes all understanding". it gave way to a community that had leaders and churches that were black. These churches made sure this new found black community received what was needed. was it perfect? no, but, the building of a community came from within this bible and somehow with all of it's error became a conduit for a people to grow. black people began to have a voice that was unified and strong. the hymns and spirituals did not always have meanings relatimg to christ. the music was often coded with directions for freedom and how to make the journey to the north. with this, i believe that the text was interpreted toward freedom and change and that doctrines and theology were secondary. And later, the black church became a place of politics, well being and safety, with opportunities for family insurance, banking and lending. when there was a problem in the community the black church was there to calm the storm. as the black community grew through the church, so did the resistance of it's power through church bombs and burnings. the black church was the center and the main stay of the community.now, the dismantling effects of integration have ignited a thread of incongruent textures within the black church. the climate began to change with devastation and an emotional crisis at hand. we had been at war for many years in different areas of our lives. losing martin, malcolm and the black arts movement redefined black. many black organizations were being infiltrated and compromised and we realized that equality meant the break down and destruction of the black community. the games of religion became old and new in the mid 60's to the early seventies. at this time, black freedom fighters were jailed and killed. not much stood but the church. this is the cruel beginning of disassociation and disregard for black the community by the black community. the money that would fuel the community and black churches,was now in white hands and funding white communities. the doctrine of christ became a tool in some black hands with selfish hopes of independent gains and relations. the good shepherds became corrupt, mis-leading and self gratifying and shaking hands in the white house. the black church is a placebo for the lonely and those caught in nostalgia. It has become a feel good for dutiful service and allegiance. the church is now an economic pool of wealth with the doors closed to it's investors. it is a market place for greed and american consumerism. unfortunately, i do not believe that this turning hand within the black church is due to text or hermeneutics. most people who attend church have no idea what the bible says and would not care if you expressed or could point out it's flaws. the allegiance to the church is based on loneliness within and the death of the black community of the past. the "comings and goings" of regal women in church hats and men in suits is a reminder of common dignity lost en masse and is re-visited each sunday. it is this nostalgia that holds us back from courageously looking at the wrong within our churches and ourselves. it is no different from freedom fighters and poetry of old, in which we try to recapture anaesthetic dreams. the truth is a painful journey. the truth within the church is desolate yet, real. within all black movements or non-black movements for change and growth; there are misleadings, gross misrepresentations and a millstone of mistakes. the words within the bible do not harm when accompanied by personal discovery, love and truth. They can inspire to achieve the goals set in front of us. all-this has been proven throughout history. however, it takes a lot of love, patience, change and time for healing. truth accompanied by the courage to change and to heal is what the church needs.