Introduction
Religion refers to cultural customs or beliefs of a community in regard to what they worship. However, types of religion differ from one community to another. Just like any continent, America values religion and it gives its citizens freedom to choice of religion. Ronald Johnston gave a real insight on how religion is viewed and practiced in America. His famous book “religion in society”, analyzes religion as a process which acts as a social body, mutually dependent and offers instant interaction with other social aspects.
This paper will discuss the religion of Black Americans (African-Americans) during the time of slavery. It will also discuss the importance of church as an institution on African-Americans as well as the social significance of the Megachurch. Lastly, it will assist readers to comprehend the important role played by religion in a society. Nevertheless, whether balanced and unbiased, it shows the sociology of religion as a subject that is rich and bountiful (Johnstone 291).
The importance of church as an institution on African-Americans
In the ancient times, African-American churches were categorized by a congregation that was poor but totally committed to the pastor. These issues led to lack of participation in community outreach program and lack of higher learning. One of the most desired elements was the fact that despite their poverty level the members from these churches maintained loyalty to one another. However, with time, this changed since more churches were instilled with new improvements by the black clergy.
Black clergy stood prepared not only to accomplish the spiritual purpose but to offer basic needs like clothing, food, and medical care to the African- Americans. The great important issues brought by church institution to Africa-America society was the concern about meeting their domestic needs (Johnstone 303).
The clergy realized the truth that social circumstances bring out the difference in good health or health problem among their followers. For example African-American ministers and pastors were the first to take action during the Hurricane Katrina’s disaster. Their churches worked hard to bring the separated and displaced families together by providing shelter for them. Additionally, nurses and doctors where also employed to give necessary first aid and treatment needed.
The second important role achieved through institution of these churches was the aspect of the church being a social club as well as a counseling institution. Different age groups have a forum to discuss issues affecting them and in most cases they try to come up with solutions to these problems. For instance women have their meeting at a given time and this applies to youth, men and even children. These meetings usually bring people together and teach them how to cooperate with each other in times of need (Johnstone 308)
The institution of these churches served as a talent corner where members were given chances to explore their talents. These included music composition, acting, and works of arts. In effect, members work together to realize their talents in order to make the community a better place.
These churches also acted as areas of political arena since aspiring political leaders would use the opportunity to address the congregation. They would do so to articulate their manifestos and to seek votes from the church members. Apart from politicians seeking votes the churches were used as major avenues to mass demonstrations and the congregation helped activists in forming movements because they believe it was religiously inspired.
Churches also provided education to their members in colleges. This in effect led to an increase in education levels, better modes of communication and sense of belonging was finally realized by the black church members at large.
Prominent thinkers such as Dubois W.E. B came out and inspired Black Americas to relate with each other for economic, social and political benefits, rather than demanding to fit in the white American society which always differentiated them. He claimed that organized actions from church groups in relation to economic issues would allow the African–Americans to have better living conditions and boost their social life (Johnstone 306).
The social significance of the Mega church
Mega church is a church that is protestant and has 2000 average members who attend on weekly basis. These churches usually have large number of attendants and researchers believe that they are not so much into cultural practices but more familiar with modernization.
Mega churches are one of the key and prominent churches that promote social and economic development. Recreational themes are usually anonymous in mega churches by giving the congregation an opportunity to practice their best talent. They also contribute to unity among believers which in return promotes peace in the country.
This is achieved through fellowships and important small group meetings. The fact that most mega churches have a charismatic leader or pastor sets a good pace for young people since most view their leader as their role model. Furthermore, mega churches are great assets of technological advancement and contribute immensely to the growth and development of a country (Travis & Thurman 60).
Works Cited
Johnstone, Ronald. Religion in Society, A Sociology of Religion, eighth edition, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice-Hall, 2007. Print.
Travis, Dave, and Thurman Scoot. Beyond Megachurch Myths: What We Can Learn from America’s Largest Churches. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2007. Print.