Over the years, the church has been a very important viability in the African-American community as it has been a social institution that accepts everyone. The African-American church is considered an agency for social control in society. Historically, schools, families and churches have been the core institutions that the African-American community draws their strength from. It is at these institutions that they get to express their basic values that are embodied by their cultural heritage.
On the other hand, spirituality has played a vital role in the viability of the African-American people as it helps in bringing them together as a community; and as a result, easing the challenges they face as they go about their day to day activities. It has always been the vision of spiritual leaders to influence their congregation into gaining economic independence by eliminating crimes that hinder development.
Apart from instilling moral values, black churches have always been involved in the fight against crime and drug abuse. With the influence they have in the black community, the church is able to reach out to the lost souls, especially youths involved in criminal activities. Additionally, they also have programs that help the unemployed secure job opportunities in order to discourage poverty.
Over the decades, these churches have been supporting those that are in need through outreach programs. By encouraging high aspirations, and family commitment, the church has enhanced the survival of the community. Also, by supporting educational institutions, more and more African-Americans get to secure top positions in the political scenes, the government, and in foundations that supports humanity.
This way, the blacks are no longer voiceless as they have activists who fight for their rights. Martin Luther King is an example of the religious leaders who played a critical role in advocating for freedom of the African-American community (West et al. 319).
Since the 1970s, mega churches have tremendously gained popularity and have taken half the population of churchgoers. Most of them have a weekly attendance of around 2000 people, and others even more, depending on their vicinity and the space used to conduct the service. Basically, mega churches are the modern places of worship as they are evangelical centres that attract massive congregations on a weekly basis.
With mega churches, people feel less judged as the congregation is so big that recognizing someone becomes difficult. People have grown to prefer mega churches to small congregated churches because there are less commitments, and the environment is suitable for everyone. By preaching messages of acceptance, morality, spirituality, admiration and guidance, the congregation tend to relate to the word; hence, bringing them closer to salvation. It is for this reason that mega churches have social significance in influencing people.
By attracting huge masses, mega churches have the power to influence their followers. For this, they are no longer ignored in politics; on the contrary, their opinions are highly valued. Even though they have tried to seclude themselves from politics, and controversial topics that affect people, politicians have been seen seeking support from them by requesting for endorsements.
People have come to respect and trust decisions made by religious leaders as they represent the voice of God (West & Eddie 939). Additionally, the concept of mega churches strengthens the social bonds between people of diverse races as they accept people of all races. Having been founded as a means to allow the freedom of worship, Protestant Christianity allows unconventional styles of worship as long as they are not cultic practices.
A few centuries ago, some academician assumed that religion in America and all over the world would have either grown weaker or extinct in some parts by now due to civilization. However, it’s been years now and instead of growing weaker, religion is growing more popular. In fact, religion is not only becoming popular, but also more people are becoming religious.
The foundation of Protestant Christianity opened doors for the formation of independent churches that have attracted millions of followers over the years (Johnstone 396). Fifty years down the line, religion in America will be more diversified becoming the world’s most religiously diverse nation. Being a Christian dominated nation, the government and the private sector will be more tolerant to some religious needs such as dressing modes, dietary restrictions, and allowing days-off during religious holidays.
Although some critics still insist that religion will grow weaker in the next few years, statistics prove otherwise. This has been as a result of a few individuals who have tarnished the image of churches by getting involved in sinful acts and still pretend to be holier than thou. This is the highest level of hypocrisy, and if it goes on, it is for sure that religion will slowly go extinct.
It is for this reason that true believers insist that one should develop his/her personal relationship with God ensuring that it is not reliant to anyone. This way, the sins of others will not affect ones faith and believe in the existence of God. Having survived for centuries, it is only commonsensical to say that religion in America and all over the world will still exist in years to come (Johnstone 415).
Works Cited
Johnstone, Ronald L. Religion in Society: A Sociology of Religion. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2007. Print.
West, Cornel, and Eddie S. Glaude. African American Religious Thought: An Anthology. Louisville, Ky: Westminster John Knox Press, 2004. Print.