Is God Racist?
There is a distinct problem with religion in this country. The churches of America have become racially divided, creating inequalities amongst our populace. Racial divisions run deep, and there is an undeniable relationship between religion and racism. Since the inception of this country, we have been racially divided. These divisions continued throughout the 20th century, and continue to this very day. These divisions often include, but are not limited to social and political values. Racism in America's religious institutions can be traced to the very roots of America. Original religious views on other races had little bearing in everyday life. White Christians 'paid little attention to slaves' souls' (22), and often viewed them as less than human. In the early 1730's, evangelicalism began to gain strength amongst slave holders. It was believed that being Christian made the slaves better workers and obey their masters more fully. The movement to 'Christianize' slaves was fully put forth by evangelist George Whitefield in 1740 (25). He traveled the countryside, 'saving' slaves from all parts of the country, and Christianizing them to become better slaves. George Whitefield's main point in the Christianizing of slaves was simpl
In one report, only one half of all marriages in the United States are interracial marriages. The early 1950's and 1960's were a period of great racial unrest and change. However, when black evangelicals were asked for their reasoning behind this problem, they overwhelmingly cited less individualistic reasons and more structural reasons. The Civil Right Era brought a new realm of racial segregation to the United States. Segregated communities are also another problem with social integration. The mid to late 1800's brought the civil war, and slavery was suddenly pushed to the forefront of all national attention. Over 2,000 people were surveyed for their reasoning on why blacks having worse jobs, lower income, and sub standard housing compared to whites. The most important message, however, came from Jedidiah Morse. But since the blessed gospel now sheds it's genial influence on Africa, by the preaching of missionaries of the cross, it's natives have no need to be carried to foreign lands, in order to enjoy it's light. By the late 1770's, many evangelicals had begun to denounce slavery as a sin, and a practice that 'brings dishonor to the Christian name' (28).
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