Create a 3 page essay paper that discusses Sociology of Religion 4.But by 1847, the blacks were finally coming into their own in terms of religious freedom.The black church was important for the newly

Create a 3 page essay paper that discusses Sociology of Religion 4.

But by 1847, the blacks were finally coming into their own in terms of religious freedom.

The black church was important for the newly freed slaves because their religion offered them a vehicle of freedom that the white church never could. The black church became a vehicle of education and a venue from which they could express their political opinion. It was community center and a place for the blacks to seek refuge in the White Mans world. (Johnstone 312-314). Now, the church was no longer something that had to be hidden in barns and the religious practice could be done openly and without fear of reprisal. The blacks found a place to call a religious home. They now had the ability to gather their masses in order to hear the word of God in the way that their parents believed but could not openly practice. In other words, the emergence of the black church allowed them to practice a different aspect of their new found freedom from slavery.

The black churches grew like wildfire as the free slaves settled across the territories and practiced in small churches and temples. As did all religions with humble cult like beginnings. However, with the growth of their church also came the need for larger venues and more members being indoctrinated into the church. These days, such churches are known as “mega-churches”. Johnstone explains that a typical mega-church is composed of at least 2,000 worship attendees a week and exhibit a rapid growth of their religion in terms of congregation members attending services. (873). The mega-church has become a lifestyle for people who gather there based upon their social status in life. Churches for the moneyed are housed in massive buildings with worship services that could rival a Justin Bieber concert. They encourage discipleship by having children attend separate services than their parents and conducting what some could perceive to be brainwashing activities on the young minds. The